After a year of doomscrolling, endless whiplash-inducing headlines, and too many deepfakes to count, the midterm elections have arrived. 

And whether you're preparing to lock in — staying glued to your phone and prepping your own digital war room — or resisting the urge to tune it all out, you can catch live election coverage on just about any device, anywhere. 

How to watch live broadcast election coverage

Major broadcast news channels ABC and CBS announced they will begin primetime election coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. 

Americans can also tune into NewsNation for live coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET, in partnership with Decision Desk HQ. 

MSNow and Fox News coverage will begin at 6 p.m. ET. 

NBC News' 13-hour live broadcast will begin at 5 p.m. ET.  

CNN, led by anchors Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, will begin broadcasting at 4 p.m. ET. 

How to stream live election coverage

From Nov. 2-4, DIRECTV customers can watch live results via its Election HQ, which will provide a 4-channel live news stream and data from The Associated Press. Election HQ is available only on DIRECTV Gemini, Gemini Air, and Genie devices — both broadcast and streaming — not via the app.

Fox One streaming subscribers can log onto the app's new interactive midterm elections hub to follow along with the network's coverage on any compatible device.   

NBC News NOW, ABC News Live, and CBS News 24/7 offer free news streams on desktop and mobile, as well as for app users. 

Peacock 

Peacock subscribers can tune into NBC News Now's coverage right in the app. 

Hulu 

Hulu subscribers, at any tier, can watch ABC News Live. Hulu + Live subscribers can also tune into a range of live news channels, including CNN, CBS News, Fox News, and more.  

YouTube TV

YouTube TV subscribers can watch coverage from local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox channels, as well as national coverage from outlets like CNN, NewsNation, MSNow, and C-SPAN. 

How to find election coverage online  

Twitch and Discord

Election data service Decision Desk HQ will be providing live election results to members of its Discord channel, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET. 

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has recently been seen alongside Democratic officials on the campaign trail, will be doing a special Nov. 3 livestream. 

YouTube

C-SPAN will be live-streaming its 20-hour continuous election coverage online and to its YouTube followers, including a joint simulcast of two other popular YouTube shows: The Young Turks and The PBD Podcast. 

Or catch live YouTube streams from CBS News, PBS NewsHour, NBC News Now (with much-loved election watcher Steve Kornacki), and FOX News, among others. 

The All In Podcast will be streaming live midterm election commentary at 7 p.m. ET via the Polymarket app. It will feature guests Taylor Lorenz and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. 

Podcast options

For night owls: The Atlantic podcast Radio Atlantic announced a live, election night episode with hosts Hanna Rosin and Adam Harris, as well as bipartisan commentators. The broadcast will begin at 9 p.m. ET, and stream on The Atlantic's YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts. 

Tune into your local NPR station to catch the station's live special election coverage, starting at 8 p.m. ET. 

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

One of the major annoyances of online dating is how often matches devolve into pen pals rather than translate into IRL dates. Those initial, flirty conversations are great, don't get us wrong, but most of us aren't jumping onto Tinder or Hinge just to endlessly text. And yet, in modern dating, where both people often feel afraid to make the first move and take the match into the real world, endless texting is all too often the only result of a once-promising match. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. Dating app Pure concocted some clever solutions to the never-ending chatting, and in our own experimentation, they work like a charm. 

Here's how Pure introduced a sense of urgency into its dating mechanics, and how that helps users translate matches into real-life encounters. 

Opens in a new window

Credit: Pure

Pure

 

Learn More

How Pure leverages a sense of urgency to benefit its users

One unique feature of Pure is that it doesn't use traditional dating profiles, which means its matches operate differently than on basically every other dating app. 

Instead of having a permanent, public-facing profile, Pure users can post "ads," temporary personal advertisements shouting out who they are or what they want, whether that's for a long-term relationship or a short-term connection. It's only when someone has posted an ad that they're discoverable to other users, and only then are your basic profile elements (age, gender, sexual orientation, and photos) visible. Once your ad expires, so does access to your profile.

The result of this mechanic is a sense of urgency, the very real possibility that you're seeing someone you may never see again, so if you want a connection, you have to act fast. That's a very welcome change from the dating app norm, where profiles are always visible, and you can browse them at your convenience, whether on your morning commute or between sets at the gym.

But Pure takes things a step further with how you actually interact with other people. 

The disappearing chat mechanic

From the moment you initiate a chat on Pure, you're under an artificial time constraint, since every chat automatically self-deletes after 24 hours, unless both parties agree to suspend the chat timer. 

While at first this seems like an unnecessary constraint, in practice it's actually very healthy and helps daters avoid the endless banter that plagues so many online dating interactions. 

Think about what would happen if you approached a cute stranger in the real world. You may see them at a bar or coffee shop, going about their day, but no matter how smooth your introduction, you know in the back of your mind that you can't monopolize this person's time and attention for very long. 

For an in-person approach, you have to be concise in your communication: I think you're cute and want a chance to get to know you better — would that interest you? But on an app, where there's no sense of urgency, you can endlessly waffle, delaying the most important question of all in favor of a never-ending series of mundane questions. 

This is why Pure's disappearing chat mechanic is so clever, even when both parties agree to disable it, since even that act forces a mutual acknowledgment of the connection. And after using the app over an extended period, we can confirm that Pure's culture really encourages in-person interactions at the expense of endless chatting or swiping.

If you're an adult, you're probably not going to spend your night getting candy from strangers, but that doesn't mean Halloween can't be magical for you as well. Whether you're going to a costume party or taking your own kids trick-or-treating, there are plenty of good reasons to dress up tonight, and plenty of great costume ideas floating around social media.

Here are some of our favorite costumes, either because they're creative or funny or just incredibly well executed:

A throwback to one of the greatest children's shows of all time

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Total Drama Island fit we didn't know we needed

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Godfather of Soul himself

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

So cute you could eat them

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

And the streamers went all out

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

An homage to Willem Defoe

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Silver Surfer rides tonight

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

An alarming new survey from media and tech non-profit Common Sense Media has found that children begin interacting with AI chatbots at an alarmingly early age — with nearly half of 9-12-year-olds having bypassed the 13+ age restriction common to most LLMs. 

The survey is titled The 2026 Common Sense Media Census: Tech and Media Use by Tweens and Teens. In the paper, the organization conducted interviews with more than 1,200 American children aged 9 to 17, asking questions about AI use as well as television, gaming, and social media habits. More importantly, the interviews asked these young children how they feel about their own media consumption habits.

Standout findings include the sharp rise in smartphone ownership, with more than half of 11-year-olds already owning a smartphone and near-universal smartphone access by age 17, as well as the incredible amount of time spent on screens: eight hours per day for teenagers and five hours per day for tweens. 

Because social scientists were caught unprepared by the massive impact social media has had on teen mental health, there's a strong push for more studies into the effects of AI interaction on teenagers, especially in the areas of school preparedness and mental health. 

A second study, titled "Exploring Artificial Intelligence [AI]: Understanding Relationships between AI Use and Mental Health Among Middle and High School Students," was commissioned by the JEF Foundation, a mental health advocacy group. They interviewed more than 5,000 American middle and high school students from 21 different schools between Oct. 2025 and April 2026, which resulted in the following four findings, taken verbatim from their report:

• Students use AI for a wide range of cognitive and emotional support, including turning to AI when they’re struggling emotionally.

• Certain uses of AI are associated with worse mental health and well-being outcomes, and greater lifetime history of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

• Students who use AI while emotionally struggling have worse mental health and well-being outcomes, and greater history of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

• Patterns of AI use differ across demographics, with important implications for mental health disparities.

JED Foundation psychologist Kayla Anderson summarized the findings to NPR: "When young people are using AI, when they're in emotional distress, they're more likely to report poor mental health and well-being outcomes," but she was also quick to stress that the study did not establish causality. In other words, they don't know if AI is making teen mental health worse, or if teens with worse mental health are gravitating to AI chatbots for help. 

Thankfully, there are already a slew of new studies set to conclude soon investigating whether causality can be established. If so, expect lawmakers to come down hard on AI companies to impose more stringent age restrictions and accept greater liability for poor mental health outcomes among teenagers.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) and Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon) are available to preorder now on Walmart.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokemon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon)

$495 at Walmart

 

Shop Now at Walmart

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon)

$509.99 at Walmart

 

Shop Now at Walmart

Next week is going to be absolutely huge for Pokémon TCG collectors. We've had a wave of announcements in recent weeks, so it's hardly been quiet lately, but the Day and Night Ultra-Premium Collections and the Delta Reign Expansion are set to release on Nov. 6. Now that's big news.

With the launch day fast approaching, preorder offers are getting competitive. Amazon listings went live weeks ago but have since vanished. That has left Walmart offering the best rate on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) and Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon).

Both high-end boxes are currently available to preorder at Walmart for way under market price. That's a rare deal that will sell quickly.

TCGplayer's market price for the Day Box is currently $531.48, compared to Walmart's $495. The market price for the Night Box is $567.59, compared with Walmart's $509.99.

Both Ultra-Premium Collections come packed with 29 30th Celebration booster packs, one Classic Collection booster pack, custom metal coins, deck boxes, card sleeves, and damage-counter dice. Of course, a lot of the hype comes from the exclusive promo cards.

The Day collection includes the exclusive Espeon ex promo card with a Daytime Pikachu ex promo card and an Espeon playmat. The Night box includes the exclusive Umbreon ex promo card with a Futuristic-rarity Pikachu ex promo card and an Umbreon playmat.

It's not easy finding real value for money in the trading card market, so scoring preorders for way under market value is pretty special. And that goes double for a collection like this.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$59.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

For a brief period, Amazon's wild $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box ceased to exist. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's generous offer has made a triumphant return.

For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.

Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $118 market price. That's rare to see nowadays, so you know shoppers will jump on this.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.

Spooky season means wild decorations, even wilder costumes, and surprisingly, free food promos from a wide range of popular chains.

Halloween falls on October 31, but plenty of promotions are already live. You can find BOGO offers, limited-edition drops, steep discounts, and genuinely free giveaways at this time of year. And we're not talking about impossible-to-claim offers buried in the small print. We're talking about huge brands like Chipotle, Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, and Wendy’s shouting about their special Halloween deals.

Check out some of our favorites below:

Halloween 2026 food deals

7 Brew

On Oct. 31, pick up the Fill-A-Tray bundle to snag four medium drinks for $17. If you're dropping by earlier in the week, the seasonal lineup features the Frankenchai Matcha Latte ($5.20), Original Pumpkin Blondie Breve ($4.95+), Rocky Road Mocha ($4.55+), Nightshade 7 Energy ($5.25+), Boo Raspberry Blue Pom Smoothie ($5.65+), and Drizzled Apple 7 Fizz ($3.30+).

7-Eleven

On Oct. 31, save $10 on a 7NOW delivery order of $20 or more with promo code TREAT at in-app checkout.

Andy’s Frozen Custard

Kids aged 12 and under who visit in costume on Halloween can score a free small sundae with one topping in-store.

Applebee’s

Kids aged 12 and under who wear a costume can get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree at select locations on Halloween.

Baked by Melissa

Through Oct. 31, take 20% off any 100-pack of bite-sized cupcakes with promo code TRICK20 at online checkout. Additionally, purchasing a Hocus Pocus 50-pack automatically adds a free Boo Crew 6-pack directly into your digital cart.

Baskin Robins

Rewards members can mix and match three treats for $15 through Oct. 31.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Kids aged 12 and under wearing a costume get a free kids' meal with the purchase of an adult entree on Halloween.

Biggby Coffee

Kids in costume can claim a free kids' drink through Oct. 31.

Blue Bunny

Score a BOGO free deal on frozen dairy desserts when ordering via DashMart on DoorDash from Oct. 29 through Nov. 4.

Bojangles

Save 20% on the Halloween Bite Box by applying promo code 20BITEBOX in the mobile app. You can customize it with six, nine, or 12 Bo Bites, plus a biscuit, a side, a drink, and a dipping sauce (select stores also include three doughnut Bites with salted caramel dip).

Buffalo’s Cafe

Kids aged 12 and under wearing a costume get one free kids' meal item with the purchase of an adult entree on Oct. 31 (dine-in only).

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is giving vampires something to fear this spooky season with the new Fright Feast Menu — a lineup of bold, garlic-loaded flavors.

Burger King

Royal Perks members can unlock a digital BOGO Whopper Jr. coupon on Oct. 31 via the BK app or website. You can also grab the limited-time $3.59 Vampire’s Bite Strawberry & Sprite, which comes with an edible Sour Punch candy straw (or add it to any Game Day meal for an extra $0.50).

California Pizza Kitchen

Grab $5 CPKids Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas through Oct. 31 for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, available either fully baked and ready-to-eat or as build-your-own kits.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

The Cellar’s Glow Halloween Wine Dinner runs Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. local time, offering a structured four-course meal with wine pairings for $65 per person (online RSVP required).

Carvel

Snag seasonal ice cream cakes like the Crunchie Munchie Monster Cake or Carvelanche and get free delivery on orders placed through Oct. 31.

Chipotle

On Oct. 31, wear a costume and get a $6 entree in-restaurant from 3 p.m. until closing, local time. Scan your in-app rewards card at checkout. Limit one per member.

Chuck E. Cheese

Through Oct. 31, buy one large Build Your Own one-topping pizza and get the second at 50% off with promo code BOGOLarge at checkout.

Church’s Texas Chicken

Real Rewards members can open the app through Oct. 31 and tap the mysterious door to reveal weekly surprise perks through the "Chick or Treat" promotion.

Cold Stone Creamery

Seasonal scoops available through Oct. 31 include the Treat or Treat creation ($7.99+), Witches’ Boo Shake ($6.99), and Boo Batter Ice Cream Taco ($7.99+).

Corner Bakery

Kids visiting in costume on Oct. 31 get a free bakery cookie.

Dairy Queen

The Spellbound Series runs through Nov. 1, spotlighting the Bubble Brew Sparkler, Enchanted Oreo Blizzard, and Ghost Pepper Sauce alongside a 4-piece Chicken Strip Basket. You can also add a $4 mystery Blizzard Buddy plush keychain to any order through Oct. 31, with a shot at pulling a rare Goldie plush for free Blizzards for a year.

Dave & Buster’s

Advance-ticketed Halloween parties run on Oct. 31. The family-focused Boo Bash (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) starts at $21 and includes a breakfast banquet, $10 Power Card, three hours of unlimited gameplay, and a costume contest. The 18+ Moonlight Mixer (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) starts at $24.99 and packs a dinner banquet, unlimited soda, three hours of gaming, and a costume contest.

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Grab limited-edition Dave’s Slashers for $5.99, drizzled with blood-red wildberry puree and poured into a themed cup with a "bloodied" straw.

Del Taco

Del Yeah! Rewards members score an in-app BOGO Free deal at The Del Taco, running Oct. 28-31.

Denny’s

Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree on Oct. 31 when dining in (limit one kids' meal per adult entree, maximum two per ticket).

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Get a free Big Yellow Cup with any purchase when you wear a costume. Plus, get a free kids’ meal with an adult purchase of $15 or more.

Dog Haus

Rewards members bag 31 bonus points with any purchase on Halloween (register by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30 to qualify).

Dunkin’

Rewards members can earn 3x points on half-dozen or dozen donuts and 25- or 50-count Munchkins treats from Oct. 30-31.

Eastern Standard Provisions

Save 25% on select soft pretzel gift boxes with promo code GETBOOD at checkout, featuring boxes priced under $50 and free shipping.

Eddie Merlot’s

Save $20 on online orders of $60 or more from Oct.30 through Nov. 1 with promo code SPOOKY at checkout.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Rewards members can pick up six fresh bagels for $7 by activating the Spooky Deal reward in the app through Nov. 3.

Farmer Boys

Kids visiting in costume can grab a free Spooky Face Hot Cake and a free giant carving zucchini from 7:00 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31 (in-store only, no purchase necessary).

Fazoli’s

Wear a costume to the counter or drive-thru on Oct. 30 for National Breadstick Day to claim six free breadsticks (no purchase necessary).

First Watch

Seasonal breakfast features include the $5.95 Blazing Dragon juice and the $14.95 Godfather Breakfast Bowl.

Fresh Brothers

Preorder a pumpkin-shaped pizza for Oct. 31 and take 15% off with promo code FBSPK15 at checkout, online or in-app.

Friendly’s

Kids get a free kids' meal on Halloween with the purchase of a full-price adult entree.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

The limited-run Halloween menu runs through Nov. 8, serving the Draco Taco II ($4.69), Draco’rrito ($10.25), Drac a ‘Rita ($9.25), Midnight Matador ($11.69), and $5 Modelo draft beers.

Harry Potter Shops (New York and Chicago)

Visit the Butterbeer Bar in costume from Oct. 29-31 to receive a free pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie.

Hot Head Burritos

Kids aged 12 and under in costume receive a free kids' meal and a Leroy paper mask with an entree purchase on Oct. 31 (in-store only).

Huddle House

Score a free kids' meal with an adult entree purchase of $8 or more from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 (dine-in only; beverage not included).

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Kids under 12 in costume get one free kids' meal item on Oct. 31 (dine-in only, no adult purchase required).

Jack in the Box

Grab two oversized Monster Tacos for $3 for a limited time. You can also pick up the $14 Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" Munchie Meal, which bundles a Double Krusty Burger of Terror or Double Chicken Sandwich of Terror with two tacos, curly fries, a drink, Spooky Simpsons Sauce, and one of six glow-in-the-dark cups.

Jamba

Take 31% off orders placed on Oct. 31 using promo code SPOOKY (excludes catering). October's mystery sip is the Berry Boo-st smoothie topped with coconut whip.

KFC

On Oct. 31, get 50 KFC Nuggets for just $20.

Krispy Kreme

Wear a costume from Oct. 3031 to get a free Original Glaze or Classic Ring doughnut. No purchase necessary.

Marie Callender’s

Take home whole bakery pies and cheesecakes with tiered savings throughout October: $5 off one, $10 off two, $20 off three, $25 off four, $30 off five, or $40 off six when ordering online for pickup.

McAlister’s Deli

Rewards members can score a $5 regular sandwich from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. For office or party spreads, take $45 off catering orders of $300 or more with code OCT2026, or order the Halloween Catering Bundle featuring a gallon of Witch’s Brew and 52 assorted mini cookies and treats.

McDonald’s

Collectible Disney Villains Boo Buckets (featuring Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Jafar, and Scar) are available alongside Happy Meals through Oct. 31, while supplies last.

Mellow Mushroom

Order the limited-time Wicked Wizard cocktail at participating bar locations through Oct. 31.

MOD Pizza

Kids aged 12 and under in costume get a free kids' meal with the purchase of any regular-size pizza or salad on Oct. 31 (in-restaurant only).

Moe’s Southwest Grill

From Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, rewards members can get a BOGO entree on Halloween, including burritos, bowls, quesadillas, three tacos, salads, nachos, and stacks.

Noodles & Company

Rewards members who buy any regular entree can take 50% off regular-size Ramen dishes on Oct. 31.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Bundtastic Rewards members earn 100 bonus points on delivery purchases from Oct. 30-31.

Original ChopShop

Stop by on Oct. 31 for an in-store pumpkin hunt to find hidden vouchers good for $15, $25, $50, or $100 toward your order.

Papa Johns

Grab a festive Jack-O’-Lantern pizza for $11.99+ (regularly $16.99) through Oct. 31 online, in the mobile app, or for carryout.

Papa Murphy’s

Large take-and-bake Jack-O Pizzas are $10 through Oct. 31 (family size or dairy-free cheese adds $3). If you want dessert included, pick up the $15 Scream of a Deal bundle paired with chocolate chip cookie dough.

Paris Baguette

PB Rewards members get a free pastry with any beverage purchase on Oct. 31.

Parlor Doughnuts

Grab individual Candy Classics doughnuts for $3.65 each through Oct. 31, or pick up the Classroom Cravings dozen for $31.80 (saving $1 per doughnut).

Peter Piper Pizza

Order a large, one-topping pumpkin-shaped pie online for $16.47+ through Oct. 31.

Pizza Hut

Grab the $6.99 My Haunt Box through October, which packs a Personal Fang Pizza alongside your choice of seasoned fries or four boneless wings.

Pluckers

Dine in on Oct. 31 to get $1 bone-in wings all day long (costumes encouraged).

Pokeworks

Get a free dessert or Spam Musubi with any entree purchase when you enter promo code TREAT at checkout from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1 (valid online, in the app, and in-store).

Qdoba

Rewards members get a Buy One Entree and Drink, Get One Entree Free coupon on October 31 and November 1 (Gold Status members unlock early access on Oct. 30). Valid online, in the app, or in-restaurant.

QuickChek

QC Rewards members unlock $3 smoothies, shakes, and lattes after 3:00 p.m., or can grab any size iced coffee (including Witch’s Brew) for $1.99.

Rainforest Cafe

Kids ages 10 and under wearing a costume get a 99¢ kids' meal with each adult entree purchase through Oct. 30 (mention the offer to your server; excludes Las Vegas and Disney theme park locations).

Raising Cane’s

Score a limited-edition Halloween cup for $1.49 with the purchase of any combo or 32-ounce drink, while supplies last.

Red Lobster

Kids eat free from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Score up to two free kids' meals per table with one full-price adult dinner entree when kids dine in costume. For takeout, use promo code SPOOKY26 at online checkout for one free kids' meal per adult entree.

Red Robin

Kids under 11 wearing costumes can get a free kids sundae with a kids meal purchase from Oct. 30th through Nov. 1. Dine-in only and limit one per child.

Rita’s Italian Ice

Zombie’s Blood Italian Ice (a rich sweet cherry flavor) is back through Halloween. If you're new to the app, signing up and making a first purchase earns a free small ice, custard, or Gelati.

Round Table Pizza

Loyalty members can order a $29.99 Halloween Bundle (large Double Play Pepperoni Pizza, one shareable appetizer, and a 2-liter soda) on Oct. 30-31.

Shake Shack

Use promo code SCARYGOOD online or via the Shack App to receive a free ShackBurger with any order of $10 or more through Oct. 31 (redeemable once per day).

Shipley Do-Nuts

Take $5 off orders of $25 or more through Nov. 1 using promo code JustTreat5 online.

Sonic

Pick up $0.50 Corn Dogs all day on Oct. 31 at participating drive-ins (no app or coupon code needed).

Stan’s Donuts

Stan’s Perks members score a BOGO free donut after 3 p.m. every Wednesday in October.

Starbucks

The limited-run, grande-only Black Cat Frappuccino starts at $6.45+ (featuring chocolate cake flavor and dark cat ears), accompanied by the $5.45 Venti Black Night Cookie loaded with dark chocolate and caramelized white chocolate swirls.

Stoner’s Pizza Joint

Grab a pumpkin-shaped pizza through Oct. 31 at participating locations.

Subway

Sub Club members unlock BOGO Footlongs when ordering online or through the Subway app through Nov. 8.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Take $20 off online orders of $60 or more from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 by entering promo code SPOOKY at checkout.

Tabanero

Save 20% on hot and BBQ sauces with promo code SPOOKY20 at checkout through Nov. 1.

Teriyaki Madness

Enjoy free delivery on all app and online orders on Oct. 31 with no minimum spend required.

TGI Fridays

Sip on a $10 Dracula’s Kiss Dragon Fruit Margarita served in a festive "blood bag," or grab the $10 Creepy-Crawly Brownie Obsession sundae for dine-in through Oct. 31.

The Brass Tap

Show up in costume on Oct. 31 to receive 50% off your first drink (limit one per customer).

Tim Hortons

Pick up a 31-piece Timbits Trick-or-Treat Bucket for $11.99 (bucket refills run $6 while supplies last).

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Try the seasonal Fanta Phantom Smoothie (starting at $9.09), blended with vanilla-flavored popping boba.

Wendy’s

Pick up a $1 Boo! Book through Nov. 1, packed with five coupons for free Jr. Frosty treats and one coupon for a $1.99 Kids’ Meal with purchase (Frosty vouchers remain valid through Dec. 31).

Whataburger

Rewards members unlock an exclusive in-app BOGO 9-piece Whatawings deal on Oct. 31.

White Castle

Craver Nation Rewards members can snag five Original Sliders for $3 or a BOGO free Crispy Chicken Slider in restaurants through Oct. 31. You can also grab 12-piece Chicken Rings for $4.99 through Nov. 1 and check the app for a Halloween Mystery Offer running Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. New app sign-ups receive $5 off their first in-app order of $8 or more for their first 30 days.

The 2026 midterm elections are on Tuesday, and ballots across the country are already streaming in. 

Prospective candidates have been in a race against time, money, and the tech industry itself, as major players pledge millions to campaigns and AI threatens to stoke mass confusion.  

Control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives is at play, as well as important gubernatorial races and statewide propositions.

Here's how to stay in the loop on Tuesday and beyond. 

How to find reliable election results

Can't tune into your local news station? Have you deferred paying for live TV in favor of streaming? Too busy to sit down for an evening's worth of coverage? There's still plenty of ways to stay informed. 

Check in with mainstream news outlets

Historically, every major news outlet has offered both online and broadcast coverage of midterm election results. Check out a list of major publishers and their online 2026 election hubs below.  

• The Associated Press 

• Bloomberg

• NBC

• CNN 

• ABC

• MSNow 

• FOX News 

• The New York Times Election Hub

• The New York Times Congressional seat tracker

Reference nonpartisan data

Other civic integrity and election safety organizations will be tracking key races, results, and voting trends surrounding the midterms:

• Brennan Center for Justice election results hub

• VoteHub congressional results tracker 

• 270toWin House election tracker

• The Voter Poll (conducted by research firm SSRS)

Tune in on social media

Some social media platforms — as well as some AI developers — have committed to monitoring live election results. A select few will also update live results on devoted pages. 

For example, X will provide a live tracker of Congressional seats at the top of the results page for midterm election searches. The tracker is powered by Decision Desk HQ. 

Check out more ways to watch live online and stream. 

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Monitor fake news, lawsuits, and more

Here are other ways you can stay informed on the state of American politics:

Tracking lawsuits against the Trump administration

President Trump's second administration has weathered numerous legal challenges since taking power in 2025. Take a look at the legal databases below:

• Center for Progressive Reform, Trump second term tracker 

• The New York Times, Trump administration lawsuit tracker

• The Associated Press, Trump administration lawsuit tracker 

• JustSecurity, Trump administration litigation database

Tracking presidential approval ratings

Tuesday's election may serve as a temperature check for the Trump administration's favorability among Americans. See results of dozens of presidential polls using CNN's polling database, or check out specific approval ratings trackers below.  

• Gallup

• Pew Research Center

• The New York Times

• The Economist

• Reuters/Ipsos

• Roper iPoll

• Nate Silver, The Silver Bulletin

Monitoring political misinformation

Meanwhile, AI-powered, politically motivated misinformation, deepfakes, and other misleading posts are running rampant online. 

Misinformation watchdog NewsGuard is tracking fake news headlines, deepfakes, and other false claims surrounding the 2026 midterms and foreign political operations.

The Brennan Center for Justice tracks and publishes articles debunking claims about election security and civic processes.  

Find all of PolitiFact's midterm-related fact checks on its elections page.

TL;DR: Ninja’s new EverSear hybrid cookware officially launches Nov. 5, blending tri-ply stainless steel searing with nontoxic ceramic nonstick. It promises higher durability than HexClad at a friendlier price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja EverSear

$429.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Hybrid pans are everywhere on food feeds for good reason: you get a hard sear on a steak without spending your night scrubbing the pan. But dropping hundreds on a HexClad set is a tough pill to swallow, which is why Ninja is launching its own budget-friendly rival.

Launching on Nov. 5, the brand’s new EverSear lineup takes direct aim at the luxury hybrid space. The goal here is simple: deliver the high-heat browning power of tri-ply stainless steel, along with the slide-around ease of nonstick, while keeping the price point far more accessible than HexClad's.

Instead of standard nonstick chemicals, Ninja’s DuraClad tech pairs tri-ply stainless steel with nontoxic ceramic. There's zero PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, or cadmium involved, so you can crank up the burner without stressing over harsh fumes. EverSear also claims a coating that’s 4x more durable, 6x more scratch-resistant, and 7x more scrub-resistant than HexClad.

Beyond high-heat searing, the design handles practical everyday cooking just as well. The pans move seamlessly from gas, electric, ceramic, or induction stovetops straight into an oven, handling heat up to 550°F on their own or 450°F with the glass lids on.

The interior is also rivet-free, leaving a smooth surface so scrambled eggs and thick sauces won't get trapped around the handle mounts. When you're done, the entire set is dishwasher-safe, and built-in nesting guides keep the pans and stackable glass lids from scratching each other inside crowded cabinets.

The 10-piece set lineup

For a complete overhaul, Ninja's 10-piece set features:

• 8-inch fry pan with matching glass lid

• 10.25-inch fry pan

• 3-quart sauté pan with matching glass lid

• 2.5-quart saucepan with matching glass lid

• 6-quart stockpot with matching glass lid

• Matching spatula

The Ninja EverSear collection officially goes on sale Nov. 5 across Ninja's online store and retailers like Amazon. If you've been waiting for a durable hybrid pan set that can sear like stainless steel without the luxury price tag, this might be the easiest kitchen upgrade of the season.

TL;DR: Master the piano at home with this 5-year subscription to flowkey Piano Learning App, on sale now for just $59.97 (reg. $899) until Nov. 1.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Flowkey

flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription)

$59.97
$899 Save $839.03

 

Get Deal

Everyone has at least one hobby they’ve been meaning to pick up — but finding the time and money to fit in lessons is a different story. The flowkey Piano Learning App makes learning an instrument a realistic goal in today’s busy world by letting you learn on your own schedule, right from your smartphone.

Right now, you can secure a 5-year subscription to flowkey Piano Learning App for only $59.97 until Nov. 1.

Our smartphones don’t have to be total time-wasters where you doomscroll and avoid responsibilities. The flowkey Piano Learning App lets you master piano right on your device, no matter what skill level you’re currently at.

With flowkey, you pick the time and place for your piano lessons, working through lessons ranging from beginner to intermediate to advanced and pro. The best part? You only pay once and get access to unlimited lessons for five years.

AI-powered instruction gives you real-time feedback as you go, listening as you play. There are also helpful features like a loop function that repeats tough sections until you master them, and a wait mode that only lets you progress after playing the right notes.

There’s a hand selection option to isolate your left and right hands and play separately. Want to slow things down? Slow motion mode slows down playback so you can take your time learning.

flowkey’s interactive lessons also make sure you’re learning chords and music theory as you go. You’ll also have access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain songs for practice, including works by Bach and Beethoven.

Get a 5-year subscription to flowkey Piano Learning App for only $59.97 (reg. $899) until Nov. 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Online privacy is getting harder and harder to come by, and that's perhaps especially true in the world of online dating. Whether apps are collecting your data to feed you personalized ads or carelessly handling your personal information, resulting in damaging leaks, the end result is the same: less privacy for you. 

If you want to date or hook up anonymously in 2026, there's one app that stands above the competition: Pure. It gives its users greater peace of mind and much more control over what personal information they share, both with the app and with other users.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Pure

Pure

 

Learn More

Here are five key features that make Pure the standout option for anonymous dating in 2026:

Minimal account creation requirements

The first hurdle to anonymity in online dating comes long before you've ever swiped on a profile or talked to a match. Account creation often asks a great deal from would-be users, from phone numbers and email addresses to birthdays and education history, but even when that data isn't public-facing, the mere fact that it exists on a server somewhere means you're vulnerable to a data leak. 

Pure takes a minimalist approach to account creation, allowing you to sign up with minimal information about yourself (age and sexual orientation, plus turn-ons/kinks), or expedite the process by signing in with a Google, Facebook, or Apple account. 

Dating ads rather than profiles

Another major innovation of Pure, setting it apart from its competitors, is its eschewal of traditional dating profiles. Instead of having a permanent, public-facing dating profile with the usual information and photos, users post "ads" that disappear after a set amount of time. If someone clicks your ad, they get temporary viewing access to your profile, which may include photos but doesn't require them. 

In other words, you can curate what people see, and when they can see it, so nobody has 24/7 access to your photos or profile details. While this isn't particularly useful on a normal dating app, it makes a ton of sense on a hookup app, where you may be in the mood for some short-term fun late on a Friday night but not in the middle of the day on a Tuesday. 

From a privacy perspective, the ads are also very customizable. For example, you can choose to share your age in the ad, or choose not to, just as you can choose to share your location (and therefore your distance from potential matches) or choose not to. You can include a photo if you like, but photos are optional, and if you spend any amount of time using the app, you'll discover all kinds of novel ways people use anonymous photos to convey their hookup interests, from suggestive foot pictures to darkened silhouettes of bodies or faces. 

Self-deleting chat logs

Pure's banner feature is its self-deleting chat history. By default, every communication on the app is set to self-delete after 24 hours, which not only erases any evidence of the conversation but also encourages people to actually meet up in person. From a hookup perspective, Pure incentivizes real-world meetups rather than never-ending online back-and-forth. 

There's a catch, though: if both parties agree to pause the timer, the self-deleting function can be turned off, so if you do happen to find a spark with someone and don't want it to be short-lived, Pure allows you to extend the conversation and save its history, provided you both agree to it. 

You can also manually delete the chat history, either by leaving the chat (Pure will automatically erase the logs), blocking the person you were talking to or choosing the "Clear history" option in the chat menu, which not only deletes the chat log from your end but from your partner's end as well. You should also know that, once a chat history has been deleted from your phone, it is also deleted from Pure's servers, so it's gone for good.

Screenshot blocking

Because Pure is a hookup app, it's pretty common for users to exchange personal photos, often suggestive or nude ones, but even here, Pure has upped the safety factor by incorporating screenshot blocking and notifications. Per their FAQ: "Photos, videos and chats cannot be copied, saved or screenshotted. You will receive a notification that the chat partner tried to take a screenshot."

For technical reasons, though, it should be noted that it's still possible for another person to capture a screenshot of anything you send them using third-party software or a separate camera, so you still have to be careful about what you choose to share and who you choose to share it with, but Pure goes farther than most dating apps by not only actively discouraging the practice of screenshotting but making it a bannable offense ("We will block your account forever").

Taking things even further, Pure allows users to send self-destructing photos and videos, so you can tease or titillate with greater peace of mind. 

Incognito mode

If you're really privacy-conscious, you can also opt to browse Pure in Incognito mode, which makes it impossible for other users to know when you're online and even disables read receipts, so you can read chat messages from other users without them knowing you have read them. 

There are two catches, though: Incognito mode is available only to paying users, and you're allowed up to 24 hours of incognito browsing at a time, so you do have to budget this time carefully. 

There's always a nervousness when signing up for a new dating site. If you're not that tech-savvy, it can be a daunting thing to do. Especially on a site such as AdultFriendFinder, which has been around for so long (it's one of the true OGs of online dating). The site comes across as dated and counterintuitive, with a myriad of menus and submenus to navigate. It's easy to assume it's unsafe or just too difficult to use. But trust us when we say it's worth the effort due to its sizable community of singles and non-monogamous users looking for steamy fun.

Making the most of AFF means a certain amount of trial and error, or at least some guidance from someone with an intimate knowledge of the spicy hookup platform.

We've come to the rescue by outlining four essential tips to get you started on AFF and help you connect with like-minded people for kink-based fun.

We also recommend keeping an open mind when delving into AFF. If you charge in with a narrow idea of what it is you want, you'll almost certainly be disappointed. But if you start searching AFF with an open-minded curiosity and let yourself just go along for the ride, you might even discover new things about yourself — and find never-before-explored pleasure points — while you have some fun.

Opens in a new window

Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

Here are four essential steps for getting the most out of your AdultFriendFinder experience:

Fill out your full AFF profile 

Sure, this is a given on any online dating service, but it’s particularly important on AFF because the site doesn’t rely on the carousel-style, swipe-left formula of dating profiles that you get on other apps. With AFF, you specify everything from your age and gender to your sexuality and personal kinks. All of this makes it easier for potential connections to find you in their searches. In other words, the more you fill out, the easier it is for someone else to find you; the less you fill out, the harder it is.

We recommend doing this even if your personal kink list is fairly conventional, and even more so if it leans towards the exotic. Trust us when we say there are people out there looking for the very same experience, so it's worth taking the time to be specific and detailed. It will pay off in the end.

Also, don’t sleep on the importance of videos. Unlike many dating sites that only have profile pictures, AFF allows you to upload short videos to your profile. It's a super helpful way of showing other users that you’re an actual human being — as opposed to a bot, of which you'll find many on AFF — and it helps you show off a little personality in the process. Just be wary of posting nude content upfront in your profile. It's perfectly within the rules of AFF — the site's culture encourages it, in fact — but putting that kind of content online carries privacy risks.

Verify your AFF account as soon as possible

AdultFriendFinder throws up very few barriers when you're creating your account. That makes it very easy for anyone to join, but it also means there is a huge amount of spam and bots clogging up the platform. To combat this, they’ve also created a profile verification system using the Confirm ID service. 

It requires you to share your government ID for cast-iron verification, but the benefits to your profile will give you major peace of mind. It means photo authentication, age confirmation, and location verification, all of which help others trust that your profile is authentic. When the process is complete, you'll see a blue checkmark beneath your profile photo, just to the right of your username, which helps people identify your profile at a glance and boosts your visibility in search results, as search results prioritize verified users.

Be selective with your search criteria

If you use the site’s search function, you’ll find that you can be extremely specific and selective. And if you know exactly who and what you want, by all means, narrow your search, but if you’re on AFF to be surprised, it’s also worth being less selective from time to time.

For example, if you know you want an in-person date for next week, it obviously makes sense to narrow your location search to people who live near you. But what if you don’t know exactly what you want, or if you’re open to a sultry chat with a stranger half a world away? In that case, distance is irrelevant, and you should consider turning that filter off.

On the other hand, there are quite a few filters that are turned off by default that we actually recommend you turn on. For example, the default profile filter shows you all people who have bothered to upload photos, but while that’s a good start, it’s not enough to help you wade through the huge number of users. We strongly recommend narrowing it down to Verified/Confirmed users, since those people all proved their identity the same way you did (see above). That way, you can trust that your search results and potential connections are 100 percent legit. It's another means of filtering out the spam.

Another useful filter is the Last Visit, which by default is set to "All." We recommend specifying accounts that have been active within the last month. That's because lots of people sign up to AFF then never bother checking back in. Other users go inactive for weeks or even months at a time. If you stick with the default "All" setting, you risk messaging accounts that you might never get a reply from.

Explore the live-chat communities

AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating website, so don't use it like one. The search-and-swipe dating app method is tried and true, but it’s also a bit played out, and one of AFF’s biggest strengths is its larger community offerings. There's more to it than swiping — or should we say swinging? — left or right.

There are lots of forums to explore, all based around common interests (though you should know that some of these interests — or kinks — are not so common), or you can venture into a user’s livestream and interact with them and others there. AFF even has a dedicated Stories section, where users can share their memories or try their hand at writing erotica. That's all well and good for anyone with a knack for the written word, but if you're more visual, you can set up a webcam stream and invite others to tune in. 

For all of the above, AFF tracks not only which stories/streams/group chats are new but also which are trending, making it very easy to jump into a popular discussion or keep up with the latest site news.

Upgrade your AFF membership tier

As with other dating sites and apps, you only get the most out of AFF when you sign up for a paid membership. It is entirely possible to use AFF and interact without handing over your credit card information, but the site’s best features and functions are paywalled. And it has to be said that the advantages — visibility, communication options, and site functionality are all just too good to ignore.

Gold and VIP members receive special icons on their profiles, and these profiles are given priority in every search, regardless of the criteria. Because there are thousands of potential profile options for almost every search criterion that isn’t location-based, it’s very difficult to stand out from the crowd on AFF as a free user.

Additionally, if you fork out for the upgraded VIP membership, you’ll unlock an entire section dedicated exclusively to VIPs. It's the dating site equivalent of entering the velvet-roped area of a night club; you'll find the most glamorous people hiding there. VIP members even get additional points to spend on digital gifts or lavish on live streamers who catch your eye. This is another great way of standing out from the crowd. 

The learning curve on AdultFriendFinder is steeper than most other dating sites, and much steeper than most dating apps, but if you follow the above tips and you're willing to experiment, you’ll encounter more than a few fun and sexy surprises along the way. 

Best Lowe's early Black Friday deals:

---

Best outdoor deal

Master Forge 29 in. Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit

$79 (save $30)

Get Deal

---

Best tool deal

DeWalt 20V Max Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

$99 (save $100 )

Get Deal

---

Best kitchen deal

Char-Broil Performance FlavorMax 4-Burner Gas Grill

$299 (save $80)

Get Deal

---

Best home deal

Maytag 4.5 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer

$599 (save $200)

Get Deal

November hasn't even hit the calendar yet, but Lowe’s has officially decided waiting around is overrated.

The retailer just rolled out its early holiday savings, and the official Lowe’s Black Friday ad scans show major discounts hitting the floor weeks before Thanksgiving. Whether your laundry room has been begging for mercy, your patio needs some heat, or you're just looking for an excuse to expand your power tool hoard, the first wave of markdowns covers serious ground. You can already score $200 off workhorse laundry machines, or snag a steel fire pit for under $80.

Don't burn your evening clicking through pages of bulk hardware; we sorted through the clutter to find the steals you should jump on right now

Best outdoor deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Master Forge

Master Forge 29 in. Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit

$79 at Lowe's
$109 Save $30

 

Get Deal at Lowe's

Why we like it

Square fire pits are noticeably easier to arrange patio chairs around than circular bowls, and the Master Forge Steel Square Wood-Burning Fire Pit hits the sweet spot between a permanent backyard centerpiece and a portable setup you can shift around the yard.

Its angular, all-metal frame is treated with a high-temperature, rust-resistant powder coat so it won't crumble after a season in damp weather, while the included mesh spark screen keeps runaway embers from drifting into your crowd. The design details also make keeping a fire alive much less of a chore. Built-in log grates lift your firewood off the base, pulling in fresh airflow underneath so flames roar faster with less babysitting.

More outdoor deals

• Kobalt 24-volt 270-CFM 130-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Kobalt 48V MAX (24V x 2) 14-in Chainsaw Kit — $199 $259 (save $60)

• Greenworks 2500-PSI 2-GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer — $299 $349 (save $50)

• LayinSun 4 -Piece Outdoor Aluminum Patio Conversation Set with Light Gray Cushions — $637.99 $749.99 (save $112)

• Toro Power Clear 21-in Single-stage 212-cc Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower — $729 $799 (save $70)

Best power tool deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

$99 at Lowe's
$199 Save $100

 

Get Deal at Lowe's

Why we like it

Few tools save a DIY project from going off the rails quite like the DeWalt 20V Max Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool, whether you're flush-cutting baseboards, slicing through stuck plumbing pipes, or scraping away stubborn grout. This kit features a brushless motor and a 3-speed selector, letting you back off for delicate trimming or crank it up to 20,000 OPM for aggressive demo work.

Its tool-free clamp lets you swap blades in seconds without hunting down a hex wrench, an onboard LED lights up cramped undersink spaces, and the whole 13-piece setup comes ready to work with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, and essential accessories right out of the box.

More power tool deals

• Craftsman 20-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 1/2-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench — $119 $199 (save $80)

• DeWalt 20V Max 2-Tool Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit with Soft Case — $169 $249 (save $80)

• Craftsman V20 20-volt Max 6-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit with Soft Case — $249 $349 (save $100)

• Kobalt Compact 12-in 15-Amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Corded Miter Saw — $279 $349 (save $70)

• DeWalt 10-in 15 -Amp Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Foldable Rolling Stand — $599 $699 (save $100)

Best kitchen deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Char-Broil

Char-Broil Performance FlavorMax 4-Burner Gas Grill

$299 at Lowe's
$379 Save $80

 

Get Deal at Lowe's

Why we like it

The Char-Broil FlavorMax 4-Burner Gas Grill offers 435 square inches of primary grilling space, plus a 130-square-inch swing-away warming rack for buns and sides. The main feature is the dedicated sear burner, which delivers high-intensity heat to create a steakhouse crust on chops and steaks while the rest of the grill stays steady.

Char-Broil’s FlavorMax setup also uses porcelain-coated grates engineered to hold onto heat, deliver crisp grill marks, and tame sudden flare-ups. Plus, the system can expand into a full 3-in-1 cooker down the line if you want to add drop-in griddle or charcoal inserts.

More kitchen deals

• 10.24-in Stainless Steel Smooth Surface 1 Burner Electric Hot Plate — $51.76 $60.90 (save $9.14)

• InSinkErator Badger 5XL Continuous feed 1/2-HP Septic Safe Corded Garbage Disposal — $139 $159 (save $20)

• Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System — $159.99 $219.99 (save $60)

• Ninja DoubleStack XL 10-Quart Black Digital 2-Basket Air Fryer — $229.99 $279.44 (save $49.45)

• KitchenAid 30-inch Single Electric Wall Oven — $2,099 $3,332 (save $1,233)

Best home deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Maytag

Maytag 4.5 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer

$599 at Lowe's
$799 Save $200

 

Get Deal at Lowe's

Why we like it

If you're fed up with modern impeller machines that barely get your clothes damp, the Maytag 4.5 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer brings back the old-school cleaning power families actually rely on. Its Power agitator uses a 360-degree wash action to churn clothes up, down, and around, muscling through caked-on dirt instead of just letting fabrics float in place.

The Deep Fill toggle lets you add extra water whenever you're dealing with heavily soiled gear, while built-in auto-sensing keeps utility bills in check on regular laundry days. Add two extra rinse options to ensure detergent residue washes away completely, plus a 30-minute quick-wash cycle for last-minute emergencies, and you've got a rugged, dependable workhorse.

More home deals

• Eufy E25 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo — $599.99 $1,299.99 (save $700)

• GE Profile with Pet Hair Removal 4.6-cu ft Ventless All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo — $1,099 $2,699 (save $700)

• Eufy S2 plus Accessory Kit and Hard Floor Cleaner — $1,309.99 $2,299.99 (save $990)

Best holiday decor deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Glitzhome

Glitzhome 9-ft Pre-lit Full Rightside-up Flocked Green Artificial Christmas Tree

$382.40 at Lowe's
$478.30 Save $95.90

 

Get Deal at Lowe's

Why we like it

If you’re going to put up a nine-foot Christmas tree, subtle probably isn’t the goal. This snow-flocked Glitzhome fir comes with 650 warm white lights, so you can get the winter-wonderland look without spending your evening untangling strands and figuring out which bulb ruined Christmas. At $382.40, it’s $95.90 off its regular price.

The tree assembles in four sections with hinged branches, and the lights connect through the trunk rather than leaving you hunting for plugs between layers. A folding metal stand is included, too. Just measure before committing: it’s approximately five feet wide, so this isn’t a tree you’re casually squeezing between the couch and the TV.

More holiday decor deals

• Starfree 3 -Pack 19.69-in Freestanding Ornament Yard decoration — $87.99 $109.99 (save $22)

• Glitzhome 11-ft Pre-lit Full Rightside-up Green Artificial Christmas Tree — $800.14 $1,094.09 (save $293.95)

By the time ballots are counted for this year's midterm elections, Americans will have received an estimated 60 billion political text messages. A single person would have read 170 messages on average. Candidates will have spent more than $11 billion on their campaigns. 

But it's not just campaign spending you need to pay attention to. The flurry of political calls, texts, and ads creates a perfect cover for scammers, said Ron Kerbs, CEO of AI fraud prevention company Kidas.

"A fraudulent call doesn't necessarily stand out when you're receiving legitimate political outreach at the same time," he warned. 

Americans should be on alert and play defense. Let unknown calls go to voicemail, verify calls and texts from people who claim to be candidates or affiliated with political campaigns, and take a moment to think things through before giving anyone money or personal information.  

Scammers can use elections to steal money

Unfortunately, being on a Do Not Call list won't keep you from getting fooled by an election scam. Most political communications are exempt from the official Do Not Call registry, the national opt-out database for telemarketing communications. 

Campaigns do have to be careful not to violate federal restrictions on automated and prerecorded calls, including texts and calls made without prior consent. But the exceptions can create general confusion for voters trying to figure out if a pollster or campaign volunteer is real. 

Scam texts versus scam calls

Scam texts are certainly a concern for voters, Kerbs said. A recent public service announcement from the FBI warns of midterm-related scams involving stolen "names, images, logos, and slogans of candidates to fraudulently solicit campaign contributions, sell merchandise that is never delivered, or steal personally identifiable information."

Voters should remember the age-old advice not to click any suspicious links sent to them, even from numbers that seem legit.

But election phone calls may pose an even greater challenge for many Americans. 

"When someone hears a familiar voice, particularly a candidate or public official they recognize, they may be more inclined to trust what they're hearing," Kerbs said. "With AI, scammers can now recreate those voices convincingly, making it much harder for the average person to recognize when a call is fake."  

Scammers, like everyone, have access to publicly available data on candidates that can be used to train or generate highly realistic AI voices, Kerb says. "Scammers can then combine that cloned voice with caller ID spoofing, making the call appear to come from a legitimate campaign or political organization."

The threat of voice clones and deepfake audio of political candidates isn't a hypothetical. In 2024, AI-generated robocalls impersonating then-President Joe Biden were sent to New Hampshire voters, urging them to skip the primary election. The calls led to a federal crackdown on "junk calls," including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expansion of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act to effectively ban unsolicited AI robocalls. 

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Common election-related phone scams 

Election scammers have different motivations for reaching out to voters. Kidas describes at least three ways scammers use the election season to fool you: 

1. Impersonating election officials: Callers pretending to be election workers may try to solicit personal information from voters or influence votes under the guise that something is wrong with your voter registration or ballot. 

2. Fake pollsters: Scammers impersonating official pollsters may also contact you to collect sensitive information. 

3. Donation scams: Bad actors may pose as official campaigns or as a political action committee (PAC) to solicit donations from unsuspecting voters.

There are also a few red flags that could signal to a voter that the person on the other end is not motivated by a sense of civic participation. 

Urgency is the biggest red flag, scam experts warn. If someone calls saying your registration is expiring or a ballot needs to be verified ASAP, end the call, advises Kerbs. 

Additionally, election officials will never ask for money, Social Security numbers, verification codes, or other personal information over the phone. 

Other red flags include requests for Social Security numbers, banking information, verification codes or payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or other unusual methods.

Voters should also be suspicious of anyone claiming they can update voter registration over the phone in exchange for sensitive information or a payment. Registering to vote is free, and voters should use their official state election resources to check their status or make changes.

"One of the most important things to understand is that a scam call may not have an obvious red flag at first," warns Kerbs. "A call can sound completely legitimate and still be fraudulent, so voters shouldn't rely solely on whether something sounds suspicious."

Bad actors may be trying to influence or tamper with elections, as was the case with the fake Biden robocalls. But they may also just be out to get your data or cash. Either way, it's important to keep yourself safe.

How to protect yourself from election scams 

"It's no longer enough to identify a suspicious phone number," warned Kerbs. "You also need to consider what's happening during the call, including whether the voice is artificially generated and whether the conversation shows signs of fraudulent activity."

1. Do not rely solely on the name, number, or voice you hear on the phone. 

2. Hang up and verify. Before providing information (or money), go to a second source. Check directly with your state or local election office. Make donations on official campaign websites, not over the phone or via links.  

3. Use your phone's screening tools, with discretion. Turn on features to silence unknown callers, screen calls, and filter out spam. But remember these are not foolproof, and scammers often bypass such detectors. 

4. Let calls go to voicemail first. Don't feel obligated to answer. Scammers rely on urgency, so a voicemail can give yourself the space you need to think and confirm. 

Most importantly, never provide sensitive information over the phone, including seemingly innocuous things like your driver's license number. Scammers may claim they need that information to verify your identity or confirm a donation. Don't believe them, says Kerbs.

"Even seemingly harmless details can be useful to scammers when combined with information they've already collected. You don't need to answer every question just because someone claims to represent a campaign or election office."

Instagram's pitch to longform video creators now reportedly comes with a paycheck, and for some, it could reach half a million dollars.

The platform has offered select creators deals worth up to $500,000 to post longer videos through its new Features format, Business Insider reported Oct. 29, citing people familiar with the agreements. Some offers are worth $50,000, while others reach six figures, according to the outlet.

The deals reportedly don't require creators to make their videos exclusive to Instagram. One person familiar with the offers told BI that Instagram is asking creators to upload the longform videos they publish on YouTube to Instagram on the same day.

For the creators already making those videos, this news could mean another place to distribute their work, with a payment attached.

"We've been public about the fact that we are funding Features content directly with some creators right now to support them," a Meta spokesperson told Business Insider. "The details of those deals are confidential, but we're excited to see the content going live."

The report adds a financial incentive to Instagram's latest attempt to get people watching longer videos. As Mashable reported earlier this week, Features will allow uploads of up to 90 minutes, with an emphasis on horizontal video that people can watch on their phones, computers, and TVs. Instagram is conducting small tests in the U.S. and Brazil.

Instagram announced Features Monday, with Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri and VP of Product Tessa Lyons explaining how longer videos could fit alongside Reels.

"So many creators are producing longer videos, and they're using clips of those videos to drive discovery on Reels and help build their audience," Lyons said in the announcement. "Features would let those viewers watch the full video without leaving Instagram."

The format also gives Instagram more content for its television app,

"We've been working on a TV version of Reels, and we know that to do that well, we need more than just short-form video," Lyons said.

As Mashable reported, Instagram's TV app began testing on Amazon Fire TVs in late 2025, expanded to Samsung TVs in mid-2026, and arrived on Apple TV in October. Features would give people more to watch on those bigger screens, including longer, horizontal videos.

These additions reflect how Instagram is positioning itself to be more in direct competition with YouTube, giving viewers a new place to discover short clips and watch full-length videos on the same platform.

YouTube is still the platform to beat

Instagram is chasing a platform with both a bigger audience and an established way to pay creators. A Pew Research Center survey published Oct. 19 found that 84 percent of U.S. adults use YouTube, making it the most widely used platform surveyed, compared with 51 percent for Instagram. Among adults ages 18 to 29, YouTube reaches 95 percent, compared with Instagram's 79 percent.

Credit: Pew Research Center

YouTube's Partner Program gives eligible creators 55 percent of net ad revenue from their longform videos, offering a way to earn money beyond brand partnerships and individual platform deals. But qualifying will soon get harder. Starting Feb. 1, 2027, new applicants will need 8,000 qualified watch hours over 12 months or 20 million qualified Shorts views over 90 days — double the current thresholds. Both routes will still require at least 1,000 subscribers, while creators already enrolled will remain in the program.

Instagram's reported offers could make posting on both platforms more appealing for both reach and monetization, especially since the deals don't require exclusivity. But those payments are going to select creators, at least for now (though Instagram hasn’t announced a broader revenue-sharing program for Features).

"We understand the economics matter a ton, and are exploring multiple options to help long-form creators get paid," Mosseri wrote on X Wednesday.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The next test is whether viewers who come for a quick Reel will stay for a full episode.

The best Black Friday Home Depot deals from the ad:

---

Best Decor deal

6.5 ft. Festive Pine LED Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree

$49.98

Shop Now

---

Best Tools deal

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion XC Starter Kit with Two 5.0Ah Batteries and Charger

$199 (Save $198 + BOGO offer)

Get Deal

---

Best Home Deal

Shark PowerPro Cordless Portable Stick Vacuum

$199 (Save $130)

Get Deal

---

Best Kitchen Deal

Whirlpool 30 in. 5-Element Freestanding Electric Range

$679 (Save $331)

Get Deal

Home Depot is officially kicking off the holiday shopping frenzy weeks ahead of schedule. Running in stores and online from Nov. 5 through Nov. 25, the retailer’s Black Friday Savings Event is doing what it does best: massive cordless power tool promos, rock-bottom holiday decor, and timely kitchen upgrades designed to bail you out before hosting duties begin.

The main draw for DIYers and woodworkers is the return of Home Depot's power tool BOGO event, where buying qualifying battery or starter kits from heavy hitters like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Ryobi unlocks a free bare tool.

Meanwhile, the seasonal aisles are loaded with budget wins, including $5.98 LED string lights, $19.98 inflatables, and sub-$50 pre-lit Christmas trees, along with tiered appliance discounts that can add up to $1,250 in total savings.

Instead of making you comb through dozens of pages, we filtered out the filler to bring you the best deals worth grabbing from the Black Friday ad.

Best Decor deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Home Accents Holiday

6.5 ft. Festive Pine Pre-Lit Christmas Tree

$49.98 at The Home Depot

 

Shop Now at The Home Depot

Why we like it

If you just want a decent tree set up before dinner, this 6.5-foot tree comes ready to go with 200 color-changing lights already wired into the branches. The color-changing micro fairy LEDs stay illuminated even if an individual bulb burns out or gets knocked loose. The 750 branch tips form a classic, dense silhouette with a manageable 41-inch base that tucks neatly into apartments or living rooms without taking up your entire walkways.

You also get plenty of control over the ambiance, thanks to four lighting presets — ranging from steady warm white to multicolor fades — and an included foot pedal switch that saves you from crawling across the floor every night just to unplug the stand.

More Home Depot decor deals

• 3.5 ft. Pre-Lit LED Inflatable Santa — $19.98

• 3.5 ft. LED Yuletide Running Dog — $59.98

• Home Accents Holiday 3.5 ft. LED Pre-Lit Lying Doe with Bow — $89.98

Best Tools deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Milwaukee

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion XC Starter Kit

$199 at The Home Depot
$397 Save $198

 

Get Deal at The Home Depot

Why we like it

Cordless tools are useless once their batteries tap out, and this two-pack makes sure you always have a fresh one on standby. With two 5.0Ah packs in the box, you can keep one locked in a drill or saw while the other charges on the charger. They deliver way more runtime than standard packs, handle drops and rough garage knocks without cracking, and even work in freezing weather down past zero degrees.

The everyday perks are just as helpful. Each battery has a built-in LED gauge so you can check how much juice is left before you start a project, and the included charger supports both big M18 and compact M12 batteries, saving you from plugging in two different chargers. Even better, buying the kit unlocks a free bare tool at checkout — with choices, including impact wrenches, circular saws, and jobsite vacs.

More Home Depot tool deals

• DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit — $169 $249 (save $80)

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit — $199 $299 (save $100)

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Degree Cordless Framing Nailer — $379 $449 (save $70)

Best Home Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Shark

Shark PowerPro Cordless Portable Stick Vacuum

$199 at The Home Depot
$329 Save $130

 

Get Deal at The Home Depot

Why we like it

The Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum uses a self-cleaning brushroll designed to prevent long hair and pet fur from wrapping around the bar, saving you from having to cut clogs. Its FloorDetect feature automatically adjusts the roller speed when you glide from bare floors to rugs, so you don't have to keep pausing to flip power switches.

Beyond floor cleaning, it runs for up to 50 minutes in handheld mode, has headlights to spot crumbs under dark furniture, and includes a sealed HEPA filter to keep fine dust from escaping back into the air. When you want to clean crumbs off the couch or tidy up car seats, the wand unclicks, turning the Shark PowerPro into a handheld with the included crevice and upholstery tools.

More Home Depot home improvement deals

• Ridgid 16 Gal. NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum — $69.88 $119 (save $49.12)

• Samsung 24 in. Built-In Dishwasher w/ 3rd Rack — $499 $799 (save $300)

Best Kitchen Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Whirlpool

Whirlpool 30 in. 5-Element Freestanding Electric Range

$679 at The Home Depot
$1,010 Save $331

 

Get Deal at The Home Depot

Why we like it

The Whirlpool 30-inch Freestanding Electric Range is built for busy dinner nights when you just want to get food on the table without hovering over the stove. Its No Preheat Mode lets you skip waiting around for the cavity to warm up when baking things like frozen pizzas, while a built-in temperature sensor balances heat output so casseroles bake evenly from edge to center.

On the surface, the five-burner cooktop includes a FlexHeat dual radiant burner that expands from 6 to 9 inches, letting you fit smaller saucepans or large stockpots that boil water up to 40% faster. You also get a dedicated low-heat Warm Zone right in the middle to hold sides until the main dish is ready.

More Home Depot kitchen deals

• Vissani 18.7 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator — $649 $799 (save $150)

• Whirlpool 24 in. Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher w/ 3rd Rack — $729 $1,049 (save $320)

• Samsung 30 in. Smart Double Oven Gas Range w/ Air Fry — $1,399 $1,799 (save $400)

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is on sale for $48 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle

$48 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $11.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

If you're looking to catch a great Pokémon deal this weekend — and what Pokémon collector isn't? — Amazon has marked down the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle. This one's sure to be popular, so move quickly to get the discount.

As of Oct. 30, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is available for just $48 at Amazon, which is a 20% discount from the regular list price of $59.99. That's an overall saving of $11.99. Let's face it: Pokémon collecting rarely comes cheap, so a $10-plus saving is always a good thing.

But it's actually a much bigger saving than it seems. Individual booster packs are up to a whopping $15.88 each on Amazon, so six packs will set you back $95.28. That means this deal saves you $47.28 on buying individual packs.

Each of the booster packs included in this set comes with 10 trading cards and one Basic Energy. Don't miss this awesome deal on the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle this weekend.

Chipotle’s most reliable annual food hack is back.

On Oct. 31, Chipotle is reviving its iconic Boorito promotion. Starting at 3 p.m. local time through closing, Chipotle Rewards members who show up at participating restaurants dressed in a Halloween costume can grab any regular entrée — burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos — for just $6. A scarily good deal.

To claim this limited-time promo, you need to follow these straightforward steps:

1. Wear a costume and head to your local Chipotle after 3 p.m. on Halloween

2. Open the free Chipotle app and have your digital Rewards member card scanned at the cash register before paying

3. Score a $6 entrée

"We love that Chipotle has become part of so many fans' Halloween traditions," said Stephanie Perdue, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing. "The passion around Boorito inspires us to find new ways to celebrate and surprise our fans year after year."

What's important to note here is that this is strictly an in-restaurant promo. You cannot order ahead for mobile pickup via the app to bypass the dinner rush, and third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats won't honor the $6 price tag. The offer is also capped at one discounted entrée per costumed guest.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle is on sale for $93.99 at Amazon, down from its $109.86 typical price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle

$93.99 at Amazon
$109.86 Save $15.87

Get Deal at Amazon

It wasn't that long ago that Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Gift Bundle was struggling to drop below $150, but Amazon has now brought the Middle-earth collection under $100, the lowest price since the summer. 

As of Oct. 30, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle is available for just $93.99 at Amazon, cutting $15.87 off its typical $109.86 price. It has dropped considerably since the bundle dropped to $158 in September. This is not only $64 cheaper but also the lowest price seen for The Hobbit Gift Bundle since July (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel).

Listings at TCGplayer are currently going as low as $91.68. That's under the bundle box’s $93.01 estimated market price. 

Magic’s Hobbit Gift Bundle gives you nine 14-card Play Boosters and one 15-card Collector Booster, the latter containing five Rare or higher trading cards and a small chance of pulling a Headliner Mythic.

Alongside those 10 boosters, there's an exclusive alternate-art Traditional Foil promo, four Surge Foil full-art Seasonal Hobbit lands, 10 full-art Middle-earth Journey lands, 20 basic lands, an oversized Spindown life counter, and a foil storage box.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box is on sale for $90.16 at Amazon, down from its $98.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box

$90.16 at Amazon
$98.99 Save $8.83

Get Deal at Amazon

It's been a while since we've spotted a worthwhile Amazon discount on Magic: The Gathering's Avatar The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box, but the retailer has finally shaved almost $10 off the 24-pack display.

As of Oct. 30, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box has dropped to $90.16 at Amazon. Compared to its typical $98.99 price, you're getting a 9% discount of $8.83, bringing each of the 24 boosters down to $3.76.

For clarification, while there are only six boxes available from third-party seller reVend at that price, you can buy more from seller TOYSandmore for just two cents more at $90.18.

According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the first time the Jumpstart Box for the Avatar expansion has dropped into the $90 range since August. While it may not be its lowest-ever price, it's still a better price than you'll find at other go-to trading card sites right now. 

TCGplayer, for instance, against its estimated market price of $93.20, has its cheapest sealed listings starting at $94.22, including shipping. Walmart, meanwhile, is asking for even more at $102.49, putting Amazon's offer over $12 ahead.

Inside the box are 24 Jumpstart Boosters, each packing 20 Avatar-themed Magic cards. Unlike traditional deckbuilding, Jumpstart keeps things simple by letting you shuffle any two boosters together to form an instant playable deck, complete with the necessary Land cards.

With 46 different themes featuring familiar characters, moments, and elemental powers from the animated series, there's a good variety of combinations to try. You can even mix these with boosters from other Jumpstart sets if you're after more ways to play.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection (Lucario) is on sale for $49.95 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $61.95.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection

$49.95 at Amazon
$61.95 Save $12

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon's prices for the Pokémon TCG's 30th Celebration collections have been jumping around throughout October, but the triple pack with a promo card and bonus stickers has slipped to the lowest price we’ve ever seen at the retailer.

As of Oct. 30, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection (Lucario) costs just $49.95 at Amazon, cutting $12 from its typical $61.95 price with a 19% discount. That's also three cents cheaper than the $49.98 offer we spotted at the beginning of October, bringing this particular box to the cheapest we’ve ever covered from Amazon.

Although third-party seller Bigg Time Sales is handling the sale directly, it’s still Amazon handling the shipping, with free delivery landing between Nov. 11-21 at the time of writing. 

That said, there’s an even bigger offer price of $34.95 going on right now at Walmart, if you’re hoping to spend as little as possible, even if that means going beyond Amazon for your trading card fix — which is only about 40 cents above the estimated $34.55 market price by dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer. The cheapest listings there only go as low as $35.99 after shipping. 

The Tech Sticker Collection contains three 30th Celebration booster packs, a foil Lucario promo card, and a themed sticker sheet featuring Lucario alongside Pikachu and Mewtwo.

Every booster holds five foil cards, a foil Basic Energy, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. There's also a guaranteed Pikachu rare card in each pack, with 30 different versions to collect across the expansion.

TL;DR: Through Nov. 1, fans dressing as historical American Girl dolls for Harry Styles' "Harryween" shows can get $40 off a Historical Character doll at the American Girl NYC flagship by showing photo proof of their costume.

When Harry Styles dropped his track "American Girls," he was probably singing about classic romance. His fans took the title dead literally anyway, showing up to his shows dressed from head to toe as actual historical American Girl characters.

Naturally, the trend exploded on TikTok. Fans traded cowboy hats for Samantha Parkington’s Edwardian velvet coats, Kirsten Larson’s prairie aprons, and Kit Kittredge’s Great Depression-era newsboy caps.

Now, with two massive (and very costume-heavy) "Harryween" concerts hitting New York City this weekend, American Girl is leaning all the way into the bit by giving fans a very real discount for their efforts.

If you dress up as a historical American Girl character for the concerts, you can score $40 off any Historical Character doll at the brand's NYC flagship store. Considering full-size historical dolls rarely see steep discounts and normally cost up to $175, knocking $40 off is a nice break for collectors and nostalgic fans.

How to claim the $40 discount

You don't need a voucher code, but you will need to head into Manhattan in person. Here is what to know:

• Where — In-store only at the American Girl New York City flagship store (located at 75 Rockefeller Plaza).

• When — Valid only on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1.

• How to redeem: Just show an employee photo proof of your historical American Girl costume at checkout.

• The fine print — The $40 discount applies exclusively to Historical Character dolls, is limited to one per customer, and runs only while supplies last.

Whether your look channels Victorian tea parties or frontier pioneer grit, your concert fit can finally pay for itself. Just snap your photo at the arena, hit Rockefeller Plaza before Saturday ends, and grab your doll before stock runs dry.

TL;DR: Babbel’s lifetime subscription includes all 14 languages for just $159 (reg. $299) with StackSocial’s code LEARN, available for a limited time.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Babbel

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)

$159
$299 Save $140

 

Get Deal

Your next trip deserves more than a confidently delivered “hello” followed by frantic pointing. For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for just $159 (reg. $299) with the StackSocial code LEARN — a one-time purchase that gives your language goals room to grow.

Developed by more than 100 expert linguists, Babbel offers over 10,000 hours of language education. You can start with Spanish, explore Italian before a trip, or give Norwegian a turn when curiosity strikes. All 14 languages are included, so choosing one today doesn’t lock you into it.

Lessons run about 10 to 15 minutes, making it easier to build a routine around the time you actually have. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced options help you find a useful starting point, whether you’re learning from scratch or revisiting a language you haven’t practiced in years.

The topics are practical: ordering dinner, asking for directions, shopping, making friends, and navigating business conversations. Speech recognition helps you work on pronunciation, while personalized review sessions reinforce what you’ve learned.

There’s also an AI conversation partner to practice expressing yourself in real time. It adds another opportunity to put words together and keep a conversation moving as you learn.

You can use Babbel on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Download courses, lessons, and review items beforehand, and offline access lets you keep studying without WiFi.

Short sessions now, another language later, and lifetime access through one purchase.

Get an all-language lifetime subscription to Babbel for $159 with the StackSocial code LEARN while this limited-time offer is available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle is on sale for $56.35 at Amazon, down from its $74.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle

$56.35 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $18.64

 

Preorder at Amazon

The Pokémon TCG's Delta Reign expansion is launching next week, and Amazon has once again dropped preorder prices for its six-pack Booster Bundle below $60.

As of Oct. 29, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle is available to preorder for just $56.35 at Amazon, with $18.64 knocked off the standard $74.99 list price. This 25% discount works out to $9.39 per booster pack. This deal comes from third-party seller Kings Games, which has a 98% positive feedback rating over the past year.

Keep in mind that while shipping is free, delivery isn’t estimated until Nov. 14 — meaning you likely won’t get yours until around eight days after release. 

You’re getting both a faster delivery time and a lower price than Walmart — where preorders are going for $62.99 for the same box. On the other hand, TCGplayer listings are less costly than listings on both Amazon and Walmart, with prices as low as $43.93, undercutting the $43.94 market price.

Each Booster Bundle contains six packs of ten trading cards, alongside a Basic Energy and Pokémon TCG Live code card per pack. Delta Reign features over 135 cards to collect, with Mega Rayquaza ex leading the expansion alongside other big-name Mega Mevolutions: Mega Golurk ex, Mega Malamar ex, and Mega Golisopod ex.

There are few things more terrifying to a fanfiction reader than opening Archive of Our Own (AO3) and discovering that the site is down. Except, perhaps, discovering that it could stay down for an entire month.

That's the nightmare scenario currently facing fans and fanfiction connoisseurs after AO3 announced that restoring the site could take anywhere from two to four weeks. And during the final days of Kinktober, no less. The cruelty of it all.

"We estimate that service restoration for #AO3 will take around 2 weeks, but it could be up to 4 weeks," the fan-run archive posted to its status account on X. "We are hopeful that we will be able to bring the site back up in a degraded state sooner."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In other words, there's a chance AO3 could return sooner with limited functionality. But there's also a chance readers could spend the next month without access to their favorite fics. A month. Without AO3.

Naturally, fans are handling this news with all the grace and composure you'd expect. Which is to say, people are freaking out.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

For the uninitiated, AO3 is a nonprofit, fan-run archive where users can publish and read fanfiction about everything from popular television shows and movies to books, anime, and video games. For many readers, it's also an essential part of their daily routines. It's where they go to unwind after work, escape into a favorite fictional universe, or read one more chapter before bed. (And then another.)

So the prospect of losing access for several weeks isn't exactly being met with enthusiasm. But while some fans are mourning their temporarily inaccessible reading lists, others are springing into action.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Heated Rivalry fandom, for example, is already mobilizing. Fans are sharing Google Drive archives of fanfiction, ensuring that readers can still get their fix of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov even if AO3 remains inaccessible. And honestly, I'd expect nothing less from a fandom where people are reading upwards of 14 million words of fanfiction in a single year.

It's an impressive display of fandom resourcefulness. When the digital library closes, apparently you build another one.

Of course, there's something genuinely sweet about the way fandom communities rally around one another during moments like these. Fanfiction has always thrived on community, whether through recommendations, shared reading lists, or the writers who spend countless hours creating stories for other fans to enjoy.

And while the collective panic is certainly hyperbolic, it also speaks to how deeply fanfiction has become embedded in people's everyday lives. AO3 isn't just a website where people read stories. For many, it's a place of comfort, creativity, and connection.

In the meantime, there's always the option of revisiting those downloaded EPUBs you've been hoarding. You have been downloading your favorite fics, right? Right?!

Some familiar faces from your For You page are getting their own TV shows.

Tubi and TikTok announced Oct. 27 that 12 creators will develop 10 original series through their Creatorverse Incubator, a partnership designed to help TikTok talent move into longer-form television. The lineup includes creators Sabrina Brier, Yasmine Sahid, and Marc Sebastian, with shows ranging from dating competitions and workplace comedies to animation and horror.

The Fox-owned free streamer calls the slate its biggest investment yet in original programming with digital creators. First announced in March, the partnership now has its first cohort — and some distinctly internet-friendly premises.

Which TikTok creators are getting Tubi shows?

Here’s a quick rundown: Comedian Kai Cameron, known for his videos learning to do things "like a straight man," puts three men through a different kind of test in Kai Picks the Guy. They arrive expecting to date a woman, only to find Cameron vetting them on dates himself. The romantic chaos continues in Never Have I Spent the Winter with the Romano Brothers, where Sahid brings her knack for parodying teen dramas to a love triangle of her own. Alex Maystrik and Pablo Hernandez of comedic duo durafest2 will co-create and star. And, Brier takes on the equally tricky business of friendship in Asking for a Friend, working through dilemmas with celebrity guests.

Elsewhere, Sebastian — the model and creator who documented a stint aboard TikTok's viral nine-month cruise — takes his travel adventures Down Under for A Great Australian Gay Sidequest. Back on the job, Madison Humphrey, known for her character sketches and parodies of viral videos, has more than vacant apartments to worry about in The Leasing Manager: Her character is juggling demanding tenants, a relentless rival, and a police investigation.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

As for horror fans, scary-story creator Christopher Kiely examines whether ordinary people could survive scary-movie scenarios in Would You Survive?. Allie Tran, who posts horror reviews and breakdowns as @chronicallyscary, visits filming locations in Scare Tours.

There's also a robust animated lineup, including Feeling Super, about a man whose superpowers change daily, from animator Lynnell Jones Jr., known online as @felleanimated. Sketch comedian Kendria Bland brings a dysfunctional cockroach family to life in The Roach Chronicles, while horror and true-crime storyteller Sebastian Krahl follows a teenager obsessed with serial killers in Jamie Crow.

The Tubi exclusives are expected to start arriving in December, with roughly four to six episodes each. Episode counts and lengths will vary.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Tubi is betting fans will follow creators to TV

"The creators we’re working with have built a following, a point of view, and a body of work that people come back for," Kudzi Chikumbu, Tubi’s vice president of creator partnerships, said in a statement.

The lineup reflects how creators have become a source of stories as well as an audience draw. Recurring characters, comedy sketches, and dating formats can take shape on TikTok, where creators get an immediate sense of what viewers connect with. A streaming deal gives them room to develop those ideas into longer episodes, bigger fictional worlds, or a full season.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Tubi outlined what it sees in that opportunity at VidCon earlier this year. As Mashable reported at VidCon, Jess Borison, the company’s senior manager of creator partnerships, said the streamer looks beyond follower counts.

"We’re not necessarily looking for a specific subscriber count. We’re more looking at portability. Will your audience travel to watch anything you do?" she said at the time.

That's much of the bet behind this slate: viewers have already connected with these creators' humor, characters, and perspectives.

There's also an opportunity to find new fans. At VidCon, Borison added that 30 percent of Tubi's audience isn’t on YouTube, giving creators access to viewers who might never encounter their work there.

Tubi has been laying the groundwork for that crossover. Since launching Tubi for Creators in June 2025, the company says it has added more than 35,000 episodes from over 700 creators. The incubator extends that effort into developing new original series.

The shift is already underway

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Other streamers have made similar bets on internet talent. Prime Video's Beast Games, created and hosted by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, drew 50 million viewers in its first 25 days, according to Amazon. The company renewed the competition series for two more seasons in May 2025 after it became the service’s most-watched unscripted show.

Samsung TV Plus is also expanding into scripted programming with creator Dhar Mann, who built his following through online dramas with moral lessons. Following this summer's Unlikely Romances, the streamer commissioned Unlikely Families, a four-part anthology from Dhar Mann Studios about unexpected caregiving relationships, set to premiere in 2027.

For Tubi, recruiting TikTok creators fits into its focus on longer-form viewing. Speaking at a Paley Center event in March, CEO Anjali Sud said, "We are committed to long-form." At the time, she identified YouTube as Tubi's closest competitor and described helping creators make their own TV shows as one way to stand out. The new slate will test whether those familiar faces can keep fans coming back for another episode.

TL;DR: Starting Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal returns to participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide with 15 collectible toys and 15 collectible trading cards.

We cover a lot of collabs, because there's something special in seeing two of your favorite brands come together to create something fun. And you clearly feel the same, because fans go wild for the limited-edition merch that drops.

Of course, there are levels to this game. The Burger King x Hello Kitty collab was popular. The Starbucks x Winnie the Pooh collab went down well. But when we talk about McDonald's x Pokemon, you know it's going to be absolute chaos.

McDonald’s and Pokémon are reuniting this November. Starting Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal is returning to participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide with 15 toys and 15 trading cards to collect. Fans and trainers can also scan the QR code on their Happy Meal box to access a digital game where they can look for the 15 Pokémon Happy Meal toys hidden around a virtual classroom and playground.

This 2026 rollout will mark the first time since 2018 that customers get a genuine 3D collectible toy with playable cards. The mini-boxes are designed to resemble iconic McDonald's cartons shaped around fan-favorite Pokémon. Here's the roster of 15 collectible character boxes:

• Bulbasaur

• Charmander

• Chikorita

• Eevee

• Espeon

• Espurr

• Minccino

• Munchlax

• Pikachu

• Piplup

• Rowlett

• Sobble

• Squirtle

• Sprigatito

• Weedle

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Inside each meal, you will also find two randomized cards drawn from a specialized 15-card McDonald's reprint set, including seven foil cards.

These new Pokémon Happy Meals are available for a limited time, while supplies last, at participating McDonald’s. Check out the full release schedule below:

• November 2026: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Spain, and USA

• December 2026: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, and Vietnam

• January 2027: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Uruguay, and Venezuela

• February 2027: Ireland and UK

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box is on sale for $124.99 at Amazon, down from its $139.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man - Play Booster Box (30 Packs)

$124.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $15.00

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Another Marvel MTG expansion may be getting all the attention with Darkhold Destiny preorders going live, but there’s still plenty of mileage left in Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man crossover if you’re looking for an alternative superhero fix in the trading card game — now with a new $15 price drop hitting Amazon. 

As of Oct. 29, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box is available for just $124.99 on Amazon, down from its usual $139.99. That comes to an 11% discount, or approximately $4.17 per pack. 

For comparison, that’s $1.05 lower than what you can buy individual MTG Spider-Man Play Boosters for on TCGplayer (currently $5.22 at the lowest). With Amazon also handling the sale and shipping directly for this one, without a third-party seller, you can get quick delivery for as soon as Oct. 30 at the time of writing — if you’re a Prime member.

Walmart is selling the same box for $111.99 via third-party seller Flipside Gaming. TCGplayer has listings as low as $116 after shipping, though that’s still $1.33 below the box’s estimated market price of $117.33. 

As for what's packed inside the Spider-Man Play Booster Box, you're getting 420 Magic cards altogether, split between 30 boosters containing 14 cards each. Every pack includes at least one Rare or higher-rarity card alongside a guaranteed Traditional Foil, while approximately one in five packs also features a foil Land.

Marvel fans can also look out for special Web-slinger frames and Borderless Panel cards that showcase Spider-Man's comic-book roots through alternative artwork. There's enough here to host a drafting session with friends, rather than simply opening everything for your collection.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$59.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

For a brief period, Amazon's wild $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box ceased to exist. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's generous offer has made a triumphant return.

For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.

Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $1117 market price. That's rare to see nowadays, so you know shoppers will jump on this.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is on sale for $134.89 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box

$134.89 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $74.81

Preorder at Amazon

Amazon isn't letting up on its discounts for Magic: The Gathering's upcoming Star Trek expansion. After bringing the 30-pack Play Booster Box below $140 earlier this month, the retailer has unexpectedly knocked its preorder price down once again. 

As of Oct. 29, the Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is available to preorder for only $134.89 at Amazon. With 36% off, that means you’re pocketing $74.81 in savings compared to its usual $209.70 price. For its 30 packs, the new record-low price (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel) means you’re only paying around $4.50 per booster from the upcoming sci-fi crossover. 

With Amazon handling both the sale and shipping directly, the preorder price guarantee applies, meaning you'll automatically get its lowest eligible price between the time you order and the Nov. 13 release day. However, keep in mind that actual delivery is estimated for Nov. 16, and sales are final with no returns accepted. 

If this deal goes out of stock, Walmart has also lowered its price to $134.89, courtesy of third-party seller Cataclysm Games, with free shipping estimated for Nov. 21.

As is usually the case, dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer has prices as low as $128.73. That’s $6.19 cheaper than Amazon’s deal and only 38 cents above the Star Trek Play Booster Box’s estimated $128.35 market price.

The Star Trek Play Booster Box contains 30 packs of 14 Magic cards, featuring familiar captains, spacecraft, and other characters from across the franchise's 60-year history. Each booster guarantees a Traditional Foil and between one and four rare or higher-rarity cards, with alternate-art and special-border versions also up for grabs.

Can we not pause to enjoy Halloween? Must we relentlessly march onwards without a moment to reflect? The corporate calendar is absolutely relentless, and that means plans for the holidays are already in motion.

Fresh from Starbucks announcing its holiday menu, Dunkin' has done the same.

Dunkin’ unveiled its full 2026 holiday lineup arriving nationwide on Wednesday, Nov. 4, featuring the debut of Dunkin’s very own Donutcracker mascot appearing across cups, doughnut boxes, and Munchkins packaging. The launch also resurrects two of the chain's most requested seasonal flavor swirls: Cookie Butter and Toasted White Chocolate.

Credit: Dunkin'

We know that everyone is looking for limited-edition merch and freebies whenever this sort of drop gets announced. Good news! Donating $1 or more at the register or drive-thru to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation between Nov. 4-30 earns you a limited-edition Donutcracker sticker sheet for free.

Credit: Dunkin'

But there's more, because Dunkin' Rewards members can enjoy exclusive offers throughout the season:

1. Nov. 4-5: Earn 3x points on all beverages for the launch window.

2. Nov. 17: Earn 4x points on all Avengers beverages.

3. Nov. 19: Earn 3x points on all beverages when ordering ahead in the app.

4. Nov. 23: Earn 4x points on any espresso drink on National Espresso Day

5. Through Nov. 30: Earn 100 bonus points on all beverages when ordering ahead on Mondays

Dunkin' is promising that "more festive moments, seasonal surprises, and holiday reveals will arrive throughout the season." So perhaps this isn't the end of the festive cheer. We'll keep you posted on everything else that drops as we get closer to Christmas.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$59.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

For a brief period, Amazon's wild $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box ceased to exist. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's generous offer has made a triumphant return.

For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.

Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $1117 market price. That's rare to see nowadays, so you know shoppers will jump on this.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.

TL;DR: Google's new When to Buy Guide analyzed holiday shopping data across thousands of retailers to pinpoint the best days to shop. The verdict: Lock in your OLED TVs, sneakers, and skincare hauls over Black Friday weekend, but wait until late December for hardshell luggage and Dutch ovens.

Holiday shopping usually feels like a high-stakes guessing game where you’re gambling on whether to buy an item now or hold out for a steeper markdown down the road. Wait too long, and your colorway sells out, shipping cutoffs slam shut, or you’re left scrambling through picked-over store aisles on Christmas Eve.

To take the guesswork out of the seasonal madness, Google dropped its 2026 When to Buy Guide, analyzing massive amounts of U.S. promotional patterns, search trends, and aggregated discount data across merchants. Instead of relying on gut feelings, Google mapped out exactly when promotional volume and price cuts reach their absolute peak across every major consumer category.

Here are 10 things Google's retail data reveals about how you should actually be timing your holiday haul:

Don't fall for "up to 70% off" banner hype

Before diving into specific items, it helps to know how Google tracks these sales. Stores love slapping massive discount banners on their homepages, even if the price cut applies to only a handful of items nobody wants. To bypass the hype, Google used an impression-weighted setup that looked at two things: how many items were actually marked down and the average size of the price cut. This filters out outlier noise and tracks when an entire category is truly discounted.

Wrap up your big-screen ambitions before Cyber Week ends

If a new television, soundbar, or smart home security camera is on your list, dragging your feet into December is an easy way to overpay. The data confirms that the stretch between Black Friday and Cyber Week is the absolute sweet spot for main electronics. This is when you'll find both the widest selection of gear on sale and the largest price drops. Once December settles in, promotional momentum dries up, leaving you with weaker discounts and annoying backorders.

Drones and motorized toys march to their own chaotic beat

Standard consumer tech demands an early purchase, but tech toys behave completely differently. If you’re hunting down remote-controlled cars, motorized gadgets, or drones, playing the waiting game actually works. Pricing patterns show these kinds of toys don't hit their deepest markdowns until the final week before Christmas, making them a solid last-minute win.

Gaming consoles hit an awkward mid-December slump

Shoppers looking for a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo setup or party board games and puzzles need to watch the calendar. Black Friday weekend is still your best bet for console bundles and wide game sales. But if you miss that opening window, step away from the checkout cart in the middle of the month. Deal quality takes a noticeable dive in mid-December, then a second wave of discounts bounces back right before Christmas wraps up.

Buy packing cubes now, but leave the rolling suitcase for later

Shopping for a frequent traveler takes a split approach. Smaller travel gear, like packing cubes, tech pouches, and dopp kits, peaks during Black Friday weekend and then slowly drops off. Large luggage is the exact opposite. Big suitcases and hard-shell sets don't hit their lowest clearance prices until late December. Grab the smaller organizers early, but hold off on the heavy bags.

Treat your dog early, but hold out for the reptile tank

Gifting four-legged family members comes with its own retail schedule. Treats, apparel, and cozy beds for dogs and cats hit their widest selection and steepest discounts over Black Friday weekend, followed by a mid-December lull. However, if you are shopping for specialty pets like reptiles, aquarium fish, birds, or small critters, late December triggers an aggressive secondary wave of deep-discount clearance.

Buy appliances early; skip mid-December for holiday decor

Big-ticket household upgrades like dishwashers, refrigerators, and living room couches demand early planning. Retailers roll out their best inventory and steepest cuts during Black Friday weekend. Given the delivery hassles and inventory caps that come with oversized items, putting it off past November is asking for a late delivery.

Meanwhile, holiday decor works best if you buy early to enjoy it, or wait until late December for deep clearance on lights and storage bins. Just skip mid-December, where both selection and discounts hit a dead zone.

Gourmet cookware rewards the shoppers who wait

Unlike living room furniture, kitchen essentials and fancy dinnerware reward late-season patience. Retail data shows that deep percentage markdowns on cookware sets, kitchen gadgets, and dining tools don’t fully surface until late December. If an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven or a new knife set is on your radar, waiting until the final weeks of the season will net you the lowest prices.

The late-December skincare clearance is a myth

If signature scents, makeup, or fancy skincare are on your gift list, lock them down early. Fragrance promotions peak between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, falling off a cliff after that without getting any cheaper. Skincare follows that exact same pattern: Black Friday delivers the widest brand selection, and steep late-December skincare clearance has basically vanished in recent years.

That early-bird rule also applies to footwear and heavy workout gear, such as treadmills, weights, and golf clubs, before inventory thins out. If you're just hunting for sweaters and everyday gym clothes, though, don't sweat it — those stay steadily discounted all the way to Christmas.

The predictable spiral of waiting until Christmas Eve

Google's search query logs reveal a predictable panic routine that plays out every single December:

• Dec. 22 — Searches for "next day shipping" jump as regular delivery windows vanish. This is also the single biggest day of the year for "DIY gift" searches, as shoppers try to figure out if overnight freight is worth it or if they should just make something by hand.

• Dec. 23 — With delivery options gone, everyone pivots to local storefronts, driving searches for "gifts near me" and "in-store pickup" to their yearly peak.

• Dec. 24 — Curbside panic sets in, pushing "same day pickup" searches to their highest point of the season.

• Dec. 25 — With stores finally closed on Christmas Day, shoppers hit the inbox with last-second searches for e-gift cards, digital vouchers, and streaming subscriptions.

The funniest find in the entire report? Searches for "last minute gift for mom" consistently start climbing on Dec. 23. Searches for "last minute gift for dad," on the other hand, don't show any real movement until Christmas Eve.

The numbers don't lie: when it comes to holiday procrastination, dads get the absolute worst of it.

The best early Black Friday Dewalt deals

---

Best Early Black Friday Dewalt Deal

Dewalt 20V MAX Drill and Impact Driver

$129 (Save $110)

Get Deal

---

Best Early Black Friday Dewalt Cordless Tool Deal

Dewalt Cordless Screwdriver

$81.10 (Save $10.88)

Get Deal

---

Best Early Black Friday Dewalt Tool Kit Deal

Dewalt 20V MAX 5Ah 9-Piece Brushless Power Tool Set

$749 (Save $150)

Get Deal

Need to tackle some jobs around the house? Grab the right tools to handle them ahead of Black Friday. Early Black Friday discounts on Dewalt tools and accessories have already started rolling in, and we're seeing a variety of discounts you can shop right now ahead of the official shopping event.

That makes this the right time to fill out a toolbox, whether it's your own or you're shopping for someone who's been borrowing your drill for too long. A DeWalt kit is a safe bet for a new homeowner, a kid moving into their first apartment, or a relative who's hinted at a home project they never get around to.

These tools tend to sell out fast, so you'll want o grab whatever you need now rather than waiting for the week of Thanksgiving and hoping it goes back on sale (and comes back in stock).

Here are the best early Black Friday DeWalt deals we've found so far.

Best early Black Friday Dewalt deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Dewalt 20V MAX Drill and Impact Driver

$129 at Amazon
$239 Save $110

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This kit is a great option for anyone looking to build out their own tool set. It has a 1/2-inch drill/driver and 1/4-inch impact driver, plus two 20V MAX batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag. The drill has a two-speed transmission and a 16-setting clutch for everything from pilot holes to driving long screws, while the impact driver puts out up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque and loads bits one-handed.

Best early Black Friday Dewalt cordless tool deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Dewalt Cordless Screwdriver

$81.10 at Amazon
$91.98 Save $10.88

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This cordless tool is the perfect companion for jobs that require a screwdriver, but not necessarily a massive one. Just twist your wrist to the right to drive and to the left to back a screw out, and the harder you turn, the faster it spins, up to 430 RPM. The kit comes with two 8V MAX batteries and a charger, so you're ready to handle just about any project that comes your way.

Best early Black Friday Dewalt tool kit deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Dewalt 20V MAX 5Ah 9-Piece Brushless Power Tool Set

$749 at Amazon
$899 Save $150

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This deluxe tool kit is the perfect option for setting up your own projects at home or for helping someone get started with a set of accessories to tackle their own home improvements. It comes with a brushless 1/2-inch drill/driver, a 1/4-inch impact driver, a brushless reciprocating saw, a 6-1/2-inch brushless circular saw, a three-speed oscillating multi-tool, a brushless grinder, a 5-inch random orbit sander, a 1/2-inch impact wrench, and an LED work light. It's everything you need and then some.

More early Black Friday Dewalt deals

• Dewalt 20V MAX Air Inflator — $141.95 $179 (save $37.05)

• Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench — $196.25 $239.99 (save $43.74)

The coolest tech gifts may look like the most boring box in the present pile... until they're unwrapped. But in a second, you'll both unlock a new favorite memory: They get to gush over owning one of the most sought-after gadgets of the year, and you get to watch their face light up.

Our tech gift guide for 2026 includes some of the best new releases of the year from Apple, Amazon, Bose, Shark, and Sony, most of which we personally reviewed. We're obviously loving the latest upgrades, like the refreshed Kindle and the second-gen QuietComforts. But even if you're not shopping for an early adopter, we've still found some awesome under-the-radar gadgets that'll speak to their niche interests. The cool teenager on your list may not care about Apple's new smart home devices, but they will freak over the Camp Snap 2. (It's one of our top Gifts of the Year.)

To find the best holiday gifts for the techies in your life, Mashable's tech and shopping reporters have come together to curate a guide to our favorite gift-worthy gadgets of the year — the true "I can't believe you got this for me" gifts. So, whether you're splurging on a MacBook or searching for stocking stuffers, here are the best tech gifts for 2026.

TL;DR: Score up to 50% off during LELO's fall sale. Plus, get a free MIA 3 when you spend $199+.

Opens in a new window

Credit: LELO

Get up to 50% off

plus a free toy when you spend $199+

Shop Now at LELO

Halloween is just a few days away, but retailers are still dropping thrills for the ghouls and gals who want all the treats this year.

Right now, you can get up to 50% off top-rated vibes during LELO's fall sale. Just be sure to use the promo code PUMPKINSPICE10 (how fitting) for an additional 10% off at checkout. (Note: This code doesn't work on bundles, and it expires on Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET!)

If you spend $199+, you'll get a free MIA 3 — a travel-sized lipstick vibrator with eight settings. It's waterproof, USB rechargeable, and has a travel lock, so you can toss it in your bag without worrying about it turning on by accident.

Unsure of what to buy? Here are a few of my favorites:

• ENIGMA Double Sonic (or any of the Enigma toys, honestly) for G-spot and clitoral stimulation

• SONA 3 Cruise for intense clitoral suction

• GIGI 3 for targeted G-spot pleasure

LELO also has a handful of male sex toys and, of course, bundle deals for those of you who want more for less (just remember that promo code won't apply to the bundles).

Best early Black Friday Ninja deals at a glance

---

Best air fryer deal

Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer

$269.99 (save $30)

Get Deal

---

Best Ninja multicooker deal

Ninja PossibleCooker Pro

$109.99 (save $60)

Get Deal

---

Best Ninja ice cream maker deal

Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl

$279 (save $70.99)

Get Deal

---

Best Ninja blender deal

Ninja CrushBoss 3-in-1 Blender & Food Processor

$199.95 (save $80.04)

Get Deal

---

Best Ninja pizza oven deal

Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven

$249.95 (save $50.04)

Get Deal

---

Best Ninja coffee maker deal

Ninja Fresh Brew Coffee Maker

$69.99 (save $20)

Get Deal

---

Best cooler deal

Ninja FrostVault (50 quart, Lakeshore Blue)

$229.95 (save $20.04)

Get Deal

We've barely had time to eat stale candy corn, but Black Friday deals are already coming in hot. Every year, we look forward to early deals to get ahead of holiday shopping, and I have good news if you're a fan of Ninja kitchen appliances. We're already seeing excellent discounts with the brand on some of Mashable's favorite Ninja items.

Shopping early Black Friday kitchen deals makes sense if you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas brunch, or you have a chef to shop for this season. Ninja makes a massive collection of kitchen appliances from luxury espresso machines to glass air fryers that you'll use everyday.

I've gathered the best Ninja deals below if you're looking to shop early or make some upgrades in your own kitchen.

Best coffee maker deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja Fresh Brew Coffee Maker

$69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Sometimes you just need a pot of drip coffee. Fancier options exist, but some of us need a giant mug of simple drip to make it through the season. If that's the case, the 12-cup Ninja Fresh Brew coffee maker is the way to go. The stainless steel design looks modern in any kitchen, and you can stop mid-brew to pour a cup right away.

Going with a simple coffee maker is also a great choice if you'll be hosting guests this holiday season since it can serve up 12 cups with one brew. No one will have to wait in line to get a cup. For other times, the Ninja has a small batch setting that brews between one and four cups.

More Ninja coffee deals

• Ninja Single Serve Coffee Maker — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker — $229.95 $279.99 (save $50.04)

• Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus — $449.99 $499.99 (save $50)

Best air fryer deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer

$269.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $30

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

The Ninja Crispi earned a Mashable Gift of the Year award and makes the list of the best kitchen gear we always recommend. The glass containers set this model apart from most other air fryers, and the Pro version comes with a 6 and 2.5-quart containers with storage lids.

Ninja equipped this model with six cooking functions like roast, crisp, and bake. Plus, the glassware and lids are dishwasher safe.

More Ninja air fryer deals

• Ninja Air Fryer XL — $99.99 $179.99 (save $80)

• Ninja DualZone Air Fryer — $149.99 $269.99 (save $120)

• Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

Best blender deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja CrushBoss 3-in-1 Blender & Food Processor

$199.95 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.04

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

If you're anything like me, you put ice cubes, frozen mango chunks, banana, and spinach in the blender and expect it to perfect crush ice and frozen fruit. Not every blender is up for that task, but the Ninja CrushBoss can handle it. With a powerful 1,850W base, the blender is ready to chop and puree almost anything you toss at it.

The food processor attachment on this blender is excellent for helping out with food prep since it can slice and cut veggies. It can even mix dough so you don't have to spent time and manpower on the task.

More Ninja blender deals

• Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro — $73.99 $109.99 (save $36)

• Ninja Professional Plus Duo Blender — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System — $159.99 $219.99 (save $60)

Best frozen treat deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl

$279 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Life is short. You should have soft-serve ice cream on demand in your own kitchen if you feel like it. The unique Ninja Scoop & Swirl can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, and give you the ability to become an expert soft serve swirler. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino's review of the Ninja Scoop & Swirl proved it's worth the investment if you're a fan of frozen treats at home. Just be sure you have counter space to handle the addition.

TL;DR: Pokémon GO kicked off its two-part Halloween 2026 event on Oct. 27, featuring top-hatted Zubat, cape-wearing Pikachu, the debut of Shiny Greavard, and up to 3× Candy and Stardust via the Halloween GO Pass through Nov. 5.

If you noticed PokéStops and Gyms looking a little more festive than usual this week, you aren't imagining things. Pokémon GO has officially kicked off its two-part Halloween 2026 celebration, running through Nov. 5.

Alongside seasonal map decor and the classic Lavender Town theme music remix playing in the game every night, the event packs costume debuts, massive resource multipliers, and a brand-new shiny ghost dog into a tidy schedule.

Part I kicked off Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. and runs through Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. local time. The initial stretch focuses on fresh seasonal costumes and map bonuses:

• Zubat wearing a top hat — Spawns in the wild, with a possible Shiny encounter.

• Pikachu wearing a hat and capelet — Featured in one-star raids, with a Shiny chance.

• Sinistea wearing a bow — Appears in one-star raids alongside Pikachu, also eligible to be Shiny.

• Themed wild spawns — Duskull, Piplup wearing a Halloween Mischief costume, Drifblim wearing a Halloween Mischief costume, and more will appear in the wild.

• Spooky map surprises — Mischievous Pokémon leave behind objects on the overworld map; tapping them triggers encounters or awards Pikachu, Zubat, Sinistea, or Rare Candy.

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Part II picks up on Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. and ends on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. local time. The second half shifts focus toward a new Shiny debut and battle upgrades:

• Shiny Greavard debut — Available for the first time in Pokémon GO, appearing in the wild, through Field Research tasks, and via the GO Pass.

• Themed wild spawns — Litwick, Rowlet wearing a Pokémon Halloween costume, Gengar wearing a Spooky Festival costume, and others will spawn in the wild.

• Super Max Level Mega Sableye — You can raise Mega Sableye's Mega Level to Super Max Level.

• Night Shade+ Charged Attack — Unlocking Super Max Level lets eligible Mega Evolved Pokémon learn a second Charged Attack, granting Sableye the move Night Shade+.

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Running across both halves of the event is the GO Pass: Halloween 2026. By completing pass tasks and collecting GO Points to rank up, you'll unlock passive resource multipliers at major milestones:

• Tier 1 (Rank 10) — Unlocks 2× Catch Candy, which bumps to 3× Catch Candy if you pick up the GO Pass Deluxe.

• Tier 2 (Rank 20) — Unlocks 2× Catch Stardust, which jumps to 3× Catch Stardust on the GO Pass Deluxe.

• Free GO Pass rewards — Ranking up grants encounters with event-themed Pokémon, themed Candy, Rare Candy, and Ultra Balls.

Every reward unlocked along your GO Pass must be claimed before Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. local time, or it disappears for good.

Clear out your item bag, crank up the in-game audio for the Lavender Town vibes, and get hunting — you only have until Nov. 5 to make the most of this year's haunted haul.

TL;DR: Krispy Kreme’s limited-edition All Jacked Up Dozen is currently live for $13 in shops, at drive-thrus, and online — running now through Thursday, Oct. 29.

If you’ve walked into a bakery lately, you already know holiday-themed treats usually come with a holiday-themed markup. Krispy Kreme seems to be going the other direction this week, quietly selling a full Halloween-themed box for roughly what you’d pay for a plain dozen.

The chain's limited-time All Jacked Up Dozen has dropped for $13, though you won’t have long to catch it. The promotion is only scheduled through Thursday, Oct. 29.

Thankfully, nobody tried to reinvent the wheel with artificial pumpkin glazes here. It’s just the classic melt-in-your-mouth pastry dressed up in a loud Halloween costume with a handful of playful toppings:

• Jack's Original Glazed Doughnuts (9) — The standard melt-in-your-mouth glazed ring, tinted festive orange with an extra drizzle of icing.

• Mummy Jack Doughnut (1) — An orange Original Glazed dipped in icing, piped with white vanilla buttercreme "bandages," and finished with a green iced stem.

• Jack O' Doughnut (1) — An orange-glazed base detailed with chocolate frosting to look like a mini carved jack-o’-lantern.

• Monster Jack Doughnut (1) — Topped with orange icing, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, piped chocolate stitches, and a green stem.

You can grab one at participating shops, through the drive-thru, or via the app for pickup and delivery — just keep in mind that once Oct. 29 ends, the $13 run is done.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon, down from its $207.95 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box

$139.99 at Amazon
$207.95 Save $67.96

Get Deal at Amazon

Just when it seemed like Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Play Booster Box couldn't get any cheaper, Amazon has surprised us with another major price drop. Less than a week after the 30-pack display fell below $160 for the first time, this Middle-earth-themed box is now almost $20 cheaper again.

As of Oct. 28, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box costs just $139.99 at Amazon. Compared to the $207.95 list price, that's a staggering $67.96 in savings after a 33% discount, bringing the cost of each of the 30 included packs down to $4.67. Better still, Amazon is handling both the sale and shipping — with free delivery set for Nov. 2, or as soon as Oct. 30 for Prime members.

Amazon isn't the only retailer offering this price. Walmart has matched the $139.99 deal, although its listing is sold by Cataclysm Games and fulfilled by Walmart.

You'll get 30 Play Boosters containing 14 cards apiece, plus an exclusive traditional foil Middle-earth Box Topper featuring a special reprint from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth. 

Every pack also includes at least one foil card and one to three rare or higher-rarity cards, with chances to uncover special alternate-art and borderless versions of characters from Bilbo's classic adventure in the original tale of The Hobbit book.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $116.40 at Amazon, down from its $139.64 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box

$116.40 at Amazon
$139.64 Save $23.24

 

Preorder at Amazon

With less than two weeks until the Pokémon TCG's Delta Reign expansion arrives, Amazon sellers are continuing to bring down the cost of its Rayquaza-themed Elite Trainer Box. After initially launching preorders at $140 earlier this month, the retailer is now offering one of its biggest discounts yet, even edging below Walmart's latest listing.

As of Oct. 28, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box is available to preorder for just $116.40 at Amazon. That's $23.24 knocked off its typical $139.64 price, giving you a 17% discount and bringing the cost of its nine booster packs down to $12.93 each before counting the extras.

Coming from third-party seller BetterShopping4You, this deal’s currently set for a Nov. 12 delivery, six days after the expansion’s Nov. 6 release date. 

Surprisingly, that undercuts Walmart’s lowest listing of $118.77 by $2.37.

Whichever site you buy the Delta Reign ETB from, you’ll get exactly the same contents: nine titular booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Kyogre promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, seven dice, a plastic coin, six dividers, a collector's box, a player's guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

SAVE $108.99: As of Oct. 28, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is on sale for $191 at Amazon. That's a 36% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Garmin

Garmin vívoactive 5

$191 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $108.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

You don't have to wait until Black Friday to score a deal on a Garmin fitness tracker. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is already discounted by $108.99 at Amazon, bringing the price down from $299.99 to just $191.

It packs in plenty of fitness tracking, health monitoring, and everyday wellness features, all in a sleek design. However, there is a small catch: this deal only applies to the ivory-colored watch. For the navy watch, you'll need to pay $3 more, and for the orchid and slate options, you'll need to pay around $10 and $20 more.

For fitness tracking, enjoy more than 30 indoor and GPS sports apps covering activities such as walking, running, cycling, and HIIT. The vívoactive 5 also has a wheelchair mode that tracks pushes rather than steps and gives you tailored workouts and activities, including strength and cardio.

Garmin's health and recovery tools are another highlight. These include Body Battery which estimates your energy reserves throughout the day, sleep tracking with a sleep score, personalized sleep coaching, and heart rate variability (HRV) status. You'll also get heart rate tracking, stress monitoring, morning reports, fitness age, and menstrual cycle tracking.

Head to Amazon to grab this Garmin deal while it's still available.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $43.85 at Amazon, down from its $177.62 typical price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box

$43.85 at Amazon
$177.62 Save $133.77

 

Get Deal at Amazon

In a very rare turn of events for the Pokemon TCG market, one seller on Amazon has not only dropped the price of one of its most sought-after ETBs to under market price, but it’s still available to buy. 

As of Oct. 28, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is listed for just $43.85 at Amazon. That means you’ve not only got a $133.77 discount on list price, but it’s also $6.14 cheaper than its market price. 

This all-time low price (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel) is offered by third-party seller What America Buys, which currently has an Amazon seller rating of four and a half stars out of five. Essentially, there’s nothing in the information provided to suggest that this shockingly low price isn’t legit — so it's well worth jumping on.

For additional perspective, TCGplayer currently values the sealed ETB at a market price of $122.31, while the cheapest listings only go as low as $122 plus $6.99 shipping. That puts Amazon's latest offer at an astonishing $78.46 below market value.

The ETB comes with nine Prismatic Evolutions booster packs, a full-art Eevee foil promo, 65 Stellar Tera Eevee sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice, condition markers, a player's guide, dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Those boosters also give collectors another shot at pulling the expansion's coveted and valuable chase cards (also available to buy individually on TCGplayer) — including Umbreon ex, Sylveon ex, and Espeon ex.

We expect this deal to sell out insanely quickly — more than any readily available low-priced Pokemon TCG product we’ve covered before.

An overflowing inbox is stressful enough, but reading work emails with phrases like "Going forward" or "Not sure if you saw this" can send some workers over the edge, at least according to a new study.

ZeroBounce, an email validation platform, revealed the results of its survey of 2,000 American and European professionals on email vernacular. Specifically, the survey examined common email phrases and whether they are perceived as passive-aggressive.

The phrase that topped the list of most passive-aggressive email sayings? "Just to be clear." That statement was cited as the most passive-aggressive phrase by 21 percent of respondents, followed by "Per my last email" (14 percent), with "Kindly note" and "As previously discussed" tied for third place at 10 percent each.

Other hated sayings included "Just checking in," "Not sure if you saw this," "Going forward," "For future reference," and "Friendly reminder."

ZeroBounce also asked respondents what passive-aggressive phrases they still use in their workday. Seen as necessary evils, apparently, "Thanks in advance," "Following up," "Just checking in," and "Any updates" were at the top of that list.

"People may not intend to sound passive-aggressive when they write an email," Liviu Tanase, founder and CEO of ZeroBounce, said in a statement. "But some phrases have picked up so much baggage that the reader perceives light hostility. 'Just to be clear' is a perfect example. It sounds neutral, but more than half of the professionals surveyed read something else into it."

The survey also examined phrases that go beyond being irritating and are instantly stress-inducing. The most stressful email phrases are "Need this ASAP" (56 percent), "Can we chat?" (40 percent), "Action required" (34 percent), and "Let's take this offline" (27 percent).

See the full survey results here, including data on how many unopened emails workers consider "too many."

Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters, or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

The Golden State Valkyries could win their first WNBA championship on Thursday morning. Watching them do it might require an awkward conversation with your boss: The WNBA announced Monday that Game 6 of the Finals against the Atlanta Dream will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 29 — 9:30 a.m. in the Bay Area, where the Valkyries are based.

Valkyries guard Veronica Burton has a suggestion. "Call in sick. I recommend it," she said after Golden State’s Monday-night win, according to reporter Annie Costabile. That victory gave the team a 3–2 series lead and a chance to clinch a title in the franchise’s second season — provided its fans can clear their work calendars to watch.

The issue comes down to two teams needing the same arena. The Dream's usual home, Gateway Center Arena, holds approximately 3,500 spectators. Atlanta hosted Finals Games 3 and 4 at the roughly 17,000-seat State Farm Arena instead, selling out both games. Keeping Game 6 there, however, meant working around the Atlanta Hawks, who were already scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday evening.

The solution? A doubleheader. Move the WNBA game from 8 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and delay the Hawks’ tipoff by an hour, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert thanked the teams, leagues, arena, and broadcaster "for the collaboration and flexibility that made this move possible."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Fans were less enthusiastic about the flexibility now required of them.

"How are we supposed to watch this game in the middle of the workday?? This is so strange to me," one commenter asked on Reddit's r/wnba. Another Atlanta-based commenter said they had planned to attend but now couldn't even watch live. "I’d rather them play at Gateway so at least folks could watch it in real time," they wrote.

Flavor Flav offered fans some help getting the afternoon off, posting a signed permission slip to give their bosses. "Consider it your contribution to gender equality," he wrote in the document.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Commentators across sports offered their own (rather heated) opinions. To Richard Deitsch, host of the Sports Media Podcast, the timing threatened to undercut the moment the season had been building toward. "The prospect of crowning a champion on a Thursday afternoon is just brutal optics (and will be brutal television ratings.)," he wrote on X.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Ringer founder Bill Simmons sounded similarly exasperated with league leadership, writing, "People want to like this league!"

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Their frustration comes after a season of record audience growth for the WNBA. According to the league, 51 regular-season telecasts averaged at least one million viewers, up from 19 last year. Its social accounts generated four billion views, with engagement up 24 percent from 2025. The demand is there, which helps explain why making a potential championship game harder to watch has struck such a nerve.

For some critics, the decision also sends a message about how the players are valued. Former NFL player and commentator Emmanuel Acho called it "high-key disrespectful" to the sport and its athletes.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In the Reddit discussion, some fans also questioned why a women's Finals game had to work around a men's regular-season matchup in the first place, with many finding the whole ordeal wildly "mysoginistic" and exposed a blaring double standard. "If this were a men’s game, this time would never even be considered," one Reddit commenter said. Another commenter in r/WNBATalks wrote, "If society was less misogynistic, it wouldn’t be an issue."

Women's sports creator and podcast host Coach Jackie also questioned the decision in a video posted to Instagram. "Somebody could become a WNBA champion over brunch? During lunch? While you’re in a Teams meeting? Did you think it through?" she asked.

The players, meanwhile, have been more measured. Dream guard Jordin Canada welcomed the chance to play in front of another State Farm Arena crowd, while teammate Allisha Gray kept her focus on what was at stake.

"It’s the Finals, you gotta do what you gotta do," Gray told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We can play at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., midnight, you have a championship to win."

Do you know someone who basically lives at the local climbing gym? Are you friends with a person whose only personality trait is taking their dog hiking? Or maybe your partner is obsessed with the idea of living in a van (#vanlife) and traveling the country?

If any of these groups sound like you or someone you know, you've been exposed to the granola lifestyle. Similar to gorpcore, folks who fit the granola aesthetic are typically into camping, hiking, and kayaking, and have probably talked about moving to Colorado one day (guilty). They love to be outdoors, sip craft beer, and of course, wear Patagonia fleece sweaters.

Outdoorsy folk have taken to TikTok with the hashtags #granolagirl, #granolaboy, and #granolacheck over the last few years to show off their adventurous, outdoor-oriented lifestyles. For many, getting into nature was a direct response to feeling cooped up during the lockdowns of the early pandemic. But that trend is here to stay.

How to shop for an outdoorsy gift

For people who are unsure about adventure gear themselves but still want to find the perfect granola gift this holiday season, we chatted with outdoor expert and REI soft goods Lead and Virtual Outfitter Mike Kreis for some outdoor gear shopping tips.

Kreis suggests that you consider how long your giftee has been into their activity, whether it's hiking, skiing, camping, or climbing. "The longer they have been doing the activity, the more gear they will have," he says.

If your gift recipient already owns some gear, Kreis says it's best to go for nonessentials. "I always like to go with items that aren't necessarily needed for the activity, as they most likely have that," he says. So opt for a portable charger, a cozy outdoor blanket, or extra camp cooking gadgets. Really, anything that can make outdoor life more comfortable will make a great gift.

If you find yourself shopping for the outdoorsy person in your life, look no further. We've rounded up 30 of the best presents out there, whether their version of adventure is having a picnic in the park or roughing it in the back country.

Kai Cenat had barely gotten his hands on Apple's new iPhone Duo before another foldable caught his attention. The surprise? It was a Samsung.

During a livestream from Japan that accumulated millions of views, the streamer spotted a fan's folding phone and asked, "Is that the iPhone Duo?" When the owner explained that it was a Samsung, Cenat responded with a startled "What!"

"Wait, they been had this? I might have to switch to Samsung," he says in a viral clip.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

For Samsung users watching, the answer to that first question was an emphatic yes. And they were more than happy to catch him up.

"Apple fans watching Kai discover Samsung features that have existed for years are about to have a rough day" one user wrote on X. "It’s crazy how ignorant normies are," another wrote, while one user said, "everyone starting to realize Apple is washed and overpriced; Samsung actually feels like an upgrade worth the value and the features alone make it worth it."

"Just imagine when he finds out they have a trifold," another user pointed out.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The snark comes with some history. Samsung unveiled its original Galaxy Fold in February 2019 and put it on sale that September, seven years before Apple’s first foldable arrived. Both follow the same basic idea — a phone with an outer screen that opens like a book to reveal a larger, tablet-like display, with room to run apps side by side. Samsung’s first Fold could already display three apps at once, while the iPhone Duo supports two side by side, with picture-in-picture video available too.

Samsung has released several generations since then, with its current lineup including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Comparing the Duo with the standard Fold 8, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth noted that Samsung's phone is thinner, lighter, and $100 cheaper at its starting price. Cameras were his biggest complaint about the Samsung, particularly its 10MP selfie camera. But after testing the Duo, Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found that Apple’s under-display FaceTime camera produced heavily processed, smudgy selfies, too.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Apple introducing more people to foldables could actually benefit Samsung, and Cenat's viral interaction is a prime example of how. Samsung says European sales of its Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra rose 45 percent compared with a year earlier, while Google search interest in Samsung foldables jumped 260 percent between Sept. 6 and 12 — the week Apple announced the Duo.

Whether Cenat actually switches remains to be seen. For now, he’s given Samsung fans something almost as satisfying as a new customer: an iPhone owner asking what he's been missing.

Out of all the kitchen products we've put to the test, these 12 are the ones we'll always recommend — over and over again. Here's why we love them.

Subway is attempting to hijack your midday break with an aggressive dose of 2014 nostalgia.

To celebrate National Sandwich Day (Nov. 3), Subway has officially launched a BOGO Footlong deal running until Nov. 8. Alongside this generous promo, Subway is resurrecting the cult-favorite Fritos Chicken Enchilada Sub. I've probably eaten at Subway a couple of times in my life, but free subs are enough to convince me to make a return.

The BOGO promo applies across most standard Footlong builds, including the returning Fritos Chicken Enchilada Sub. If you missed the original 2014 run, this viral sandwich packs rotisserie-style chicken drenched in enchilada sauce, melted Monterey Cheddar, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, a drizzle of smoky Baja Chipotle sauce, and a generous layer of crunchy original Fritos corn chips.

Credit: Subway

Qualifying for the BOGO deal is straightforward: Sub Club members can score a free Footlong of equal or lesser value with the purchase of another Footlong. You just need to order through the Subway app or online, and the offer will be automatically added to your app wallet.

The BOGO discount is only triggered on digital orders placed through the Subway app or Subway.com. If you turn up at a store expecting the free sub, you'll walk away disappointed.

Best early Black Friday Lego deals

---

Best Lego Advent Calendar deal

Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar

$30 (save $14.99)

Get Deal

---

Best Lego Icons deal

Lego Icons Poinsettia

$42.99 (save $7)

Get Deal

---

Best Lego Pokémon deal

Lego Pokémon Eevee

$47.99 (save $12)

Get Deal

---

Best Lego Botanicals deal

Lego Botanicals Succulents

$32.99 (save $17)

Get Deal

---

Best Lego stocking stuffer deal

Lego Snowman Ornaments

$10.28 (save $2.71)

Get Deal

---

Best Lego Star Wars deal

Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship

$45.49 (save $29.50)

Get Deal

Listen up, builders. We still have weeks to go before Black Friday, but Legos are already on sale. From Pokémon builds to stunning floral arrangements, there's something for everyone in the world of Lego.

If you've shopped for Legos in the past, you understand sales can vanish quickly, as does availability. Before prices and stock change, check out our favorite deals below.

Best Lego Advent calendar deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar

$30 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $14.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

It's time to grab Advent Calendars for 2026. If you have a Lego princess in your life, snag the Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar while it's on sale for just $30. This year's calendar comes with adored princesses like Moana, Cinderella, and Mulan.

More Lego Advent Calendar deals

• Lego Friends Advent Calendar — $25 $34.99 (save $9.99)

Best Lego Icons deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Icons Poinsettia

$42.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

During Prime Day in October, we all got treated to a great discount on the Lego Icons Project Hail Mary build. Consider yourself lucky if you managed to snag that deal before it went out of stock. While that set is currently sitting at full price, we do have the festive Lego Icons Poinsettia on sale as an early Black Friday treat.

The holiday centerpiece is a great Thanksgiving project for kids and adults that'll look great on display throughout the holiday season. The potted poinsettia measures about eight inches in height and width and about 6.5 inches deep.

More Lego Icons deals

• Lego Icons Tranquil Garden — $103.99 $109.99 (save $6)

• Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium — $446.82 $479.99 (save $33.17)

Best Lego Pokémon deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Pokémon Eevee

$47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

The Lego Pokémon collab only launched in early 2026, but we already have discounts. The undeniably adorable Lego Pokémon Eevee is the perfect holiday gift for any fan of building with small bricks who also loves Pokémon. That's probably something like 90% of the global population.

The Lego Pokémon Eevee is designed for more advanced builders, and Lego recommends it for those over the age of 18. It's also available for one to three builders to work together via the Lego Build Together feature.

More Lego Pokémon deals

• Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball — $183.18 $199.99 (save $16.81)

Best Lego Botanicals deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals Succulents

$32.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $17

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Featuring nine succulents and buildable pots for each, the Lego Botanicals Succulents is a cheery addition to any space. Keep them all together or spread them around the house, the set has 771 pieces in total. One of Lego's most popular Botanicals builds, the set is on sale for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, and we're still well ahead of Black Friday.

More Lego Botanicals deals

• Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants — $19.97 $22.99 (save $3.02)

• Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)

• Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)

• Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement — $62.04 $109.99 (save $47.95)

Best Lego stocking stuffer deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Snowman Ornaments

$10.28 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $2.71

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

For those who aren't looking for a giant build or something small that's perfect for a stocking, the Lego Snowman Ornaments are on sale for $10.28. The duo of snowmen are perfect for Lego beginners that can either hang on the Christmas tree or sit on a fireplace mantle as part of the holiday display. Since the set is small and not too spendy, it's already a great gift exchange item.

Best Lego Star Wars deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship

$45.49 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $29.50

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Down the to the best price we've ever seen at Amazon, the Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship build is the perfect decor for any fan of the franchise. The 701-piece build is meant for kids (or adults) ages nine and up. Three Lego Star Wars mini figures will hop into the Starship and take flight.

More Lego Star Wars deals

• Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack — $35.99 $44.99 (save $9)

• Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $53.99 $79.99 (save $26)

• Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter — $55.99 $69.99 (save $14)

• Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)

• Lego Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) — $103.99 $129.99 (save $26)

Trends among teenagers are an ever-changing hellscape, and finding the best gifts for teen girls (that they'll actually use for longer than a month) is a coveted skill. Even millennials — people who are not that old, thank you very much — can have trouble keeping up with the world predominantly ruled by TikTok and content creators.

An important reminder: Don't just wing it. Gen Z girls are clearly loyal to a defined handful of brands and have very specific aesthetic goals. Goals that could be torched by the honest mistake of grabbing generic white earbuds instead of the best AirPods or not realizing that Owala has eclipsed Stanley in the hierarchy of trendy water bottles.

But you know who does know what teenage girls want this year? Other teenage girls. I'm regularly tracking viral TikTok products and compiling the most popular stuff with items that the high schoolers in my own life have mentioned. So even if you don't know what terms like whimsymaxxing mean, you're definitely in the right place to find a gift that a teenager thinks is cool. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, high school graduation, or just because, here are 35+ unique gifts for teenage girls in 2026.

How to choose a red light face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

What about blue light therapy?

Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results in a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically placed bulbs.

Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks worked for us?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least one to two months.

Jay-Z is heading to the Super Bowl, only this time he'll have a microphone. After years of helping shape the halftime show from behind the scenes (and a week of speculation), the rapper will headline it himself in 2027.

The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the news Monday, Oct. 26, confirming that Jay-Z will perform at Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game will air on ESPN, ABC, and Disney+.

The announcement arrived during Monday Night Football with a black-and-white video featuring Jay-Z sitting in a stadium surrounded by goats — yes, actual goats — soundtracked by "Public Service Announcement" with the accompanying caption "GOAT's out of the bag." Doesn't quite roll off the tongue, but I digress.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

It's a familiar venue for the rapper, who just played two shows at SoFi over the weekend as part of a concert run celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Now, he’ll return for a performance that brings his role in the NFL's entertainment operation full circle. His company, Roc Nation, has helped produce the halftime show since 2019, with headliners including Rihanna, Usher, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation about who would take the stage. Puck reported that Jay-Z had emerged as the pick over fellow contenders Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, while TMZ had named Harry Styles among the frontrunners.

But alongside the excitement about which songs he might perform, many people online were quick to point out the unusual arrangement at play.

"jay finally approved his own application," one user wrote. "Announced himself you mean!" added another, while one user joked that "Jay-Z really pulled a Katniss," invoking The Hunger Games heroine's decision to volunteer.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Those jokes had already been circulating for a week. After Puck reported that Jay-Z would headline, an r/Music thread titled "Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z to perform halftime show for Super Bowl LXI" drew thousands of comments. One Redditor imagined the boardroom pitch: "Jay Z presents…. Jay Z." Another offered a revised lyric: "He's got 99 problems but being in a powerful position of influence regarding the Super Bowl Halftime Show ain't one."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The NFL, for its part, framed the choice as a longtime ambition. "When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that Jay-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. Apparently, that moment has arrived.

Some listeners, however, questioned whether that moment had passed. Some Reddit commenters debated whether a show built around his decades-long catalog would feel exciting in 2027. His most recent solo album, 4:44, came out in 2017.

"Pretty lame choice. Jay hasn't had a hit or been relevant in years," one commenter wrote. Others suggested younger pop stars or called for a rock band to headline instead.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

But for fans welcoming the announcement, the back catalog is precisely the appeal. "I ain't mad at it! Perform Izzo, Encore, & Otis," one fan wrote on Reddit. One X user called it a "rare announcement that actually lives up to the hype."

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce was similarly enthusiastic during Monday Night Football’s coverage. "He's got more stadium-ready hits than most artists have songs, period," he said.

There's also excitement around who might join him. Jay-Z's anniversary concerts featured a rotating roster of guests, including Rihanna, Eminem, Nas, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, giving fans plenty of material for their Super Bowl predictions. None have been confirmed for the halftime show, but that hasn’t stopped people from submitting requests.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"Imagine he brought Ye out with him for this, at least for the sake of the culture," one user wrote on X. On Reddit, others floated Linkin Park, which teamed up with Jay-Z on Collision Course, and "Empire State of Mind" collaborator Alicia Keys. Unsurprisingly, Beyoncé was also high on the wish list. "He's coming with his wife (for sure)." Another user wrote, "The only reason people are going to watch is for Beyoncé," said another.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

But the prospect of famous guests didn’t win everyone over. "Other tagalongs who haven't been relevant in a decade either? Neat," one Redditor wrote. "She already did a half time show. We need something fresh," another wrote about Beyoncé, who headlined in 2013 and returned in 2016 as a guest during Coldplay's set alongside Bruno Mars.

Jay-Z appeared to address some of the criticism during his second SoFi show on Oct. 24, questioning the gap between what people were posting and what concertgoers could see for themselves.

"People will tell you that nobody was in here tonight, but you got eyes, you can see. People will tell you that the music wasn’t great, but you got ears," he told the crowd, before urging fans to "question everything in this world of AI."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

We’ll see whether Jay-Z wins over the skeptics on Feb. 14. At least he won’t have to worry about impressing the guy who picked him.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box is on sale for $122.95 at Amazon, down from its $132.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering Avatar

Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box (30 Packs)

$122.95 at Amazon
$132.99 Save $10.04

Get Deal at Amazon

If you've been holding off on getting into Magic: The Gathering's Avatar The Last Airbender expansion, Amazon has brought its 30-pack Play Booster Box down to a new low. 

As of Oct. 27, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box is available for just $122.95 at Amazon. That knocks $10.04 off its typical $132.99 price, giving you an 8% discount and bringing the cost down to $4.10 per pack.

That is this 30-pack box’s lowest price so far — confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel. What’s more, that’s only $2.20 above its estimated market price on dedicated trading card platform TCGplayer.

Inside this massive display are 30 Play Boosters containing 14 cards apiece, giving you 420 cards altogether. Each pack includes at least one Traditional Foil card and between one and four cards of Rare rarity or higher, with a chance of pulling special borderless alternate-art cards.

Alongside familiar characters like Aang, Zuko, and Katara, the expansion brings the show's elemental bending abilities into iconic TCG’s gameplay. Whether you're building new decks, organizing a draft night with friends, or simply opening packs to expand your collection, there's plenty of themed content from the hit franchise to explore.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Three-Booster Blister Pack is on sale for $36.98 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $41.95.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign 3-Pack Blister

$37 at Amazon
$41.95 Save $4.95

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Preordering one of Pokemon’s upcoming Delta Reign Display Boxes costs over $200 for 30 packs, but the blister containing three boosters is a solid way to get into the Mega Rayquaza ex-themed expansion at a modest price compared to market value — and an Amazon seller has dropped theirs to the lowest price we’ve seen.

As of Oct. 27, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Three-Booster Blister Pack can be preordered for just $36.98 at Amazon. That's a $4.97 cut from its typical $41.95 price. Keep in mind that rather than being sold and shipped by Amazon, this is being sent from third-party seller Collectors Expedition, with free delivery currently estimated for Nov. 13 — seven days after the expansion's Nov. 6 release.

This price is a nice undercut on Walmart (where the same Delta Reign blister is still priced at $39.99), where sellers on this platform usually try to beat Amazon on modern Pokemon TCG releases. 

TCGplayer is the cheapest place to buy, offering unopened Three-Booster Blisters for $33.29, including shipping, which is $1.28 below its estimated market price of $34.57.

Each blister comes with three Delta Reign booster packs containing 10 cards each, along with a promotional Seel card. That works out to approximately $12.33 per pack at Amazon before factoring in the extra promo.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is on sale for $51.95 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $64.94.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection

$51.95 at Amazon
$64.98 Save $13.03

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Some Pokémon TCG expansions keep dropping in price over time, but the 30th Celebration poster collection has been stubbornly sticking to the $60-$65 range. Now, however, Amazon sellers are giving you a chance to pay just over $50 once again. 

As of Oct. 27, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is available for $51.95 at Amazon, saving you $12.99 on its $64.94 list price. Keep in mind that this lowest-price listing comes from third-party seller TCG & MORE, but still ships through Amazon, with free delivery currently estimated between Nov. 10-22.

For comparison, that's just 97 cents above the $50.98 Amazon deal we covered on Oct. 19, but is still below its average Amazon price of $53.66 (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel). Those wanting their cards sooner can pay $53 through another Amazon seller, TszDirect, with free delivery set for Nov. 5 at the time of writing.

Inside the collection are three 30th Celebration booster packs, foil promo cards featuring Kanto's Legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, and a double-sided poster measuring nearly 27 by 39 inches — bringing together artwork from more than 160 cards in the expansion.

Each booster contains five foil cards, one foil Basic Energy, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. When comparing TCGplayer listings, be careful when checking the descriptions, as some of its much cheaper offers are for the poster alone rather than the full sealed collection.

I test new robot vacuums on a regular basis and compare them to the top performers from previous months, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum and tweak its settings for optimal performance, I keep notes on its overall suction power vigor, scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum and mop combo), pet hair pickup, the convenience of its automatic emptying and self-washing mopping pads, accuracy of smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. But the final boss here is cost efficiency — I'll be the first one to point out when a cheap robot vacuum actually works well for the price, or when a high-end robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge or not.

Recent changes to this guide

July 2026: I added the Narwal Flow 2 as the new pick for best roller mop robot vacuum overall, bumping the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow to the best roller mop robot vacuum under $1,000. The Narwal Flow 2 has stronger suction power and more advanced AI spill detection.

March 2026: I added the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow as the best roller mop robot vacuum, replacing the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller. Though the Dreame has more powerful suction on paper, the Curv 2 Flow demonstrated better edge mopping and comparable vacuuming. I also replaced the Eufy X10 Pro Omni with the Eufy C28 and shifted it to my budget roller mop pick. The X10 Pro Omni is two years old at this point, and the new C28 offers more advanced cleaning and obstacle avoidance.

January 2026: I added the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Aqua10 Ultra to the best roller mop robot vacuum. The Roborock Saros 10R, which was listed as the best option for corner cleaning, has been removed from the list. It costs nearly the same amount as the X60 Max Ultra Complete, which has near-identical corner mopping abilities and much stronger suction power.

December 2025: I added a disclaimer to the pick for best Roomba value in light of iRobot's bankruptcy news.

October 2025: I added the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Roborock Saros 10R (previously named the best robot vacuum right now) to the option for best corner cleaning.

July 2025: I removed the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum from this guide. While it was a solid budget mopping robot vacuum for its first year or so on the market, it's now a little bit too basic compared to other newer budget robot vacuums.

We wanted to test our way through the best Ninja had to offer in kitchen appliances. We brought the most popular products from the brand into our kitchens to see how the Creami, Slushi, Foodi, and Ninja Kitchen System stacked up.

Why buy Ninja?

There are plenty of kitchen appliance brands out there, so why Ninja? Generally, we find its products to be some of the best value products. They tend to be the most affordable options on the market that still deliver excellent performance.

Plus, Ninja products are really beginner-friendly devices that are easy to use with minimal setup required. The appliances bring ease with delicious end products. The Creami is a perfect example of this. Traditional ice cream making requires a bit of skill, knowing how to cook custards to the right temperature with hours of churning. But the Creami simplifies ice cream making with a user-friendly product that still delivers a fantastic end result.

Just because they're beginner-friendly devices doesn't mean they're only for beginners. They're convenient devices with professional-level performance that help develop a more efficient kitchen.

Other products we tested

Having rounded up the best Ninja kitchen appliances means we tested a lot of products and not all of them made it to the list, two notable exceptions being the Ninja Creami Deluxe and Foodi Grill and Air Fryer.

The Ninja Deluxe was my introduction to the Creami lineup, and it is great. It spun up creamy frozen confections and even featured a frozen drink setting. However, compared to the Swirl, it required several re-spins to get the right texture.

Meanwhile, the Foodi Grill was another great multicooker from Ninja. The indoor grill made delicious, juicy chicken breasts with actual char marks. Plus, its air-frying capabilities were a little too good. It got things crispy fast, but often felt like it dried out food in the process. Plus, it was just so large that it didn't feel like a practical device for most people.

That being said, these devices are good, but not in our all-star line-up.

When it comes to gifting, kids can be particular. The things kids like change not just with age, but also with evolving trends from TV shows and new technology. If parents are lucky enough, their kid will write a long list of the precise items they'd like as a birthday or Christmas or Hannukkah gift and put it up on the fridge with pride. But sometimes, it can be as much of a crapshoot as coming up with a gift idea for someone else's kid. Without further ado, here are the best gifts for kids of all ages — including toy and non-toy gifts alike.

TL;DR: Burger King has announced a Cartoon Network collab in the UAE, including collectible figures of Finn, Ben 10, Courage, Bloo, Johnny Bravo, and Rigby with King Jr. Meals.

Burger King is officially resurrecting classic Cartoon Network figures, but you won't find them at your local drive-thru.

The fast-food chain is launching a six-character collectible capsule featuring heavy-hitting icons from back in the day. The problem? The promotion is currently live exclusively across the United Arab Emirates, leaving U.S. collectors stranded on the secondary market. Does that mean we shouldn't cover this collab? Absolutely not. Collectors will always find a way.

View this post on Instagram

What’s inside the collection

Each figure from the collection comes bundled with a King Jr. Meal:

• Finn (Adventure Time)

• Ben Tennyson (Ben 10)

• Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog)

• Bloo (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends)

• Johnny Bravo (Johnny Bravo)

• Rigby (Regular Show)

Do not expect these to roll into your U.S. drive-thru anytime soon. The focus in the U.S. remains on the Hello Kitty collab.

If you're an obsessive collector who absolutely needs Johnny Bravo or Courage on your desk, you're going to need to track eBay importers. International toy resellers in Dubai are already listing complete sealed sets on eBay. Keep search alerts on "Burger King UAE Cartoon Network 2026."

If you've grabbed drinks with any single friend lately or scrolled through TikTok, you know the general consensus: dating apps are exhausting. App fatigue is very real, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel like a second full-time job. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question over and over: Which dating apps actually work?

My answer is always the same: The only real "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone choosing eharmony may want a structured, relationship-focused experience, while someone on Tinder might be looking for anything from a casual hookup to a long-term partner. The important thing is finding an app (and people) whose goals line up with yours.

“It’s very common to spend days, weeks, or even months messaging with someone, become infatuated with the fantasy of them, and then get together in person and be disappointed,” Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. “I wouldn’t let more than a few days go by before transitioning to an in-person meeting or at least a video call.”

So, before you delete your profiles and swear off romance forever, take a breath. Despite the burnout, people are still finding partners online. A 2026 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that half of U.S. adults who have used a dating site or app have been in a committed relationship with someone they met through one.

You just need the right tool. That's why I swiped, matched, and messaged my way through dozens of platforms to find the best dating apps of 2026. Whether you're looking for a serious commitment or just a casual weekend fling, these are the apps I think are worth downloading this year.

If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and gay and bisexual men.

The dating apps I'd skip (and why)

You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — I need a good reason to send you there instead of somewhere else.

Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:

• Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but it didn't make my cut. In my experience, sorting through suspicious and low-effort profiles made finding someone I actually wanted to talk to feel like more work than it was worth. Unless you enjoy doing that much filtering before you even get to a conversation, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

• Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application and wait to see whether you're accepted through its vetting process. Getting in doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a better time finding a date, either. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)

• Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. That pitch alone isn't enough to earn my recommendation. I'd start with the hookup apps I've recommended instead, and read the subscription and cancellation terms carefully before signing up for any unfamiliar site.

After more than a decade of making content online, MeganPlays has learned she doesn't need an elaborate creator setup to get the job done.

In fact, when Mashable asked the gaming creator what essential tech and tools she keeps in her bag, she had a pretty simple answer. "I raw-dog it," Megan said. "I just have my cell phone." Fair enough.

Megan has spent more than 13 years creating content online, building an audience through gaming videos on YouTube before expanding across platforms like TikTok, where she now has 5 million followers. But her mobile creator kit remains surprisingly minimal.

Here's what MeganPlays keeps in her bag.

MeganPlays doesn't overthink her creator gear. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images

Her phone

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro on Us With Trade-in and Qualifying Plan at T-Mobile

 

See It at T-Mobile See It at Best Buy See It at AT&T Wireless

No complicated camera setup here. "I just have my cell phone," Megan said.

That's particularly useful for the more personal content Megan posts to TikTok, where her approach is intentionally loose. Rather than overthinking every upload, she films vlogs, tries filters, participates in trends, and posts whatever strikes her as fun in the moment.

As she put it when describing her TikTok strategy: "If it comes to mind, do it."

A magnetic phone light

Magnetic Selfie Light for iPhone Phone Light with Clip,Magnetic Ring Light for Phone Rechargeable with 3 Modes Travel Video Light LED Mini Ring Light for Recording Android Ipad

$25.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

There is one accessory attached to that phone: a small magnetic light. "I also have a little magnetic light on the back of my phone for selfies, of course," Megan said. Priorities.

There is, however, one downside. "It does make a ringing noise," she added.

Which brings us to a brand-new addition to Megan's creator bag.

A tiny microphone

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

RØDE Wireless Micro (2 Mics + Case), USB-C for Smartphones, Orange

$99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Technically, Megan didn't arrive at Mashable's VidCon studio with a microphone. She left wanting one.

After spotting the mini Rode wireless mics we were using for interviews, she decided her minimalist setup could accommodate one more piece of tech. "You were telling me about these little mics," Megan said. "I'll pick one of these up. Add it to my bag."

Then she realized it could solve the problem of her noisy phone light. "Now I'm gonna have this mic," she said. "Oh my God, the ideas, they come to me."

Consider her creator setup officially upgraded.

Lip gloss

And finally, the actual nonnegotiable. "Lip gloss, obviously," Megan said. "Obviously lip gloss. Always gotta look good."

Phone. Light. Mic. Lip gloss. After 13 years online, that's all that MeganPlays needs.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.

The COVID-conscious lesbian bar in Western Massachusetts is closing. Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue went viral after the Boston Globe reported on conflict sparked by the relaxation of its KN-95 mask policy. 

Last Ditch announced the closure in an Instagram post on Monday, effective immediately (though excluding events that had already been booked). This doesn't necessarily mean that the COVID-conscious lesbian bar is gone for good. Last Ditch stated that it was a "soft" closure, and put out a call for anyone interested in joining the business as owners — or taking over completely.

However, without such a saviour, it seems likely that this will be the end for Last Ditch.

"We have put our lives on hold to foster networks of care, resources, and a home base for organizing. It's time we pass it on," Last Ditch wrote in its Instagram post. "We've been fighting since the beginning to fill out the team, and we still don't have a board/leadership to manage workers owned Co-op transfer."

View this post on Instagram

Last Ditch gained internet fame last month following a Boston Globe article detailing uproar surrounding changes to its masking policy. Online commenters had harshly criticised the decision, accusing Last Ditch of ableism and even calling for violence in some cases. The situation quickly spiralled out of control, involving apologies, retractions, public meetings, and furiously dissatisfied commenters, with the venue's leadership team falling apart.

This outsized reaction may have been enough to spark Boston Globe readers' interest, however it was the strange details and anecdotes within the article that really captured the internet's attention. Though deputy editor Annalisa Quinn was reporting on the facts, the facts seemed to border on parody, with people reposting quotes such as "one [Last Ditch owner] had enrolled in clown school."

While Last Ditch has been overshadowed by the furore surrounding it, the venue aimed to provide an inclusive and welcoming space for lesbians. With this week's announcement, the LGBTQ community is now left mourning the loss of one of the scant few lesbian bars in the U.S.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Ethan Klein has spent years dissecting other people's internet scandals on the H3 Podcast, the comedy and commentary show he built with his wife, Hila. Now, their own relationship is at the center of the conversation.

Hila has accused Ethan of having an affair lasting more than six months, leaving the couple's marriage and the future of their show in question. Fans are trying to make sense of the news, while people across social media are digging through old episodes and swapping what they believe are clues.

If you've seen the posts but don't know the people behind them, here's what happened — and how a marriage, a podcast, and years of internet history became tangled together.

First, who are Ethan and Hila Klein?

Before the podcast, there was h3h3Productions. Ethan and Hila launched the YouTube channel in 2011, posting sketches and reaction videos that poked fun at viral clips, internet trends, and other creators. Ethan was often the louder, more confrontational presence, with Hila appearing alongside him.

One of their breakout videos was 2016's "Vape Nation," (30 million views) which followed Ethan around New York City playing an exaggerated vaping enthusiast. The outfits, enormous vape clouds, and interactions with strangers helped make him a recognizable figure in YouTube comedy.

The couple met in Israel in 2007, while Ethan was visiting on a Birthright trip, and married in 2012. As their audience grew, viewers got to know them as both creative partners and a couple.

Their H3 Podcast expanded that world into longer conversations, mixing internet commentary with interviews featuring guests such as Post Malone and Joji. The production crew became part of the show, too, joining discussions and developing their own followings.

That dynamic also powered Frenemies, the show Ethan began co-hosting with YouTuber Trisha Paytas in 2020. Sitting in front of a pink-and-black backdrop, the two traded personal stories, discussed other creators, dressed in costumes, and, most commonly, argued.

The partnership ended in June 2021 amid disputes over money, production, and creative input. But Paytas remained connected to the family: She married Hila's brother, Moses Hacmon, later that year.

Through these different versions of H3, the Kleins' relationship remained a familiar presence. Viewers followed them as they built businesses and raised their three children. Hila also founded the clothing brand Teddy Fresh in 2017 and later launched the makeup brand Teddy Glow.

Their lives and work became closely intertwined. But now, their separation means figuring out how to untangle them.

What did Hila say happened?

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

On Oct. 22, Ethan announced on Instagram Stories that the H3 Podcast was going on "indefinite hiatus." Hila’s subsequent Instagram statement revealed the personal crisis unfolding behind the scenes.

"I am living in a nightmare I can’t wake up from," she wrote. "My husband has been having an affair. I have been fed lie after lie after lie for months. I am tired of lies. Here is the truth."

Hila said she had sensed something was wrong and tried to discuss her concerns with Ethan. According to her account, he dismissed her questions, but the behavior that worried her continued.

"So I trusted him. Because I loved him," she wrote. "I stopped questioning him and began to question myself, my own instincts. My sanity."

When she eventually caught him in a lie, she said, his explanation kept changing. "'It was just a kiss’ became ‘it was emotional cheating,'" she wrote. "After I dragged these lies from him, he finally admitted he’d been in an affair for over 6 months, the extent of which I’m sure I still don’t know."

"He was my safe place, my partner in marriage, parenting, and business," she continued. "My only family on this side of the world. How do I even begin to make sense of this?" Hila said she was navigating separation and co-parenting while focusing on herself and their children. She did not identify the other person allegedly involved.

What does this mean for Ethan and the podcast?

The crew's response quickly made clear that the fallout would extend into the workplace.

"We are all shocked, angry, and heartbroken to learn about Ethan’s ongoing affair," the team wrote in its own Instagram statement. "We stand with Hila and will support her every step of the way."

"As soon as we found out, we all agreed: we would not continue working with Ethan involved or profiting in any way,” they added. "We don’t yet know what that means for the future. There’s a lot to work through, and we wish we had more answers for you."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Ethan subsequently said he was working to remove his financial interests from the businesses he shares with Hila.

"I am working with Hila to urgently remove my ownership and financial stakes in any podcasts, Teddy Fresh, Teddy Glow or any joint venture that I would profit from," he wrote on Instagram Stories.

"All of your support will go directly to Hila and the crew. I do this in the hope that people can still support Hila and the crew without the concern of enriching me." He also praised the team and said its members could make an "awesome show."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In a separate statement, Ethan asked people not to contact his family seeking him or their comments. "They have nothing to do with this and share in your outrage and disappointment,”"he wrote.

Why is Ned Fulmer involved?

Ethan had plenty to say when another creator’s "wife guy" image fell apart.

In September 2022, Try Guys member Ned Fulmer admitted to a "consensual workplace relationship" with an employee. The revelation was particularly jarring because Fulmer had made his devotion to his wife, Ariel, a recurring part of the group's videos. The Try Guys announced his removal that month.

"The really sad part is they have two kids," he said. "Cheating is so despicable, man, especially when there’s kids involved."

Ethan, who shares three children with Hila, also criticized men who betray their partners after watching them go through childbirth. "It’s got to be humiliating for his wife," he said. "And she’s got to do this in the public eye."

Fulmer wasn’t about to let that pass. On Oct. 25, he posted two blunt responses on X: "ethan klein can fuck all the way off," followed by "karma’s a bitch, huh?"

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Why are Trisha Paytas and Hasan Piker coming up, too?

Once people started looking backward, the conversation expanded beyond Ethan's comments about Fulmer to his history with former collaborators. For Paytas, that meant renewed attention to old clips in which she criticized Ethan and discussed his marriage. (Because she is married to Hila's brother, Moses, the allegations involve her family as well as her former co-host.)

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

On Oct. 25, Paytas reshared a message on Instagram Stories that read, "Please be with someone who thinks everything about you is a big deal," listing birthdays, favorite foods, and favorite flowers as examples. It ended with "You in general? A big deal."

As for Hasan Piker, Ethan launched political podcast Leftovers with Piker, the left-wing Twitch streamer also known as HasanAbi, in September 2021. The two discussed the news, mocked conservative figures, and debated their own political differences.

Their partnership broke down in 2023, following Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza. Disagreements over Israel became increasingly contentious, and their final Leftovers episode aired on Oct. 12, 2023. The arguments continued long after the show ended. Ethan eventually released a lengthy takedown titled Content Nuke — Hasan Piker, and Piker responded to his accusations through livestreams.

That history gave Piker’s Oct. 23 post on X an apparent target. "JUDGE ME BY MY ENEMIES," he wrote. He also made a 90-minute video called, "THE ETHAN KLEIN AFFAIR CLUES ARE INSANE," which has amassed over 1 million views in 24 hours. The video accumulates what he calls "diabolical clues."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Between Frenemies, Leftovers, and years of internet feuds, Ethan has given plenty of people a reason to follow the fallout — and they can’t stop watching it unfold on social media (at least, I can’t).

Much of that attention has turned into amateur detective work, with viewers combing through old episodes and comparing notes on TikTok and Reddit. The speculation has centered on Tamara Joseph, an animator and podcaster on H3, as users point to supposed social media unfollows and past interactions with Ethan. (Neither Ethan nor Hila publicly identified her as the person involved in the statements discussed here.)

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

On Reddit, some viewers are revisiting moments they once laughed off. In a thread titled "The foreshadowing here was crazy," commenters are trying to work out whether the crew suspected anything, whether Hila was suspicious, debating whether H3 could survive without Ethan, or simply mourning a show they spent years watching.

Users on X, Reels, and TikTok have done the same.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Ultimately, you can comb through the threads yourself, but be prepared to lose an afternoon. Years of publicly documented relationships have become material for a sprawling crowdsourced investigation. Happy sleuthing.

Apparently, getting better at something now requires adding "maxxing" to its name. There's sleepmaxxing, proteinmaxxing, looksmaxxing, and even cozymaxxing, because a night on the couch can apparently be optimized, too.

As of Oct 26, "maxxing" is Dictionary.com’s 2026 Word of the Year. The publisher describes it as:

“the practice of pursuing an activity to the fullest or optimizing a certain aspect of your life.”

The shorthand for "maximizing" can describe a serious self-improvement effort or a joke about doing very little. Its versatility has helped it spread across beauty, wellness, work, and everyday internet conversation.

Dictionary.com traces the term’s roots through "min-maxing," a gaming strategy that involves developing a character’s strengths until their weaknesses matter less. Online communities eventually gave "maxxing" another "x" and an expanding list of things to work on.

One of its most recognizable forms is "looksmaxxing," which focuses on improving physical appearance. But the template has spread into workplace conversations about "tokenmaxxing," or using as much AI as possible, and lifestyle trends like "frictionmaxxing," which implores you to "rethink your relationship to your device — and your humanity." Increasingly, Dictionary.com says, people also use "maxxing" as a word on its own.

The dictionary recognition has been building, too. In September, Merriam-Webster added "looksmaxxing" among 1,400 new words and definitions, alongside "vibe-coding" and "cuffing season."

The word's history also goes beyond jokes about optimizing your bedtime. Looksmaxxing grew out of incel forums and sits within the broader manosphere, a network of online communities often associated with misogyny and rigid ideas about masculinity. Mashable has explored the subculture through its looksmaxxing glossary and coverage of its racist beauty standards and dehumanizing language about women.

One of looksmaxxing's most recognizable figures is Braden Peters, better known as Clavicular, who shares appearance-focused (and often misogynistic) advice with millions of followers. While looksmaxxing can involve everyday grooming and skincare, its more extreme forms include crash dieting and "bone smashing" — striking facial bones in the unfounded belief that doing so will create a more defined face. There's also "pheromone-maxxing," which involves skipping showers, avoiding deodorant, or wearing unwashed clothes in the hope that a stronger natural scent will attract potential partners.

The concerns extend beyond physical injury. New Zealand's Classification Office, for example, warns that some looksmaxxing content can encourage disordered eating, obsessive scrutiny of appearance, and feelings of hopelessness, while exposing viewers to misogynistic or extremist messaging. That history matters as the language becomes mainstream, even as people adopt "maxxing" for pursuits far removed from those communities.

What else made the shortlist?

Dictionary.com’s other finalists were "affordability" "data center," "odyssey," and "unc." Its explanations, respectively, pointed to the cost of living, debates over AI infrastructure, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and slang for someone considered older or out of touch.

Together, the choices offer a recognizable portrait of 2026: money worries, AI everywhere, a major movie event, and, yes, slang with roots in incel forums.

If that all sounds exhausting, there's always touching-grass-maxxing.

The Elon Musk-owned X has a new main character — or, this time, two entire countries.

While the platform is no stranger to users from different countries trading barbs with their neighbors (see: the FIFA World Cup), what's happening between France and Japan has gotten a little ugly. As protests in France continue over the rising cost of living and demands for better learning conditions in schools, X users in the country began to fight back against Japanese users who blamed the unrest on Black and Arab people.

At the end of the day, it's ugly internet beef. But to understand why it's these two countries in particular, here's some context.

France's "Act 3" protests

France is in the middle of a major protest movement. It started in mid-September at a high school in Créteil, southeast of Paris, where students and staff were frustrated by a shortage of teachers and resources. Since then, parents and union members have joined high school students, and some demonstrations have ended in clashes with police using tear gas. On Oct. 6 alone, about 56,000 people marched through Paris.

Frustration over rising living costs and struggling public services has fueled the unrest, too. Given that mass movements like these create unruly environments, there has also been rioting and looting in the streets of Paris.

Because the protests are about the state of education in France, the turnout skews toward students — and Gen Z loves anime. As Bloomberg reports, a Sony Group study of anime watchers across 10 countries found that "79 [percent] of anime fans between the ages of 13 and 17" had watched more anime than the year prior, with 68 percent of Gen Z respondents saying the same. At Oct. 17 demonstrations in Paris, Lyon, and Montpellier, students carried the Straw Hat Pirates' flag from One Piece, along with references to Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Jujutsu Kaisen. One slogan going around declared, "The world will be saved by Otakus."

The Straw Hat Jolly Roger is not an uncommon sight at protests these days. In the show itself, the main character, Monkey D. Luffy, and his pirate crew spend much of their adventures fighting corrupt governments and freeing oppressed peoples. The flag, as a symbol of rebellion, has appeared at demonstrations in Indonesia and Nepal.

Ironically, though, some Japanese users on X did not like this. On Oct. 19, the X account Anime Spotlight shared a roundup of Japanese users who were angry that the flag had become associated with violent unrest. It’s unclear how widely that view is shared.

Some Japanese X users then blamed France's unrest on Black and Arab immigrants, often with slurs and images of monkeys or the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Those posts echoed anti-immigration talking points that circulate among right-wing influencers and politicians in Europe and the U.S., even though the protests are about underfunded schools.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

French users hit back, and they weren’t any gentler. Their posts, translated from French, have gone viral — primarily going after Japanese men, playing on stereotypes about brutal work culture, loneliness, and the sexualization of young girls in some anime and manga.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

While the beef started with Japanese users attacking Black people, plenty of the French jokes are racist, too.

Why France and Japan?

What makes the feud strange is that these two countries usually get along famously. Japan has long held a romantic view of France, and France has been one of manga's biggest markets in Europe. Their leaders have even gotten in on the anime fandom: In April, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron struck the Dragon Ball Kamehameha pose together at a joint news conference.

In fact, Japan has its own fantasy version of France, so well known that there’s a name for the shock some tourists feel when the real city doesn't match it, called Paris syndrome.

The fantasy of what Paris and France are is part of the reason this feud kicked off. Many Japanese fans love an idealized "Western" version of Paris, not one with tear gas in the streets. Plenty of Westerners hold an equally idealized picture of Japan, largely shaped by anime, in which the country is viewed as polite, safe, quirky, and seemingly problem-free.

The lens through which many in the Western world view Japan is now being shattered, as the feud sheds light on some very real issues in the country.

It's been an open topic for a while now that foreigners can face less-than-stellar treatment in Japan. Nationalist party Sanseito won 14 seats on a "Japanese First" platform. In February, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party won a landslide while taking a tougher line on immigration. A Stanford survey found that opposition to bringing in foreign workers rose to about 53 percent in February, roughly 17 percentage points higher than in 2022.

Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister last October and is a staunch conservative. Before taking office, she regularly visited Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine honors Japan’s war dead, including 14 convicted World War II war criminals. Takaichi also considers the late nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a mentor. Japan’s neighbors, especially China and South Korea, see the shrine as a symbol of the country’s wartime aggression.

Another well-documented part of Japanese culture that's being poked at is its work culture. The problem of overwork is serious enough that the government is required by law to report on it to parliament every year, and its 2025 white paper was the 10th such report. The first report, published in 2016, found that 22.7 percent of surveyed companies had employees logging more than 80 hours of overtime a month, the official threshold at which the risk of death from overwork becomes serious.

Relatedly, there is great concern over mental health. Japan recorded 19,097 suicides in 2025, the first time the yearly total fell below 20,000 since records began in 1978. That brought the suicide rate down to 15.4 per 100,000 people. Men accounted for 13,117 of those deaths, compared with 5,980 women. The picture is more complicated than overwork alone, though. Health problems were the most commonly cited factor, followed by economic struggles and family issues. And while overall numbers fell, suicides among children hit a record high in 2025 for the second year in a row, reaching 532.

The bigger picture

As stated, online beef between citizens of two countries is not new. This particular moment in digital culture is a bit different, as it targets the West's mythical image of Japan, shaped by anime, games, and the Japanese government’s own "Cool Japan" soft-power push.

Japan may be propped up as safe, polite, and a bit quirky, but its image, like every country's, has blind spots too. The same Western audiences that idealize Japan can overlook its immigration fights, its overwork crisis, its abusive justice system, or the way its wartime history is still contested at home and across Asia.

Race plays a part in which stories stick, too. Asian American immigrants, particularly from East Asian countries, are often held up in the West as model minorities, a "flattering" stereotype often used to justify continued oppression of Black American and Asian communities.

None of that excuses the racism flying both ways. Many of the posts from French users attacking the Japanese are no better than the posts they’re answering, and stereotypes about either country don’t add up to a fair critique of it. But the feud illustrates why a country’s pop culture exports rarely tell its whole story.

That’s true of Japan seen through anime, and of Paris seen through postcards.

Early Black Friday home improvement deals at a glance

---

Best cordless power tool deal

DeWalt 20V Max Drill and Impact Driver

$129 (save $110)

Get Deal

---

Best robot lawn mower deal

Segway Navimow i105N Robot Lawn Mower

$669 (save $130)

Get Deal

---

Best smart lighting deal

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 (100 feet)

$279.99 (save $50)

Get Deal

---

Best smart home deal

GE Smart Shades Motorized Roller Shade (38 inches wide)

$270.74 (save $99.25)

Get Deal

---

Best space heater deal

Dreo Whole-Room Heater (725)

$71.97 (save $8.02)

Get Deal

---

Best home security deal

Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle

$109.98 (save $60.01)

Get Deal

---

Best outdoor power equipment deal

Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw

$94.99 (save $65)

Get Deal

Early Black Friday is shaping to be a perfect time to make home improvements. We're seeing great sale prices on everything from cordless power tools to robot lawn mowers to Christmas lights that never need to be taken off the house.

Shopping early means you'll get to avoid any shipping delays and start on those home improvement projects before holiday guests arrive. We've gatherer our favorite home improvement deals below that are ready to shop before Black Friday. Check back as we keep this page updated with fresh deals.

Best cordless power tool deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Drill and Impact Driver

$129 at Amazon
$239 Save $110

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Every home needs a cordless drill. Even if you don't consider yourself to be espeically handy, having a cordless drill around will be endlessly useful for various projects that crop up. The DeWalt 20V Max combo set gives you both a compact drill driver and impact driver. Both have onboard LED lights to make the job easier, and they're designed to fit into small spaces. The bundle comes with the two cordless tools, two 20V Max batteries, a compact battery charger, and a convenient contractor case to keep everything stored.

Best robot lawn mower deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Segway

Segway Navimow i105N Robot Lawn Mower

$669 at Amazon
$799 Save $130

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

A robot lawn mower is the ideal home improvement upgrade if you dislike the yard-care task or you have allergies. The Segway Navimow i105N is designed to mow lawns that measure up to an eighth of an acre while operating at a quiet 58 decibels. Segway equipped this model with the smarts to automatically detect and avoid over 150 types of obstacles like ground lights, rocks, barbecues, and more.

More robot lawn mower deals

• Dreame LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower A3 AWD — $1,304.99 $1,599.99 (save $295)

• Ecovacs Goat O1000 LiDAR Pro — $1,425.89 $1,499.99 (save $74.10)

• Mammotion LUBA mini 2 — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)

• Roborock RockMow X130H — $1,999.98 $2,499.99 (save $500.01)

Best smart lighting deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Govee

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 (100 feet)

$279.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $50

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Every year, just as the weather gets frigid and wet, someone has to climb onto the roof to get the Christmas lights up. Instead of doing this every year, upgrade to the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 and make this the last trip onto the roof in sketchy weather.

With the Govee app, the RGBIC lights are capable of displaying 16 million colors. If that feels like an overwhelming number of options, go with one of Govee's preset holiday options. Keeping lights up year-round means you get to be the cool house on the block that has a great display for every holiday and sporting event.

Best smart home deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: GE

GE Smart Shades Motorized Blackout Roller Shade (38 inches)

$270.74 at Amazon
$369.99 Save $99.25

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Nothing will make you feel like you live in a smart home more than upgrading to motorized window coverings. The GE Smart Shades Motorized Roller Shade can be controlled either with the included remote or via Matter-compatible smart home systems like Alexa.

Fall is a great time to make the home improvement move to motorized shades since sunset is creeping into the 4 p.m. hour soon. They're also a great option for those with limited mobility or injuries that make it hard to operate standard window coverings.

Best space heater deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dreo

Dreo Whole-Room Heater (725)

$71.97 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $8.02

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Tis the season to finally get the space heater for that chilly office or corner bedroom. Instead of dealing with frozen toes for another year, the Dreo Whole-Room Heater is already on sale ahead of Black Friday. Dreo designed the space heater to provide 360-degree heating power while operating at a super quiet 25 decibels, so you won't notice it's there.

Of course, the Dreo comes with safety features like tip-over protection and a child lock. Plus, the included remote control glows in the dark.

More space heater and air purifier deals

• Vornado VH10 Space Heater — $64.99 $79.99 (save $15)

• Levoit Air Purifier — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

• Blueair Blue 511i Max Air Purifier — $112.99 $139.99 (save $27)

• Vornado VHeat Vintage Metal Space Heater — $123.34 $169.99 (save $46.65)

• Shark NeverChange Detect iQ Compact Pro — $179.98 $229.99 (save $50.01)

Best home security deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Philips

Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle

$109.98 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $60.01

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Available in a matte black or satin nickel, the Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt is great for busy families. With the ability to store up to 50 fingerprints, everyone who should have access to the front door will have instant unlocking power. You can also use codes on the touchpad. From the app, you'll get real-time notifications and a log of past events for ultimate peace of mind. It's a great home upgrade to snag before holiday travel.

Best outdoor power equipment deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Greenworks

Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw

$94.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $65.00

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

For plants, trees, and bushes that need maintenance during dormant seasons, now's the time to get pruning. The Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw is perfect for trimming the yard without gas fumes or lugging around a massive power tool. It's both easy to start and easy to store thanks to the compact size. Plus, it recharges in 60 minutes with the included charger.

TL;DR: Domino’s and Minecraft Dungeons II are launching a block-shaped pizza collab with free game giveaways.

Do your weekend plans involve grinding through local co-op dungeons with a slice of pizza in hand? Domino’s and Minecraft just dropped the ultimate collab for you.

Starting Oct. 26, Domino’s is teaming up with Minecraft Dungeons II for a limited-time nationwide partnership. Order a new block-shaped pizza to unlock collectible character boxes, digital in-game cosmetics, and a chance at claiming a free digital copy of Minecraft Dungeons II.

How to score a free game code and digital loot

We showcase a lot of these free giveaways from major brands, and it's always a little disappointing when you have to jump through a million hoops to qualify for the promotion. That's not the case here. It's refreshingly straightforward.

Customers who purchase a Domino's block-shaped pizza will receive one of six boxes, each featuring a different Minecraft Dungeons II character: Corrupted Creeper, Prime Enchanter, Valorie, Zombie, Pig, and Creeper.

Domino's Rewards members who purchase a Domino's online can also unlock one of three exclusive, randomly awarded in-game items to use in Minecraft Dungeons II. The order automatically generates a promo code in your "My Rewards" tab redeemable for one of the random items: the Domino’s Skin, the Slice Slayer Cape, or the Cheesy Cube Pet.

Credit: Domino's / Minecraft

That's exciting, but the real draw of this collab is the free game giveaway. Between Oct. 26 and Nov. 4, purchase a pizza and submit your receipt at dominos.com/minecraft-dungeons-ii for a chance to win one of 20,000 free Minecraft Dungeons II game codes (2,000 codes awarded daily for PC and Xbox).

We love the characters, and the in-game items are cool, but giving away 20,000 full-game downloads turns a brand collab into a genuinely high-value opportunity. With 2,000 game tokens up for grabs daily across the 10-day sweepstakes window, your odds of scoring a free PC or Xbox copy are surprisingly solid if you submit proof of purchase early in the day.

Just note that game codes are only valid on PC and Xbox, so PlayStation or Nintendo Switch players can only redeem cosmetic item codes.

Four years after embarking on an official Farewell Tour that fooled absolutely no one, McDonald’s is resurrecting its most polarizing creation well ahead of schedule. Yes, you guessed it: From Oct. 27, the McRib will begin rolling out to select McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S.

Love it or hate it, the McRib isn't going anywhere. First introduced in 1981, the sandwich features a seasoned, boneless pork patty shaped like a miniature rack of ribs, drenched in tangy barbecue sauce, and layered with onions and pickles on a toasted homestyle roll.

Rather than executing a nationwide launch, McDonald’s confirmed early availability across six hubs:

• Los Angeles

• Chicago

• Miami

• Atlanta

• Philadelphia

• Dallas

By staging a regional rollout instead of a nationwide release, McDonald's is deliberately feeding into that scarcity dynamic that we see in other areas like Pokémon. And because availability varies by region, blindly driving to your local drive-thru is a recipe for disappointment.

Instead, we recommend checking the McDonald’s App and the McRib Locator website to plan your attack

There's always a lot of fuss made about Starbucks Red Cup Day. Devoted followers of the brand are always desperate to find out when the launch will drop. People actually book the day off work to get their hands on these festive holiday cups. You might think it's madness, but there's going to be more chaos this season.

Forget Red Cup Day, because Starbucks has officially confirmed the return of the viral Bearista Glass Cold Cup for the 2026 holiday season. Rather than dropping everything alongside the holiday menu rollout on November 5, Starbucks is staggering the return of its most viral mascot across two dedicated drops in November and December.

In 2026, Starbucks is splitting the release into two phases:

• Nov. 10: Starbucks is introducing the Glass Bearista Cold Cup — Surprise Box Edition, a mystery blind-box collection

• Dec. 1: The classic, viral Bearista Glass Cold Cup officially returns to select coffeehouses for a holiday restock.

Starbucks is introducing a mystery blind-box collection. Credit: Starbucks

Both drops arrive in strictly limited quantities, while supplies last. That makes them standout pieces for collectors. But you knew that anyway, didn't you?

The reality is that coffeehouses are likely to sell out within 30 minutes of opening.

If you want to secure either the Nov. 10 or Dec. 1 drop without camping on a chilly sidewalk, we suggest targeting licensed Starbucks kiosks inside grocery stores and big-box retailers when doors open. These kiosks tend to receive independent stock shipments and see significantly lighter foot traffic. This tactic does not guarantee success, but you've got to do what you've got to do.

If your morning routine revolves around seasonal espresso shots and viral coffee tumblers, mark your calendar: Starbucks’ 2026 holiday menu officially launches on Nov. 5, bringing back fan favorites and fresh treats.

That's exciting news, but it's not the main draw for seasoned coffee lovers and cup collectors. The Peppermint Mocha is great and all, but it's not Red Cup Day. This is arguably the biggest day on the coffee lovers' calendar. Starbucks hands out a free, limited-edition red reusable cup with every qualifying handcrafted holiday beverage order on this special day. And you guessed it: fans and collectors go wild.

Starbucks has officially confirmed the date for Red Cup Day 2026: You can score a free reusable holiday cup on Nov. 17.

How to score a free reusable cup

Getting your hands on the free collectible cup is pretty straightforward, but we should note that supplies run out notoriously fast.

To get your free cup, buy any handcrafted holiday or seasonal beverage (hot, iced, or blended) in any size. The promo applies across in-cafe purchases, drive-thru orders, mobile orders on the Starbucks app, and delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. Once you have your reusable red cup, bringing it back on future visits saves you $0.10 per drink.

Just be prepared for heavy app delays and long drive-thru lines on launch morning — mobile ordering at least 20 minutes ahead is non-negotiable if you want to dodge the rush.

TL;DR: Pokémon is rolling out exclusive free promo cards featuring Kyogre, Groudon, and Giratina at major retailers across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

Sound the alarm. It's rare to get any sort of deal on Pokémon cards right now, so the prospect of getting free cards is hard to believe. Yes, there are some hoops you need to jump through. But this is Pokémon. You'd do anything to get your hands on free promo cards, right?

For a limited time, you can score three of the franchise’s most iconic legendary Pokémon without paying premium prices.

To celebrate the launch of the upcoming Mega Evolution Delta Reign expansion on Nov. 6, Pokémon is rolling out exclusive free promo cards featuring Kyogre, Groudon, and Giratina at major retailers across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Each card is stamped with the commemorative Pokémon 30/What's Your Favorite foil logo, making it a unique addition to any collection.

Each promo card is tied to a specific store, so you can target the exact card you want:

• Kyogre: Available at Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, Five Below, and Macy’s (U.S.)

• Groudon: Available at GameStop (U.S.) and EB Games (Canada, Australia)

• Giratina: Available at Best Buy (U.S.) and Toymate / Mr Toys (Australia)

To walk away with one of these promos, you must spend $15 or more on qualifying Pokémon TCG products at participating retailers starting Nov. 6. Grabbing three booster packs or a collection tin easily clears the $15 minimum threshold, making this a free value-add if you were already planning on ripping Delta Reign packs on launch day.

As always, the real hurdle will be inventory. Supplies will be limited in-store and online. GameStop and Best Buy promo cards routinely vanish within hours on expansion mornings as local card shops and scalpers clear out cash registers. If you want the full trio, order online for in-store pickup right when doors open on Nov. 6 rather than strolling in later in the day. You know the drill by now.

TL;DR: Owala is dropping two new striped colorways, Sweet Talk (pink) and Punch Line (red/burgundy), across six models, including the FreeSip, FreeSip Sway, and SmoothSip Slider. Prices range from $29.99 to $39.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Owala

Owala Sweet Talk and Punch Line Collection

 

Shop Now

At this point, we will buy any colorway Owala throws at us. We've tried the Nalgenes, the Hydro Flasks, and every plastic or glass bottle in between, but nothing quite compares to the Owala FreeSip. It is, as Mashable's Samantha Mangino put it, "the water bottle to end all water bottles" — and truly the ultimate emotional support accessory.

Between the FreeSip spout that lets you sip through a straw or chug when you're extra thirsty, the leak-proof cover that keeps germs off your mouthpiece, and insulation that keeps ice jingling for 24 hours, it has earned every bit of its viral TikTok hype. So yes, whenever Owala drops new shades, we are first in line.

The latest collection is easily one of their prettiest yet, bringing a sophisticated, seasonal twist with vertical stripes. The drop features two gorgeous new colorways: Sweet Talk, a soft, sweet blend of pink stripes, and Punch Line, a bold and rich red/burgundy striped combo. This new Owala drop delivers the exact cozy, moody-chic aesthetic your fall rotation has been missing.

Credit: Owala

Both of these new striped colorways are available across six different models and sizes, so you can grab your exact favorite silhouette:

• FreeSip 24oz — $34.99

• FreeSip 32oz — $39.99

• FreeSip Sway 18oz — $31.99

• FreeSip Sway 30oz — $39.99

• SmoothSip Slider 12oz — $29.99

• SmoothSip Slider 20oz — $34.99

Between all-day ice-cold FreeSips, the travel-ready FreeSip Sway, and the hot-drink-friendly SmoothSip Slider, there's a striped option for whatever you're drinking. The drop is officially live, so snag your favorite colorway before the limited-edition run disappears.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box

$129.99 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $79.71

Get Deal at Amazon

After spending much of September closer to $150, Magic: The Gathering's biggest box of packs for the popular Marvel Super Heroes expansion has finally given trading card collectors a sizable discount on Amazon.

As of Oct. 26, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box costs just $129.99 at Amazon. With this 38% price cut, that’s an overall saving of $79.71 versus its $209.70 list price, working out to approximately $4.33 per pack.

It's also $17.99 below the $147.98 deal we covered on Sept. 11, and as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price we’ve seen since the box skyrocketed in price back in August. 

Amazon is handling both the sale and delivery. Free shipping is currently estimated for Oct. 31, or as early as Oct. 27 with Prime. 

Each display contains 30 Play Boosters with 14 cards apiece from the hit expansion — giving you the chance to pull Marvel favorites like Iron Man, Hulk, and Doctor Doom to add to your Magic collection. 

Each pack includes a guaranteed Traditional Foil and one to four rare-or-higher cards. There's also a less than 1% chance of pulling a Foil Borderless Mythic Rare.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $132.98 at Walmart, down from its previous price of $237.98.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$132.98 at Walmart
$237.98 Save $105

 

Shop Now at Walmart

Amazon's $59.99 invitation-only listing for the Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is gone, but if you want to grab this coveted ETB right now for closer to market price, Walmart has knocked another $12 off.

As of Oct. 26, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $132.98 at Walmart, compared to its $237.98 list price. With that $105 saving, you’re spending $11.98 less than the $144.96 Walmart deal we covered on Oct. 14.

This cheaper listing comes from the third-party Walmart Marketplace seller PrimeCardHouse, with free shipping. Keep in mind that while you don’t have to apply for an invitation to buy this one, the ETBs from this listing are non-returnable. 

The new Walmart price also makes for a much closer comparison with TCGplayer. The specialist trading card marketplace currently puts the 30th Celebration ETB's market price at $120.94, leaving Walmart just $12.04 above that mark.

This anniversary ETB packs nine 30th Celebration booster packs, each containing one of 30 special Pikachu rare cards to collect. You'll also get an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 card sleeves, dice, a coin, six dividers, a player's guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

It's kind of wild to think now, but Stephen King and Elon Musk used to have fairly light-hearted interactions on X (then Twitter).

Back in 2019, they were talking about the horror author owning a Tesla. Now, seven years later, there's no love lost between them whatsoever.

King and Musk's latest clash came on Sunday, after the Tesla CEO branded Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Texas, James Talarico, a "far-left extremist."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

King reshared Musk's post and added his thoughts as to why Musk may be targeting Talarico in particular.

"Elon Musk is afraid of Talarico because he [Musk] has a lot of business in Texas," responded King. "It has nothing to do with principles or programs; for Musk, it's all about the Benjamins."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Musk, clearly prickled at being criticised by a man he once described as "one of the most creative people on Earth", hit back.

"Your mental model outside of short-sighted tribalism is pathetically stupid," he wrote.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

It seems pretty clear that Musk doesn't like Talarico, who is currently in a very close midterms race with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Filings have shown that the world's richest man contributed $150 million to the Texas race in support of Republicans, leading to Talarico calling him out directly at a recent rally and saying "Texas is not for sale."

Musk, meanwhile, has a large base of operations in Texas. It's easy to imagine why he'd want the state represented by someone matching his political ideology.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box is on sale for $59.99 at Amazon, down from its $79.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box

$59.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.00

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon has taken another hefty chunk off the Pokémon TCG's Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box, letting you grab four booster packs from the hard-to-find, popular Mega Evolution expansion for less — even cheaper than the last time we covered this collection back in July.

As of Oct. 26, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box is available for just $59.99 on Amazon. Compared to its $79.99 list price, you're saving exactly $20 with this 25% discount. The box is incredibly close to its lowest-ever Amazon price.

This listing comes from the third-party seller Collectors Expedition, which also handles shipping — delivery is expected by Nov. 4 at the time of writing. Despite it being a third-party listing, this box still comes with Amazon’s 30-day refund or replacement window if there are any issues.

For that $59.99, you'll be getting four Ascended Heroes booster packs, one playable foil promo card featuring Mega Meganium ex, and an oversized lenticular version of the same card. That effectively works out at around $15 per booster pack, with both promotional cards thrown in on top.

If you’re after any of the expansion’s most valuable chase cards — like the $700+ SIR Mega Gengar ex, the $600+ SIR Pikachu ex, and the $400+ SIR Mega Dragonite ex — you can buy individual Ascended Heroes cards on TCGplayer. 

TL;DR: Get lifetime AskAnyModel AI Pro access for a one-time $29.97 payment (reg. $499) through Oct. 25 with code SAVE10.

Opens in a new window

Credit: AskAnyModel

AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$29.97
$499 Save $469.03

 

Get Deal

The first AI answer isn’t automatically the most useful one. AskAnyModel AI Pro lifetime access is just $29.97 (reg. $499) through Oct. 25 with code SAVE10, giving you a way to compare responses instead of repeatedly copying your prompt into different tools.

The platform brings more than 50 AI models into one browser-based workspace, including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, and others. Select two to six models, enter your prompt once, and view their answers side by side.

That comparison is useful when you’re weighing different approaches to a coding problem, looking for a stronger headline, or exploring a research question. You can review response times and token counts, too. Comparing answers helps you assess your options, though it doesn’t replace checking important facts.

The plan’s usage structure deserves attention. You get unlimited chats with 30 standard models, plus 500 monthly credits shared across 19 premium models. A separate Gemini model with Google Search grounding allows up to 300 chats per week. Lifetime access therefore doesn’t mean unlimited use of every model.

Image generation adds another practical benefit: you can create unlimited images across supported models without spending premium credits. And when a conversation needs a different approach, you can switch models without losing context.

There’s no software to install, and the model library receives ongoing updates. For writers, developers, and anyone who uses AI across different tasks, it’s nice to have several approaches available without managing separate interfaces.

One purchase gives you ongoing access, while the included monthly credits let you choose when to use premium models.

Get AskAnyModel AI Pro Lifetime for $29.97 with code SAVE10 through Oct. 25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pokémon Center revealed a sneak peek at its upcoming holiday plush collection, featuring Pikachu as a Christmas tree, riding a Clodsire sleigh, and driving a Porygon-mobile. The new winter lineup drops ahead of the holiday season, with official release dates and pricing coming soon.

With winter right around the corner, it's almost time to transform your room into the ultimate cozy cave. And if your seasonal setup is currently missing a Pikachu dressed like a Christmas tree or an absolute unit of a Clodsire pulling a sleigh, the Pokémon Center is about to fix that.

The official store just dropped a preview of its upcoming holiday plush collection, giving us a first look at a fresh wave of insanely cute winter releases. We've already covered all the best highlights from the full holiday drop, from Mew tree toppers to Snom beanies, so consider these plushies the festive cherry on top.

We don't have exact prices or an official launch date yet, but the drop will feature Pikachu taking on all kinds of festive roles across both full-sized plushies and plush key chains.

Credit: Pokémon Center

Here's what's coming:

• Tree-kachu — Pikachu went all-out this year and straight-up dressed as a holiday tree. The floppy-eared fit features pastel ornaments, a glittery red bow, and a shiny golden Minior sitting on top instead of a regular star.

• Clodsire Sleigh — Stantler and Sawsbuck can take the year off because Pikachu has a very gallant Clodsire pulling its sleigh this time around. Both of them are rocking matching winter hats, and the back of the golden-trimmed sleigh even sports Pikachu's signature ears and lightning-bolt tail.

• Porygon-mobile — Pikachu apparently got its top wishlist item this year and is now flexing on everyone while cruising around in a toy car modeled after an upgraded Porygon.

• Tangela Cookie — Easily the most relatable one of the batch, this plush catches Pikachu in full holiday snack mode. It's blissfully munching on a cream-filled Tangela cookie with its eyes closed in pure happiness.

• Snowman Pikachu — Channeling classic Santa vibes with a floppy cap and a fluffy white beard, Pikachu gets rolled up into a perfect little snowball with its bright red cheeks poking out.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Pokémon Center site over the next few weeks so you can scoop these up before the holiday rush sells them out.

Credit: Pokémon Center

If you're experiencing some serious online dating burnout from traditional swiping but still don't want to give up the chance to make a fun connection with a stranger, you owe it to yourself to try Pure. 

Pure does almost everything differently, ditching dating profiles and endless swiping in favor of user-generated "ads" that are publicly visible for one hour at a time. If another user interacts with your ad, you receive a chat request to start the interaction. 

In our experience, this approach is light-years ahead of traditional swiping, especially if you're just looking for a hookup — here's why. 

Opens in a new window

Credit: Pure

Pure

 

Learn More

A status update for the hookup-minded

Traditional dating apps operate slowly, encouraging users to take their time reading profiles and swiping left and right, and even when a match occurs, it can take days or even weeks from the first person swiping right to the other person confirming the match. Pure operates much faster: you post an ad to the post board, where it's publicly visible for just one hour, and other people can choose to interact with it or not.   

In practice, this idea is genius, especially because the hookup mood is often temporary. If you find yourself eager for connection and with some free time, you can just load up Pure and check the most recent posts for something that stands out to you. Rather than long, involved dating profiles, Pure offers something closer to a status update, with only the essential information: who you are and what you're looking for, in the moment. 

The "give to get" mechanic

One of Pure's best features is that it restricts post board viewing only to members who have already posted an ad. In other words, if someone sees your ad, it means they too have a one-hour-long post filled with a request, want, interest, or itch they want scratched. 

Why is this so important? Because on regular dating apps, lots of people swipe through profiles out of curiosity, or boredom, or a need for validation. Pure cuts through the noise to offer concentrated desire in the form of a temporary personal ad

No wasted time

Another great feature of Pure's post system is that not only do the ads themselves disappear (typically after an hour), but so do the chats those ads generate, so if you do end up starting to talk with someone, both you and your chat partner have to act decisively to extend the chat or meet IRL before the 24-hour expiration deletes your entire chat history. 

If you've ever wasted hours on a back-and-forth Tinder or Hinge chat that seemingly goes nowhere but never dies, you'll appreciate Pure's straight-to-the-point approach.

Privacy

If you're out for a hookup, you may appreciate the discretion and anonymity Pure affords its users. When you post an ad, you are under no obligation to include your age or a photo of your face, or even a photo. You can share whatever you're comfortable with sharing and then filter out people as they interact with you. 

And because everything from the ad itself to the chats you may initiate as a result of the ad all expire after a set amount of time, erased not only from your app but from Pure's servers, you can be assured of a higher degree of privacy on Pure than on most conventional dating apps.

Anyone who knows anything about the online dating world has surely heard of AdultFriendFinder. It's one of the OGs of online hookups, having launched in 1996 — the early days of the internet — and becoming a top 100 website in the U.S. by the late 2000s. Pretty much everyone is horny from time to time. But despite that undeniable popularity, AdultFriendFinder has never quite managed to establish itself in the mainstream like Tinder or Hinge.

There’s a very good reason for that.

AFF, as it’s known among its users, is explicitly an “adult” dating site. And trust us when we say that we do mean explicit. Anything goes on AFF, where users are encouraged to fly that freak flag and indulge in all their kinks and desires. AFF is proud of that fact, but it's also the reason it's never gone fully mainstream. After all, users are unlikely to talk about their AFF activity over the water cooler as they might discuss their Tinder hit rate. The NSFW content (it's chock full of nudity) means there's no dedicated app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Those platforms won't allow that kind of content.

But what if you’re curious about how AFF works and whether it's a good fit for you? What if you’ve always wondered whether you’re missing out on the best-kept online dating secret and want to join the NSFW party? Or maybe you’re worried it’s more hype and chatbots than seriously spicy fun. If that all sounds familiar, there's no need to fret about AFF FOMO because we've done the work for you.

Here's a breakdown of the AdultFriendFinder experience and what you can realistically expect to get from it if you decide to dip your toe into these naughty waters.

Opens in a new window

Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating site

If you sign up for AdultFriendFinder for a standard online dating experience, you’re sure to be disappointed. It’s not that AFF members aren’t interested in serious dating; it’s more that AFF isn't necessarily the place to go looking for that. Sex and sexuality are front and center, and everything else comes from there, so to speak.

You'll see that for the first moment to log on. Unlike mainstream dating sites, which ban nudity from profile photos, AFF allows it, so that regular dating-app selfies sit side-by-side with full-on full-frontal nudity and live webcam feeds. It might be too hot for some would-be daters to handle, and it's certainly jarring when you first sign up. There is a content filter, accessible in your profile settings, but it defaults to "off," so if you would rather not see any nudity (in which case, AFF might not be right for you), navigate to this setting ASAP. That will mean you only see NSFW content when you actively click on it.

For some people who aren't looking for a bare-all experience, this might sound off-putting, but to those who are looking for exactly that, it’s refreshing. (And if we're not using AFF to gawk at a little nudity, what are we even doing with our lives?) Unlike traditional dating apps, where early conversations revolve around figuring out what the other person actually wants, AFF members tend to be refreshingly upfront and direct about their intentions. Kinks and sexual preferences are the whole point. Plus, getting to the point is a welcome time-saver with online dating.

How to meet people on AdultFriendFinder

Every online dating site lives or dies by its algorithm, with new platforms constantly rolling out novel ways to connect singles. AdultFriendFinder, however, takes a maximalist approach to interacting with strangers.

You can search for members the conventional way, using specific criteria like gender, sexual orientation, age, location, and more, but you can also jump into themed chat rooms or follow other members’ live streams. There's also a “Who’s Hot” tab that highlights popular members and trending photo and video uploads. This helps you easily discover someone you might never have come across through regular searches.

One thing you’ll notice quickly, however, is the presence of obviously fake profiles. When I searched for singles near me, I encountered a surprising number of stunningly beautiful women in a small rural town near my city. My excitement was quickly spoiled by their obviously airbrushed photos and vague, AI-sounding profile descriptions.

The issue is that AFF makes it very easy to sign up and create a profile, requiring just a username, password, and basic personal info. It's very easy for scammers to exploit this, so you'll see lots of bots. But don't be put off. You can navigate around them easily enough. All you need to do is stay vigilant on AFF and use some good old-fashioned common sense.

To help counter this, AdultFriendFinder offers a blue checkmark verification system. It even rewards users by boosting their visibility once they've completed it. Verification requires a government-issued ID, which AFF uses to confirm your age, photo authenticity, location, and gender. It's an optional step, but one worth completing since it helps you signal to others that you are who you say you are.

If avoiding scammers and catfishers is a priority, just look for that blue checkmark before you make any moves.

What kind of success rate can you expect from AdultFriendFinder?

It all sounds good so far, but there is a catch with AFF. While you can browse and explore AFF for free, meaningful one-on-one interactions require you to fork out for a paid Gold membership, which is available in either one-month ($35.95/month), three-month ($26.95/month), or one-year ($19.95/month) packages, all of which renew automatically.

Understandably, most people hesitate to pay for a dating site from the outset. They want to be sure the site is a good fit for them first. But with AFF locking its best features behind a paywall, it takes a leap of faith to enter those credit card details. If it makes you feel better, we find that a premium AFF membership largely justifies its cost — the benefits are good enough to make the fee worthwhile.

Indeed, with an AFF Gold membership, you unlock a range of features, including unrestricted messaging, high-resolution member videos and webcam streams, expanded profile galleries, and advanced filters that make it far easier to narrow down potential matches. You'll quickly see the benefits when you take the plunge with AFF's paid tier.

Does paying guarantee attention from everyone you message? Of course not. The usual dating-app dynamics still apply — heterosexual men, for instance, should expect to work harder for responses than heterosexual women. Being attractive, fit, or witty helps. Being all three helps even more, though we're not all lucky enough to possess that particular threesome of qualities.

What will work in your favor, regardless, is the size of the AFF community. It's huge, with members spanning a diverse range of ages, body types, orientations, and interests. That fact alone makes it easier to find someone. And you'll find all kinds of people you'd never have come into contact with otherwise. Especially if you’re hankering after something a little more casual and fun than serious and long-term.

Based on my personal experience of using AFF, as well as the limited statistics AFF has released, the platform skews male (roughly 60:40 in my area) and slightly older. That male/female ratio mirrors that of most dating sites, which tend to skew towards more men. The older skew can actually be an advantage if, like me, you prefer connecting with people closer to your own age.

Here's one parting piece of advice: Don’t ignore AFF’s broader community features. If you rely solely on search results and direct messages, you’ll face roughly the same odds as any other dating app. But if you explore the themed chat rooms — which can span everything from erotic fiction to body modification (whatever gets the juices flowing) — you’re more likely to find a connection that turns you on.

The cost of living is punting us all in the unmentionables right now. Spending your hard-earned cash on an expensive Halloween costume can feel unwise, especially since you'll only wear it for one night. 

Fortunately, you don't have to choose between getting into the Halloween spirit and making sensible financial decisions. Several of this year's most recognisable film and TV costumes feature clothes you can add to your everyday wardrobe after the holiday. In many cases, we even know the exact pieces the costume designers used, meaning your 2026 Halloween costume could be your most impressively screen-accurate yet.

Here are some 2026 Halloween costumes that can easily be added to your regular wardrobe after the spooky season ends (provided you don't stain them with fake blood).

Bryan from Resident Evil

Credit: Resident Evil / Sony Pictures

Resident Evil's beleaguered protagonist Bryan wears just one outfit throughout the film, as the entire bloody horror takes place on a single awful night. The medical courier's outfit also features several layers, making it a great costume choice as the weather gets colder.

The primary prop you'll need for a Resident Evil costume is a green cooler bag, which you can easily customise with a cross using white fabric paint. You could try snagging the official $25 Resident Evil Medical Courier Popcorn Bucket instead if you don't want to bother with painting. However, these popcorn buckets have been in high demand, so getting one by Halloween will likely be difficult. The Resident Evil popcorn bucket also features a fake-looking splash of blood and has the film title emblazoned across the back, which makes it less appealing for costume purposes.

Aside from Bryan's medical courier bag, a Resident Evil costume simply requires you to bundle up. Layer a yellow plaid shirt, a dark jacket, and a blue reflective vest, add the bag, and your costume is complete (blood splatters and an exhausted expression optional). This costume also has the benefit of making you highly visible to drivers while out trick-or-treating.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

If you're hoping to be as film-accurate as possible, Resident Evil fan account @RENews_X contacted costume designer Caroline Fahrer to get all the details on Bryan's outfit. It turns out that he's a fairly well-dressed courier — his beloved Js are a pair of customised Nike Jordan Spizike Low Rare Air sneakers in Oil Grey, released last year for $160. Unfortunately, many of the exact items Bryan wore will be difficult to get your hands on, with even pieces such as his stylish mustard FromTheSource Chunky Knitted Sheep Bobble Hat all sold out. Even so, @RENews_X provides a good reference to help you get as close as you can.

Nikki from Obsession

Credit: Focus Features

Indie horror hit Obsession had a limited budget of approximately $750,000, with just $6,000 set aside for wardrobe. As such, costume designer Blair James had to be economical, selecting affordable pieces and thrifting to curate the characters' outfits. While this posed a challenge for James, it also means that a screen-accurate Obsession Halloween costume won't hit your wallet too hard.

One of the most iconic Obsession outfits is Nikki's final dress (or rather, Sarah's): the $69 Defiant Love Mini Dress from Dolls Kill. This budget-friendly Halloween costume is fitting for Obsession's characters, as their retail jobs meant they probably weren't spending hundreds of dollars on a single dress. To steal Nikki's entire look, all you need to do is pair the dress with a black body marker and a lot of fake blood.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Another instantly recognisable Obsession costume is Nikki's party outfit, which James chose based on what the character would believe appeals to the male gaze. The exact pieces Nikki wore are the $49 Cielo Mesh Halter Top Red Zebra from Princess Polly and Edikted's $165 Washed Faux Leather Micro Cargo Shorts in Black. You don't need both exact pieces, though: you could just pair the Princess Polly halter with any dark micro shorts and still be identifiable as Nikki.

If you do want to go all-out, James revealed in a TikTok that Nikki's shoes were black knee-high Calvin Klein boots. While the exact boots appear to be no longer available, Calvin Klein's Preston Boot looks practically identical. Accessorise with a silver spiral pendant necklace for an extra film-accurate detail.

Patricia from Widow's Bay

When designing the costumes for comedy horror Widow's Bay, Alex Bovaird considered where people on the sleepy little island would have gotten their clothes. Rather than trendy stores, she thought that Widow's Bay residents would shop in thrift stores, choosing from clothes that were brought from the mainland years ago and simply circulated among the community.

Patricia's sunset cocktail party dress was no exception. In one of the most iconic looks from Widow's Bay's first season, Patricia attempted to elevate a dated red dress with a silver tiara adorned with clear glass crystals. Or, more accurately, she paired it with a disturbing headdress made from deer antlers, twigs, and a fox's pelt.

The exact dress that Patricia wore was a retro Carole Little '80s does '40s watercolour dress, which is practically impossible to get your hands on now. You'd need exceptional luck and a lot of time to spend searching to find the same design.

Fortunately, substituting another red floral midi dress with sleeves will still allow you to create a recognisable Widow's Bay costume, especially if you can find one with retro vibes. This means you have some leeway to choose a dress you'll wear as an everyday outfit once Halloween is over. Though important, the dress is merely an accompaniment to the real star of this Halloween costume: Patricia's antler headdress.

While it would be easier to simply wear a tiara to recreate Patricia's look at the start of her party, the antler headdress is what makes this Widow's Bay costume instantly recognisable — as well as much more fun. You'll have to make it yourself, as cursèd antler crowns are hard to come by in stores. However, deer antlers are also relatively affordable, and twigs can easily be collected. A real fox pelt would not be very budget-friendly, but it's easy enough to take apart a soft fox toy to use in your costume instead. 

To go the extra mile, you could also print out a cover for Patricia's book Your Turn: Out With the Old and In With the New by Lucy Fours. Wrap it around a hardcover, and you have your very own self-help book/necronomicon to guide you through a successful Halloween party.

New US users can get a Babbel lifetime subscription with all 14 languages for just $159 (reg. $299) using StackSocial’s code LEARN for a limited time.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Babbel

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)

$159
$299 Save $140

 

Get Deal

Learning a new language isn’t easy, but it also might not be as hard as some apps make it seem. If memorizing vocab lists isn’t working for you, check out Babbel. They take a more practical approach to teaching, and there’s even an AI conversation partner who can help you practice your pronunciation.

Normally, a Babbel lifetime subscription would cost $299, but right now it’s on sale for $159. Check out what that gets you.

Babbel gives you lifetime access to courses in 14 different languages, and the format is designed to fit into real life. Each lesson takes around 10 to 15 minutes, so you can actually stick with it whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just squeezing in some study time between meetings.

Here are a few of the included languages:

• Spanish

• French

• German

• Italian

• Portuguese

• Swedish

And that’s just the beginning.

Unlike other apps that focus heavily on word games or repetitive matching drills, Babbel centers its content around practical conversation topics. You’ll get lessons on travel, shopping, business, culture, and more, all developed by expert linguists and backed by academic research. Speech recognition helps fine-tune your pronunciation, while the new AI-powered conversation partner lets you practice speaking in real time.

Lessons sync across devices, so you can start on your computer and finish on your phone. There’s also an offline mode if you want to download lessons in advance. You can move at your own pace, revisit review sessions, and jump between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels based on your comfort.

Use code LEARN to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for only $159 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There's always a new AI photo trend on TikTok, whether people are turning themselves into caricatures or posing for an '80s yearbook portrait. If you've tried those and are looking for another excuse to play around with AI image generation, the "I'm so sorry" trend has people digging through their childhood photos — and apologizing for what they find.

People are sharing edited versions of their baby pictures, childhood snapshots, and old Halloween costumes, then revealing the changes one slide at a time. With every swipe, another detail gets stripped away until they unveil the real photo — and the result is usually pretty horrifying. Horrifying enough that users feel compelled to caption their posts with "I'm so sorry." The carousels are usually set to Harry Styles' "Coming Up Roses" or Prince's "Purple Rain."

The appeal of the trend is in the anticipation. Once you understand the format, even an innocent opening photo becomes suspicious. You start inspecting the hair, the outfit, the background. Something is going to go. Something is going to appear. You just don’t know what!

In the Halloween versions, that can mean revealing a costume was much more homemade or culturally offensive than the opening image suggested. Other versions start with a picture-perfect baby portrait before revealing a newborn photo that is not as cute as expected (I'll leave it at that). Some depict yearbook photos or women after giving birth.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

According to Know Your Meme, one of the earliest known examples came from TikTokker @theywanthunter on Aug. 22, when he posted a carousel featuring his supposed girlfriend saying, "Happy 2 years bae," before revealing that both the woman and the man in the image had been edited. The video had accumulated more than 25 million views by October.

Viewers online are eating it up, for the most part. "The 'I'm sorry I lied' trend on TikTok has to be the funniest trend ever," one user wrote. Another said it was "actually making me feel better about my childhood photos."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

But others are less amused by exactly how those slideshows are made. "Why do we keep normalizing uploading pictures of children into a public AI?" another user asked, raising a real concern that in order to participate in the trend, people are handing real childhood photos over to AI tools.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Those very real concerns center on what happens after the upload. Depending on the service and its settings, images may be retained or used to help train AI models. The public can also easily copy and manipulate those without permission. UNICEF has warned that real photographs of children are being altered into sexually explicit deepfakes. Of course, that doesn’t mean participating in this trend will lead to abuse, but it helps explain why some viewers are questioning the privacy trade-off behind the joke.

How to do the 'I'm so sorry' trend

Start with the photo you want to reveal at the end, then use an AI image editor (any will do) to create a more polished-looking version. You might change the hairstyle, upgrade the outfit, or give the background a makeover.

Then, for a gradual reveal, add in one edit at a time and save each version. Then arrange the images in reverse order. Upload the images as a TikTok photo carousel or create a video slideshow using an editing app, and add captions over each photo, admitting to each change as you go.

Finish with the original photo and the obligatory "I’m so sorry," then add your chosen audio from either the Harry Styles or Prince track. They're both pretty great songs.

With Sarah J. Maas's next installment, A Court of Splintered Harmony, arriving Oct. 27, another ACOTAR book hangover is inevitable. You know the symptoms: an inability to stop thinking about fictional people, an overwhelming urge to reread their best scenes, and the creeping suspicion that no other book will ever make you feel this way again.

Luckily, your next obsession might be waiting on another shelf. From the deadly vampire tournament of The Serpent and the Wings of Night to the dragon-riding chaos of Fourth Wing to other Maas classics, these eight books deliver dangerous worlds, complicated loyalties, and romances worth losing sleep over. Consider them your remedy for impending Prythian withdrawal.

1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

For readers who loved watching a human survive among dangerously powerful immortals.

If Feyre trying to stay alive Under the Mountain had you stressed, meet Oraya. She’s a human raised by a vampire king, which means she’s spent her life surrounded by people who could eat her. Hoping to improve those odds, she enters a deadly tournament and teams up with Raihn, a vampire who's both her competition and an enemy of her father. An inconvenient person to find attractive, really.

Oraya needs help surviving, but trusting the wrong person could kill her — a predicament that should feel familiar to ACOTAR readers. Welcome to The Serpent and the Wings of Night.

This New York Times bestseller began as a self-published novel in 2022 before Bramble picked it up and rereleased it in December 2023, bringing Oraya’s romantic and survival problems to even more readers. And there’s plenty to keep you busy: Five of the six planned main books are out, along with two companion books, though Oraya and Raihn’s central story wraps up in the first two.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1)

$6.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

2. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

For readers who want forbidden attraction and a heroine questioning everything.

Poppy is supposed to save her kingdom, but she's barely allowed to participate in it. Chosen as the Maiden, a sacred figure in her society, she lives under strict religious rules: no friendships, no romantic relationships, and very little freedom while she waits for a ceremony called her Ascension. She secretly trains to fight anyway. Then she meets Hawke, the guard assigned to protect her, and starts wanting a life she’s been told she can’t have.

Their forbidden attraction helped earn From Blood and Ash the romance award in the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards, where it received roughly 79,000 votes. But Poppy has more to contend with than feelings for her guard: As violent threats to the kingdom grow, she begins questioning the religious authorities who control her future.

If you liked ACOTAR's mix of romance, secrets, and a heroine discovering that the people protecting her might also be holding her back, this belongs on your list.

From Blood and Ash

$8.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $11.00

 

See It at Amazon

3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

For readers who want deadly training, simmering hostility, and wings.

Violet Sorrengail wanted to spend her life working with books. Instead, her mother sends her to a military college, where she must convince a dragon to bond with her and avoid being killed by her classmates — a substantial departure from her original career plan. Making matters worse is Xaden Riorson, a powerful wingleader whose family history gives him every reason to hate hers.

Violet also has chronic conditions, a characteristic inspired by Fourth Wing author Rebecca Yarros's own experiences with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and POTS. "I went to my publisher and said, 'I want her to have what I have,'" Yarros told Elle in 2025. This shapes how Violet approaches the college's deadly challenges, relying on her intelligence to survive situations she can’t simply overpower.

And if you get attached, you’ll have plenty of company. Onyx Storm, the third book in Yarros's series, sold 2.7 million copies in its first week in 2025, according to publisher figures reported by the New York Times. A Prime Video adaptation is also in the works, backed by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, with Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya reportedly cast as Violet and Xaden. (There’s no premiere date yet, so you have time to form your own opinions before the screen versions arrive.)

If you enjoyed watching Feyre work out how to beat opponents much stronger than her in ACOTAR — while developing feelings for someone she has reasons to avoid — there will be plenty here to keep you occupied.

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)

$14.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

4. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

For readers who take the "enemies" part of enemies-to-lovers seriously.

Lara isn't marrying King Aren with hopes of a happy life together. No, she's been trained to infiltrate his kingdom, discover its weaknesses, and help her homeland bring it down. Unfortunately for the mission, spending time with her husband and his people makes her question whether she’s been given the full story.

Important note: There's no actual magic in this world, but an undercover mission disguised as a marriage supplies more than enough trouble. And if you prefer listening to your fictional relationship problems, this one actually started as an audio series. The Bridge Kingdom debuted as an Audible Original in 2018, before Jensen self-published the print and digital editions in 2019.

The Bridge Kingdom

$5.99 at Amazon
$17.99 Save $12.00

 

See It at Amazon See It at Amazon

5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

For readers ready to get attached to another Maas heroine.

If you can't seem to get yourself away from Maas, go back to where her publishing career began. Throne of Glass arrived in 2012, three years before ACOTAR introduced readers to Feyre. It follows Celaena Sardothien, an imprisoned assassin offered a fairly unappealing job opportunity. If she beats a group of thieves, assassins, and other competitors, she'll become the king's champion, serving the ruler she despises in exchange for her eventual freedom. Then competitors start turning up dead, and figuring out what’s happening becomes just as urgent as winning.

Believe it or not, the original inspiration was Cinderella, according to Maas. The story eventually moved away from a direct retelling and grew into a completed eight-book series, including the prequel collection The Assassin's Blade. So if you're looking for another Maas series to occupy your thoughts for several thousand pages, clear some space.

Throne of Glass

$10.64 at Amazon
$15.20 Save $4.56

 

See It at Amazon

6. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

For readers who want more of ACOTAR's sinister fairy-tale atmosphere.

If you miss the creepy woods and unsettling bargains of early ACOTAR, try spending some time with Elspeth Spindle. She has an ancient spirit called the Nightmare living in her head, which is useful when she needs protection and considerably less reassuring when she considers what he wants in return. Joining a quest to cure her kingdom of dark magic puts her alongside a mysterious highwayman, and getting closer to him makes the whole secret-monster-in-her-head situation harder to hide.

Gillig had some appropriately eerie references in mind when she created the Nightmare: the yew tree from Patrick Ness's A Monster Calls and the creature in Henry Fuseli’s painting The Nightmare. But she wanted Elspeth to have some darkness of her own. As she wrote in a 2022 essay for Fantasy Cafe, she envisioned "a maiden who does not deliver the monster, but becomes one herself."

If that sounds like your kind of fairy tale, there's a manageable commitment ahead: One Dark Window and its sequel, Two Twisted Crowns, make up the completed duology.

One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, 1)

$9.78 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $9.21

 

See It at Amazon

7. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

For readers who want more faerie drama and a prince they can hold a grudge against.

Growing up in Faerie sounds lovely until you're the human everyone looks down on. Jude ended up in this exact situation after a faerie murdered her parents and took her and her sisters home with him. Now she wants to become a knight and secure a place at court, but Prince Cardan and his friends seem determined to make her regret trying. Unfortunately for them, she has no intention of backing off.

Soon, Jude is caught up in spying and a fight over the throne, while her hatred of Cardan develops some...inconvenient complications. If ACOTAR left you wanting more dangerous faeries getting tangled up in each other’s lives, there's plenty of that in The Cruel Prince. Just keep in mind that this is YA: You'll get romantic tension, but don’t expect Nesta and Cassian's approach to resolving it.

Plus, if you like the first book, Jude and Cardan’s main story spans a completed trilogy, so you can go straight into The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing without waiting for the next installment.

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air Book 1)

$2.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

8. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

For readers who want more Maas with a change of scenery.

OK, just one more Maas recommendation. House of Earth and Blood is the first book in her Crescent City series, where powerful Fae and ancient grudges coexist with cellphones. Bryce Quinlan is a half-human, half-Fae woman whose life falls apart when a demon murders her closest friends. When similar killings happen again, she teams up with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel, to find out who's responsible. Working together also gives them time to develop feelings that...complicate the arrangement.

The novel marked her adult debut, though she’d been working on it privately for years alongside ACOTAR and Throne of Glass. There's a whole city of supernatural creatures, power structures, and rules to get acquainted with, but for anyone still attached to Feyre's circle of friends, Bryce's friendships offer a familiar reason to get invested.

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City Book 1)

$9.49 at Amazon
$15.20 Save $5.71

 

See It at Amazon

Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters, or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

Starbucks just dropped a Halloween menu update that brings TV’s most sarcastic feline out of retirement.

Launched nationwide on Oct. 22, the new Black Cat Frappuccino is available through Halloween night at participating U.S. stores. To roll out the drink, Starbucks partnered with Archie Comics to bring back Salem Saberhagen (the talking black cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch) as the campaign's official spokesperson.

View this post on Instagram

I come across a lot of these brand collabs, but this one is special for me. I'm not ashamed to admit that I absolutely love that sassy little guy. And I'm so pleased to see him represented in coffee form. He deserves this.

The Black Cat Frappuccino is built on a caffeine-free Crème Frappuccino base. It blends dark chocolate cake powder and rich cocoa syrup with whole milk and ice to deliver a dense, liquid brownie batter flavor profile. It's finished with a swirl of whipped cream and topped with edible chocolate cat ears.

Will this new drop persuade me to change course from my regular order (venti iced black Americano, thank you very much)? I'm a creature of habit, so probably not. But it's hard to deny how cute those chocolate cat ears are.

It's important to note that this festive beverage is available exclusively in a grande size. Local store inventory is also likely to run out quickly as Halloween gets closer. Your best play is ordering via the Starbucks app for mobile pickup or using DoorDash or Uber Eats promo codes to get it delivered straight to your desk before the holiday menu launches on Nov. 5.

TL;DR: Brick's new Brick Night ($129) uses Bluetooth to create a 25x25 ft zero-scroll zone in your bedroom. Set your time window in the app, and it automatically blocks distracting apps when you enter your room — requiring you to physically leave the space to unblock them.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Brick

Brick Night

$129 at Brick

 

Shop Now at Brick

If you’ve ever promised yourself you’d go to sleep at a reasonable hour, only to realize you’ve been staring at a glowing screen for two hours in the dark, you're not alone. Most of us try to rely on willpower or built-in phone tools, but let’s be real — Apple’s Screen Time, Android’s Digital Wellbeing, and standard Do Not Disturb modes are way too easy to bypass.

It takes half a second to tap "Ignore Limit for 15 Minutes" and go right back to doomscrolling. That’s precisely why distraction-blocking brand Brick just created Brick Night: a dedicated physical device that forces an actual boundary between you and your phone the moment you step into your bedroom.

Priced at $129, Brick Night turns your sleep sanctuary into an automatic zero-scroll zone. The compact, midnight-blue block uses Bluetooth signal strength to detect when your phone enters a designated bedroom area (up to 25 x 25 feet). You choose the apps you want to block, pick your custom time window for winding down and waking up, and place the device where you sleep.

The second your phone enters that room during your set hours, your selected apps stay locked. To unblock them, you have to physically get up and walk out of the room. That physical barrier transforms your sleep routine: your favorite distraction apps lock the moment you walk into bed so you can unwind and rest, and you wake up on your own terms without feeds setting your mood before you even roll out.

Designed to be as frictionless as possible, the compact device features a clean ABS and TPU build and requires zero WiFi connection. It also doesn't need to be plugged into a wall and runs on two included CR2477 batteries. Plus, if you share a bed or room, multiple people can use the same Brick Night device simultaneously — each person can set up their own independent time windows, blocked app lists, and custom modes on their own phone.

If you're ready to stop relying on willpower and finally reclaim restful nights, Brick Night is now available for $129.

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for our readers, we wrote the content.

TL;DR: The Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Windowpane Plaid Sport Coat is on sale for $174.99 at Men's Wearhouse, down from $249.99. That's a $75 discount on a sharp, breathable holiday gift for dads.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Men's Wearhouse

Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Windowpane Plaid Sport Coat

$174.99 at Men's Wearhouse
$249.99 Save $75

 

Get Deal at Men's Wearhouse

Shopping for dads during the holiday season usually devolves into the same predictable routine: novelty socks, overpriced grill tools, or tech gadgets he'll forget to charge. If you want to give him a wardrobe upgrade that won't end up buried in the back of his closet, Men's Wearhouse just dropped the Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Windowpane Plaid Sport Coat down to $174.99, a $75 discount.

The main reason most dads resist dressing up is sheer discomfort, but this Joseph Abboud Heritage jacket makes it a non-issue. Woven from a rich wool blend (60% wool, 38% polyester, and 2% spandex), it offers built-in stretch for comfortable movement from a morning commute to weekend gatherings. Plus, instead of a heavy, suffocating lining, it uses a lightweight butterfly lining that keeps things breathable and prevents overheating during stuffy indoor holiday parties or long family dinners.

Visually, the bold windowpane plaid pattern gives any outfit an effortless style upgrade, elevating a smart-casual look. It’s packed with classic, high-end tailoring details like fine pick stitching, a notch lapel, flap pockets, side vents, and a sleek single-breasted two-button closure.

The tailored Modern Fit delivers a balanced, comfortable profile through the chest and shoulders, keeping him looking consistently dapper without feeling squeezed into a restrictive suit. Whether paired with chinos for a casual weekend dinner or thrown over dark slacks to complete a holiday look, this imported sport coat is a versatile wardrobe staple built to last.

Skip the generic dad gifts this year and grab the Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Sport Coat at Men's Wearhouse for $174.99.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is on sale for $157.99 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $204.95.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box

$157.99 at Amazon
$204.95 Save $46.96

Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon has knocked even more money off Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Play Booster Box, giving Middle-earth trading card fans another chance to grab 30 packs for less than ever. After already slashing the price to a record low in September, the retailer has now brought the whole display below $160 for the first time.

As of Oct. 23, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is down to just $157.99 at Amazon, saving you $46.96 on its usual $204.95 price after a surprise 23% discount. With that new price drop, you’re effectively only paying a per-pack price of $5.27 for the 30 Play Boosters inside the box. 

Confirmed using Mashable’s go-to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is indeed the lowest price the MTG Hobbit box has seen since it was first listed with the retailer. Shipped and sold by Amazon instead of a third-party retailer, you can get this delivered as soon as Oct. 24 (at the time of writing) if you’re a Prime member. 

In case Amazon sells out, keep in mind that Walmart’s listing has also dropped to $157.99, though it's sold by third-party seller Cataclysm Games. Meanwhile, you can save even more at TCGplayer — where the Hobbit Play Booster Box is selling for $140.49 at the lowest. That’s just $1.44 over its $139.05 market price. 

The box contains 30 14-card Play Boosters and a traditional foil Middle-earth Box Topper, featuring a special reprint from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set. 

As is usually the case with this type of box, each pack also guarantees a foil card alongside one to three rare or higher-rarity cards, with opportunities to pull special alternate-art and borderless treatments. All in all, you and other collectors will have plenty to chase from Bilbo's adventure to the Lonely Mountain, while also offering enough cards for drafting and building decks with friends.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Sylveon ex Box is on sale for $59.95 at Walmart, down from its $79.95 previous price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Sylveon ex Box

$59.95 at Walmart
$79.95 Save $20

 

Get Deal at Walmart

If you’re still waiting to get an invite to buy a 30th Celebration ETB for under market price, you and other Pokémon collectors can spend the same amount on another of the expansion's popular boxes after a major price drop.

As of Oct. 23, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Sylveon ex Box is down to just $59.95 at Walmart, saving you $20 on its $79.95 list price. That's a 25% discount altogether, and a whole $34.80 less than the $94.75 Amazon deal we covered during October Prime Day.

You can still save slightly less at dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer, where listings are as low as $59 when including shipping. If you prefer buying your trading cards through traditional retail sites, this is the best price you can get right now — and is only $1.66 higher than TCGplayer’s estimated $58.29 market price. 

Walmart’s listing is sold through third-party retailer Realgooddeal but is still fulfilled by Walmart. 

The 30th Celebration Sylveon ex Box includes four booster packs from the anniversary expansion, one playable foil Sylveon ex promo card, and an oversize foil version for display. 

That gives you opportunities to pull one of the special set’s most popular chase cards, which you can also buy individually on TCGplayer — including one of the $3,700+ RGB Rare Mews, the $85+ SIR Mew ex, and the $70+ Gengar ex.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box is on sale for $252.47 at Amazon, down from its $269.21 typical price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box

$252.47 at Amazon
$269.21 Save $16.74

 

Preorder at Amazon

The release of Pokémon TCG's Delta Reign expansion is now just weeks away, and Amazon sellers have dropped the preorder price for the massive 36-pack Booster Display Box. That's good news for your trading card budget. 

As of Oct. 23, the Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Booster Display Box is available to preorder for $252.47 at Amazon. This is $16.74 off its usual $269.21 price, and it comes from third-party seller Collectors Expedition, with free delivery currently estimated for Nov. 14 — eight days after Delta Reign's Nov. 6 release.

With 36 boosters included, you're effectively spending around $7.01 per pack, each containing 10 random Pokémon cards. That leaves you with 360 cards to unpack altogether, excluding Energy and code cards.

Delta Reign is introducing over 135 cards, including Mega Rayquaza ex, Mega Golurk ex, Mega Malamar ex, and Mega Golisopod ex. There are also three new Legendary Stadiums and plenty of rare cards to hunt down when the expansion arrives next month.

An invitation to an Apple event has long been something to brag about in the tech world. Now, for some influencers, it reportedly comes with business-class travel, a hotel stay, and time with the company's top executives.

On the Oct. 15 episode of Bloomberg's Power On podcast, Mark Gurman said he had confirmed that Apple offered influencers "paid hotel, paid business class travel" to attend its "Pro and Tell" product experience in Los Angeles, calling it a "creator-focused event." For the creators attending the upcoming Los Angeles showcase, Gurman described plans that include meetings with new Apple CEO John Ternus and other executives, plus dinner on Oct. 27, ahead of the company’s Oct. 28 special event.

This isn't the first time Apple has brought creators together for an exclusive experience. In March 2025, the company invited a group of student creators to Los Angeles for a one-day event that attendees nicknamed "Apple Campus" or "Apple University." For student and creator Heaven Marley, the invitation itself was a surprise. "I got the email and thought it was spam at first," she told People.

The company followed that with a similar creator gathering in Los Angeles this January. Creator Petr Mara shared an invitation to an "Apple Experience" running Jan. 27 to 29, coinciding with the launch of Apple Creator Studio, a subscription combining software for tasks such as editing video, making music, and working with images.

And, at the September iPhone event, livestreamer IShowSpeed performed a backflip while holding an iPhone Duo in front of Ternus. His video has more than 6 million views on YouTube as of Oct. 22. (Last year, MrBeast attended the event with former CEO Tim Cook.)

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Other tech companies already offer a similarly warm welcome to creators.

Bloomberg's Chris Welch also noted on the podcast episode that Samsung and Google cover travel and hotels and host dinners too, calling it "standard fare." Gurman agreed that Apple wasn’t doing anything outside its competitors' practices. What stood out to him, though, was the change from the days when an Apple invitation was enough:

"There was a time...people were begging to go," Gurman said. "It's not the other way around, typically."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

So what do companies get out of all this hospitality? Well, a chance to reach consumers through creators they already love. In a September analysis, Deloitte found that about 70 percent of U.S. consumers who engage with creators regularly return to the same ones; and roughly 60 percent said they had made a purchase primarily because of a creator's recommendation or sponsorship in the previous six months.

That appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed by the tech press. Discussing Apple's 2025 invitations on MacBreak Weekly, journalist Jason Snell argued that influencers can offer companies more control over their message, repeating promotional points "instead of questioning your points as a journalist might." And as tech reviewer Ben Sin wrote on X in March, "I completely understand why Apple is doing this," but described its "pivot to favoring giving access to lifestyle and overall influencers over techies" as "still sad news for me."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each brand has its own entry way into the creator economy. Take Samsung — Its "Team Galaxy” roster includes creators and other public figures, with model and creator Haley Baylee and musician Audrey Nuna joining this year. And for February’s Galaxy S26 launch, Samsung says it brought approximately 140 influencers from 35 countries to San Francisco for three days of product demos, content creation, and a closing celebration.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

As for AI companies, they face the unique challenge of trying to win over an often-skeptical public with plenty of questions about what AI means for jobs, creative work, and the environment. Influencers provide a layer of trust that they desperately need — which is probably why they are so sought-after right now.

"That’s the goal right now: build brand love," Anthropic's head of influencer, Lexie Barnhorn, told influencer marketing company Linqia. Claude recently hosted a supper club at Wild Cherry, the trendy restaurant inside New York's A24-owned Cherry Lane Theatre.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Microsoft Copilot is trying to do the same. Last February, they brought a group of New York fashion influencers to the Super Bowl on an influencer brand trip, where they asked the AI platform questions like, "hey copilot how do you cure a hangover" and "how to get a stain out".

And in February, OpenAI sent a signal on their seriousness about influencer marketing when they hired former Instagram partnerships executive Charles Porch as its first vice president of global creative partnerships. By summer, the company was hosting creators at Wildflower Farms, a luxury resort in New York’s Hudson Valley, for a retreat featuring private cabins, monogrammed pajamas, and picturesque outdoor dinners. The company also hosted a ChatGPT influencer dinner in tandem with Brett Chody, which was held at Little Beach House Malibu, part of Soho House.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"Creators are an important part of our community and how people get information and learn about our products today," an OpenAI spokesperson told Inc in August. "We value creators who choose to engage with us, attend our events, ask tough questions, and learn alongside everyone else."

As Mashable reported in August, OpenAI's nature-filled getaway to the Hudson Valley didn’t go over quite as planned. Beneath the lavish room tours and vacation posts, social media users questioned the setting and the creators' decision to attend.

"The concept of attending an AI brand trip surrounded by nature while it actively hurts the environment is an incredible bit," one X user wrote. On Reddit, a commenter asked whether one creator was "gazing at where the new data center is gonna go," while another asked, "Did they promise you fresh water when we run out?"

From a creator's perspective, though, there are many reasons to say yes to a brand event, trip, or collab, despite the criticism. Business creator Grace McCarrick defended the retreat as a chance to hear from the people shaping a technology likely to affect her work and her audience. "If I have the opportunity to be in the room and hear from people who are at the helm of change, I can do that," she said. "It's actually well within my moral system."

There's also a real financial incentive towards working with these brands: they have money to burn.

AI and career creator Megan Lieu, who attended the OpenAI retreat, told CNBC in February that her biggest sponsorship at that point was with Anthropic. She didn’t disclose its value, but said her sponsored deals generally ranged from $5,000 to $30,000.

Even so, some creators turn the offers down: Circus performer Jack Lepiarz, known as Jack the Whipper, told CNBC he had rejected a $20,000 deal promoting generative image tools over concerns about AI’s effect on people’s livelihoods.

That puts influencers in a complicated position. The relationship with their audience is part of what makes them valuable to a company; yet, accepting the partnership can put that same relationship under scrutiny.

But for tech brands, the decision is less complicated, with lots of potential benefits and few downsides. Influencers bring an audience with them; journalists bring questions they might not want to answer.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis’ copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Feeling festive? Set a calendar alert for the first week of November, because Starbucks has officially confirmed the return of its viral Bearista Glass Cold Cup for the 2026 holiday season. Yes, there's a broader seasonal menu launching on Nov. 5, but what we really care about is the resurrection of Starbucks' most internet-famous mascot.

The Starbucks holiday menu features the Pike Place Holiday Village and a Peppermint Mocha retro series sporting glass Christmas tree cold cups and handled tumblers. There's also a second drop lined up for Nov. 17, featuring quilted light-blue tumblers and iridescent bottles. You can check out the full lineup here.

Credit: Starbucks

It's all very Christmassy, but the centerpiece of the drop is the reimagined Bearista Collection. The Nov. 5 launch brings an entire lineup of bears, including a Bearista acrylic cold cup, a ceramic Bearista mug, and even a plush Bearista keychain and accessories. The Bearista Glass Cold Cup will join the holiday lineup, but the exact timing of this drop is still to be announced.

We know that the prospect of paying $20 to $30 for branded drinkware can feel a little silly, especially when last year's Bearista drop sparked store campouts and instant $100+ reseller markups, but that's the reality of these limited-edition drops. People like what they like, and people really like Bearista merch.

Credit: Starbucks

Credit: Starbucks

We're keeping close tabs on the announcement for the Bearista Glass Cold Cup drop. When we hear something, we'll let you know.

Electronic music purists and brick builders, this one is for you: Daft Punk is officially entering the Lego game.

Following a cryptic teaser that interrupted the duo's WDPK 83.7 stream on Oct. 21, Lego has now confirmed a multi-year partnership with the legendary artists. The shining star of the announcement? Lego has officially greenlit a retail set based on Daft Punk’s 2007 Alive pyramid stage, complete with custom minifigures of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo behind a mixing console made out of bricks.

The approved concept recreates the glowing pyramid from the 2007 world tour — arguably the most influential live stage production in EDM history. Alongside this exciting stage build, the official launch film features the helmeted robots and a giant holographic red brick, confirming that official Daft Punk minifigures are finally hitting shelves.

Here's the catch: the pyramid stage build from Daft Punk’s 2007 Alive tour will not be available to buy for some time. Lego confirmed that while the partnership is official today, final product launches and retail availability are slated for 2027.

The original fan submission relied on intricate translucent bricks and custom lighting rigs. Whether Lego retains the full LED light-brick integration remains to be seen. If Lego does somehow pull off the illuminated stage lighting and chrome-finished helmets, this will easily be one of the fastest sellouts in Lego Ideas history.

This fan idea will now advance into the next stage to officially become a Lego set. Credit: Lego

Julia Goldin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at the Lego Group said, "What makes this partnership so special is the enduring appeal both brands share. Like the LEGO brand, Daft Punk inspires generations through creativity, innovation, and a deep connection with fans. We’re excited to build on these foundations to reimagine the Daft Punk legacy in a fresh and unexpected way, creating something unique that resonates with fans across all ages. This is just the beginning of a bigger journey — a creative collab made for fans ready to lose themselves to play.”

At Spotify's New York City office, LE SSERAFIM's HUH YUNJIN and podcaster Emily Fan are comparing notes on what it means to be a creator in 2026. One is a K-pop star accustomed to sold-out concerts, choreographed performances, and a devoted global fandom. The other has spent more than a decade building an audience around her personality, turning her humor and observations about internet culture and everyday life into videos that keep people coming back for more.

But the two have something else in common: They're fans of each other.

YUNJIN has been subscribed to Fan's channel for years, while Fan is a proud FEARNOT, the name of LE SSERAFIM's fandom. In fact, their episode of Spotify's Show Notes opens with YUNJIN attempting to give Fan's community an official fandom name. Her suggestion? FanFan. (They're still workshopping it.)

HUH YUNJIN and Emily Fan discuss podcasting, creative expression, and what it means to build a fandom in 2026. Credit: Courtesy of Spotify

The playful moment captures the spirit of their conversation, which you can watch in full below. For all the differences between the highly produced world of K-pop and the personality-driven world of internet creators, YUNJIN and Fan have a lot to learn from each other, particularly when it comes to building and maintaining a fandom.

Mashable was invited behind the scenes of the Show Notes recording, which centered on YUNJIN's recent move into podcasting with HMM (Huh's Memo), a personal podcast on STAN:A, HYBE's artist-led podcast channel on Spotify. Unlike a traditional interview show, HMM finds YUNJIN reflecting on her thoughts and experiences in familiar spaces, like recording studios and rehearsal rooms. Fan is no stranger to the format herself, hosting her own podcast, Much to Discuss...!

Of course, K-pop idols already share an enormous amount of their lives with fans. Between livestreams, social media, dedicated fan platforms, and vlogs, the industry has built an entire ecosystem around keeping artists and their audiences connected. But podcasting offers another way to deepen that relationship, giving artists like YUNJIN room to slow down, reflect, and explore their thoughts at greater length.

For YUNJIN, the idea grew out of touring, when she found herself wanting more time to speak to fans directly during the traditional "ending ments" that close K-pop concerts. That desire to connect through conversation is familiar territory for Fan, who has built an audience of more than 1.5 million YouTube subscribers and parlayed that support into new creative opportunities, including writing, directing, and starring in her first short film, Bad Company.

And as both women explained, building a fandom isn't simply about creating something people want to watch or listen to. It's about giving them a reason to care about the person behind it.

Following the Show Notes taping, Mashable sat down with YUNJIN and Fan to talk about podcasting, creative freedom, the surprising moments that resonate with fans, and what separates an audience from a fandom.

The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

When you're making something, are you thinking about what fans want to hear from you, or do you start with what you want to say and trust that they'll connect with it?

HUH YUNJIN: I think fans feel when something is authentic or not. When you're really in tune with what you truly want to talk about or express, the support and appreciation for it will follow eventually, even if it's not right away. I don't think it's in service to anybody if you're chasing something that's so immediate.

Emily Fan: I really feel the same. When you're catering too much of yourself to external factors, that's only going to end up biting you in the butt in the long term. Being able to express what you authentically want to express and then trusting that the audience will follow is the more beneficial route to go. If you start making stuff for the sake of following what's mainstream or what you think other people are going to like, you're going to cultivate an audience who maybe wouldn't actually be interested in the things you want to say.

From K-pop to internet comedy, HUH YUNJIN and Emily Fan have more in common than you might think. Credit: Courtesy of Spotify

YUNJIN, there's an intimacy to podcasting that's different from posting on social media or going live. What kind of relationship with fans are you hoping to create through HMM?

YUNJIN: I knew that I wanted to do something like this for a very long time, but I think when it really settled in that this was something I wanted to pursue was during the tour.

It's part of K-pop concert culture to do ending ments at the end of a show, where each member goes through and says how they felt about the day and shows appreciation to the fans. Every time I did something like that, I felt like I had so much that I wanted to say and express.

Through performing and through music, I can really connect with fans, but just talking and telling them how I feel through conversation is another factor. That's one of my main goals of podcasting.

Emily, you're a K-pop fan yourself. What do you think creators can learn from the way K-pop artists build and maintain their fandoms?

Fan: I think what K-pop does really well is interaction. When I think about things like Bubble or Weverse, even livestreaming, there's a pretty direct line to the fans, aside from the physical barrier of a phone. That's something that really cultivates a connection, and I think that's one of the points of the K-pop industry that makes for such a strong foundation of fandom.

Creators can take away things like the ability to respond to comments. Something I really like doing is, at the end of my videos, I've been making it a tradition to say, "Thanks for watching, and today I hope you guys get to bounce on a trampoline," or little things like that. It's that call-and-response sort of thing that's helpful in maintaining a relationship with the audience.

And YUNJIN, what do you think K-pop artists can learn from internet creators?

YUNJIN: I respect content creators so much because they're so authentic to what they want to create. There are so many mediums, whether it's sketches or commentary videos, or people writing on Substack. I think we can really learn from the creative mediums and the diversity of what you can make yourself. The authenticity of everything is something I really respect.

Behind the scenes of Spotify's Show Notes, where HUH YUNJIN and Emily Fan compared notes on creativity and community. Credit: Courtesy of Spotify

Have either of you been surprised by something that resonated with your fans?

Fan: I do some gaming content, and I hesitate to even call it gaming. It's literally me on the computer being like, "What's going on?" My gamer tag was just a random sentence because so many usernames were taken. It was "the wasps are inside." It literally makes no sense.

That caught on so much that it almost became an inside joke in the comments. If someone says to you, "The wasps are inside," you're going to be like, "What the hell are you talking about?" unless you watch my videos. Then it actually means something. It's one of those things that's for the community, and no one outside of it is going to know what it means.

YUNJIN: There was this one time I bleached my eyebrows, and I said something in Korean about how there's so much beauty in trying not to be beautiful. There are so many definitions of beauty.

Fans came up to me in person and thanked me for helping them look at beauty through a wider lens and not confine themselves to what's conventionally beautiful. I didn't know that would resonate with fans. It was just something I'd said because of my eyebrows! That was really sweet.

YUNJIN, between songwriting, performing, and now podcasting, you're creating in many different ways. Has the podcast expanded how you think about yourself as a creator?

YUNJIN: I think it has allowed me to be more creative day to day. Just the simple act of turning on the camera, clipping on a mic, and talking about how I feel about things is something that people can potentially resonate with.

When you're performing or writing a song or singing or dancing, there's a [specific] time for that. But when you're talking about your thoughts and using that as your medium, whatever I feel can be a source of a story and something to say. It's expanded when I'm creative. I can constantly be thinking of something to make. I'm open a lot more.

We're seeing more K-pop artists experiment with podcasting. What do you think podcasts can bring to the fan experience that other kinds of content can't?

YUNJIN: So much of the K-pop world feels so otherworldly — visually, too, with all the production that goes into it. Which is why fans love Weverse DMs or lives, because it's like, "Oh my God, my idol is a normal person too sometimes." With podcasts, it's a lot more direct and a lot more personal, and there's so much more that you can really express. I think that's the biggest appeal.

Two creators, two very different audiences, and a shared understanding of what makes fandom personal. Credit: Courtesy of Spotify

Emily, you've been creating online for years, and some of your viewers have grown up alongside you. What do you think keeps people coming back even as your content changes?

Fan: I tend to be quite hard on myself. I look at my earlier videos, and in my eyes, they're objectively not good. Sometimes I wonder how I've retained an audience. But I think the throughline is almost a lack of production value, and I don't mean that negatively. It's a girl with a camera who has ideas or things to say about society or about what we observe in media.

There's something refreshing about that, where the content is solely dependent on what I'm saying and who I am as a person, as opposed to anything else. There's not a particular gimmick; especially now that I've diversified into reactions, gaming, vlogging, and commentary, the throughline is just me.

YUNJIN: I think that is a big reason why I want to tap more into this, because it's so human.

Finally, do you think there's a difference between building an audience and building a fandom?

Fan: I feel like an audience could be more passive consumption, and fandom is a bit more active. When I think of someone who's in a fandom, I think of someone who's actively seeking out your music or films or content. To cultivate that type of audience, it goes back to engaging and interacting. I think that's how you build a deeper relationship.

YUNJIN: It also feels more like a community, cultivating a fandom. It's like we see something in each other.

Fan: And with content creators, there's a sense of feeling like you're on the same level. There's less of that degree of separation. The people who are in your fandom, rather than your general audience, are the people who are going to support you in other things you do outside of content. For my short film Bad Company, the people who were the most excited were those I would consider part of my fandom rather than my general audience.

YUNJIN: A general audience might be a fan of what you make, but fans are typically fans of who you are as a person. No matter what you do, they'll be supportive of you because it is you.

Fan: Exactly. You can have tens of millions of followers, but that doesn't necessarily mean your audience is engaged with you.

Watch or listen to the full podcast conversation on Spotify's Between Episodes, and explore more creator-to-creator conversations.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $155.94 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $184.95.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box

$155.94 at Amazon
$184.95 Save $29.01

 

Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re waiting to get an invite to buy the 30th Celebration ETB at below market value, fans of the Pokémon TCG can grab one of the rarest modern Elite Trainer Boxes with a new discount at Amazon. 

As of Oct. 22, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is down to $155.94 at Amazon. Down from its usual $184.95 price, that’s $29.01 off and a whole $18.05 cheaper than the $173.99 Amazon deal we covered on Oct. 5. What’s more, this ETB is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, rather than a third-party seller, with free delivery set for between Nov. 2-11 at the time of writing. 

Aside from a very brief price drop to the $150 mark, we haven’t seen a major price drop like this since April (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel). That said, you can still buy the Prismatic Evolutions ETB for less elsewhere — with Walmart now selling the box for $126.50 (down from $199.99), and TCGplayer going slightly lower with listings as cheap as $126.24, matching its current estimated market price. 

Inside the Elite Trainer Box are nine Prismatic Evolutions booster packs of trading cards, a full-art foil Eevee promo card, 65 Stellar Tera Eevee sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice, condition markers, a player's guide, card dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Among those packs, you’ll have the chance to pull some of the most valuable chase cards in the modern Pokemon TCG (which you can also buy à la carte on TCGplayer) — including the legendary SIR Umbreon ex ($1,200+), SIR Sylveon ex ($400+), and SIR Leafeon ex ($300+).

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Bundle is available to preorder for $48.49 at Amazon, down from its $57.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Bundle

$48.49 at Amazon
$57.99 Save $9.50

Get Deal at Amazon

If you haven't picked up any Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture cards yet, you don't need to spend over $150 on a full Play Booster Box to get started. With the release of the standard nine-pack bundle box just a day away, Amazon has now made it so that trading card collectors can pay less than ever to explore Jace’s Echoverse. 

As of Oct. 22, preorders for the Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Bundle are down to just $48.49 at Amazon in a limited-time deal, saving you $9.50 on its $57.99 list price. That's a 16% discount for the box, sold and shipped directly by Amazon.

This is the lowest price available at the retailer (confirmed via the price tracker camelcamelcamel), but keep in mind that, despite the Bundle coming out on Oct. 23, the free delivery you’ll receive is estimated for Oct. 29 and Oct. 31. 

If Amazon runs out of stock, Walmart is also selling the bundle for $48.49, while TCGplayer has gone slightly cheaper with listings as low as $47.54. That’s only 85 cents above its estimated market price of $46.69. 

You're getting nine Reality Fracture Play Boosters, each containing a Legendary card alongside its alternate Echoverse version, at least one Traditional Foil, and potentially multiple Rares. Beyond those packs, there's a bundle-exclusive Traditional Foil alternate-art promo card, 30 Lands (including 10 Borderless variants), an oversized Spindown life counter, a card storage box, and two reference cards.

This set’s based around Jace Beleren's attempt to replace the existing Multiverse with his own creation. Reality Fracture also features twisted versions of familiar Magic legends, with plenty of new cards to collect and experiment with.

Based on my extensive hands-on testing and expert input, I’ve picked the best sexting apps and online sites for different kinds of dirty talk, whether you're messaging a partner, meeting someone new, or paying a verified creator.

Because sometimes the anticipation of a hookup is even hotter than the main event. In my experience, sexting is the ultimate form of digital foreplay. It can help long-distance partners feel closer, give long-term couples something to look forward to, and let singles explore sexual chemistry before meeting in person. Of course, everyone involved needs to be a consenting adult who's genuinely interested in taking the conversation to a steamier level.

Sexting isn't exactly new, either. A 2015 study of 870 heterosexual U.S. adults found that nearly 88 percent of participants had sexted. That wasn't a nationally representative estimate of all American adults, but it gives us an idea of how common sexting was among the people surveyed.

You can use just about any mainstream dating app, like Tinder, Hinge, and even Hily, to find a potential sexting partner (though I think Pure is probably the best dating app for this). A match isn't permission to send something explicit, though. Ask first, and don't assume that someone looking for a hookup also wants phone sex or a photo exchange. (You know what they say about assuming.)

But once you've actually found someone who matches your freak, the next question is where to have that conversation. An app that helps you meet people isn't necessarily the one with the privacy features you want for sharing intimate messages.

You've heard of safe sex. But what about safe sexting?

As fun as the buildup is, no app can guarantee that a recipient won't save or share what you send. Sliding into the DMs on a standard social media app might feel like spontaneous fun, but a private conversation and a disappearing conversation aren't the same.

Platform rules matter, too. Mashable has reported on Instagram account removals affecting sex workers, educators, and LGBTQIA+ users, including disputed enforcement decisions. That's separate from encryption, but it's another reason to understand the services you're using instead of assuming every DM inbox works the same way.

As one of Mashable's dating app experts, I've spent the last four years testing dozens of platforms to find the best sexting apps for the job. My highest priority is always user safety. I also spoke with security expert Gary Orenstein with Bitwarden, who stressed that for sharing intimate content, "privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential." He recommends looking for apps with three key features: end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection.

Those features do different jobs. End-to-end encryption is designed to keep the service carrying your messages from reading their contents. Disappearing messages reduce the history left in a chat, while screenshot alerts may tell you when someone takes a screenshot. None can stop a recipient from photographing the screen with another device.

Following Confide's closure, Signal became my top recommendation for encrypted messaging with an existing partner or trusted connection. Its "Screen Security" setting protects content on your own device; it doesn't control screenshots on someone else's. Signal also warns that disappearing messages aren't designed to protect you from a recipient determined to keep a copy.

Whether you're looking for a free messenger for your partner, a place to find a willing sexting buddy, or an interactive session with connected toys, the picks below serve different purposes for different people. Paid creator chats and AI fantasies belong in their own categories, with their own costs and privacy considerations. If you believe in safe sex, bring that same care to your sexts.

Here's what I liked, what you can do for free, and the details worth knowing before you hit send.

Recent updates to this guide:

• Signal (July 2026): Promoted to our No. 1 overall recommendation following the official closure of Confide. Its open-source encryption makes it the gold standard for secure, free sexting.

• Lovense Remote: Added as our top choice for "Group Sexting." It remains the best interactive option for couples and polyamorous groups to sync Bluetooth toys across long distances.

• FetLife: Expanded our analysis of its custom community groups, cementing its spot as the best social network for exploring niche kinks safely.

Why some popular sexting apps didn't make the cut

You've probably seen other "best of" lists recommending apps and platforms that I've intentionally left off. My goal is to recommend secure spaces where you can build genuine, mutual connections without burning through cash or risking your digital privacy.

Here's why a few common names didn't make the cut this month:

• "Paid Operator" platforms (InstaBang, Arousr, SextLocal): Many web-based platforms marketed for fast sexting don't connect you with real local users. Instead, they hire paid "chat operators" who use fantasy scripts specifically designed to keep you replying and draining your wallet per message. While there is a market for paid fantasy, I don't consider it mutual sexting. This guide prioritizes authentic, user-to-user interaction (with the explicit exception of SextPanther, which uses clearly verified, real adult performers).

• Basic Couples Messengers (Between, Paid Vaults): While apps like Between offer private spaces for long-distance couples, they lack the specific, sex-positive interactive features (like integrated toy controls, screenshot blocks, or custom timer countdowns) that make digital foreplay fun. If you want to level up your intimacy, highly interactive platforms like We-Vibe and Lovense are much better options.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. Due to high demand, shoppers need to request an invite to buy.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$59.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box preorders first dropped for $89.99 at Amazon. We've then been stuck at $159.99 for some time, but now Amazon has dropped a stunning discount.

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is currently listed for just $59.99 on Amazon, with shipping and sales handled directly by Amazon. Demand for the product remains high, so Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system.

At $59.99, Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $120 market price. We expect the deal to sell like wild, so we suggest that anyone interested should request an invite to buy immediately. Seriously, do not delay. This deal could disappear at any time.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box offers nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for just $59.99 at Amazon.

TL;DR: Learn piano from home with flowkey’s 5-year Classic Plan on sale for $79.99 (reg. $899).

Opens in a new window

Credit: Flowkey

flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription)

$79.99
$899 Save $819.01

 

Get Deal

Whether you’re just starting or looking to build on your existing skills, flowkey lets you learn piano at your own pace without sacrificing progress. Its flexible lessons and guided practice make it easier to fit playing into your schedule, and this deal brings the five-year Classic Plan to just $79.99 (regularly $899) for a limited time.

Flowkey is designed to make practicing feel approachable instead of intimidating. Whether you’re sitting at a keyboard for the first time or returning after a long break, the app guides you through each lesson at your own pace. It even listens while you play, offering instant feedback so you know when you’ve nailed a note — or when it’s time to try again.

The Classic Plan includes access to more than 1,000 classical and public-domain songs, featuring composers like Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Debussy, Liszt, and Brahms. You’ll also unlock every course and exercise, covering everything from reading sheet music and learning chords to proper hand positioning and rhythm.

Helpful tools like Wait Mode, Slow Motion, Loop, and separate hand practice make difficult sections easier to master without feeling rushed. Because your subscription works across phones, tablets, and computers, it’s easy to fit practice into your schedule.

With five years of access, this is an easy opportunity to start building those piano skills while this offer is still available.

For a limited time, get a five-year subscription to the flowkey Classic Plan for a one-time $79.99 (reg. $899).

StackSocial prices subject to change.