How to Keep Your Workout Gear Smelling Oh So Fresh

So first of all: great work! You’re not a morning person, but you’ve been getting up early, throwing on your best workout clothes and crushing some daily HIIT workouts. But the (literally) dirty little secret we need to talk about is that, no matter how cute you look sweating it out in the latest athleisure collab, at some point your exercise gear is going to start smelling pretty bad — even after you wash it. (We know, it’s totally unfair.)

1. Don’t just throw your workout gear in the hamper post-sweat sesh. You may not love the idea of sweaty sports bras and yoga pants hanging up around your bedroom, but letting damp clothes sit in a pile instead of completely drying out will only allow smelly bacteria to fester. You should also turn your workout clothes inside-out before they go in the wash to prevent fading.

2. Trysoaking your clothes inwhite vinegar. White vinegar is the go-to household hack for smelly clothes. Mix one cup with cold water, and allow your clothes to soak in a bucket for 20-30 minutes before they hit the washing machine. That should do the trick, but you can also add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle if you’re feeling really hardcore. Things might smell a little salad-y going in, but by the time your clothes come out of the dryer, you’ll have a pile of fresh, stench-free gear.

3. Skip the fabric softener. Fabric softener doesn’t do anything to make your clothes cleaner and, in fact, it creates a barrier on your gym clothes that will prevent actual soap from getting through. Plus, it breaks down the stretch and fit of your clothes over time, and we know you love those spandex pants tight (or just really hate them slipping down over and over) for your treadmill run.

4. Throw in some baking soda. During your machine’s wash cycle, drop in a cup of baking soda. It’s another top odor-fighting household item (maybe you even have some sitting in your fridge right now for the same reason), but you’ll probably want to try this and the white vinegar trick separately. You’re washing clothes, not scrambling for ingredients on Top Chef.

5. Use less detergent. It sounds completely counter-intuitive, but the better your workout clothes, the less detergent you want to expose them to. You want to prevent that build-up issue we talked about earlier, so blasting them with full-on suds will only do more harm than good. Try using half the amount you would normally, and running them through a water-only cycle if you suspect they’re already suffering from detergent build-up.

6. Always wash in cold water. Too much heat is another way to break down the stretch in high-quality fibers. And there’s nothing worse than saggy yoga tights.

7. Dry on low heat or hang dry. Ready to picture something gross? Okay, here we go: Think of high dryer heat as “baking” the stench into your clothes. Yep, we warned you — gross. Don’t do it! Same as the cold water trick, drying on low will also prevent fabric from breaking down. Get that cute workout gear to work for you longer, girl.

How do you keep your gym clothes from getting smelly? Tweet us your tips @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

Brit + Co

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

Brit + Co

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

Brit + Co

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

Brit + Co

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Costco just restocked a very famous Starbucks drink, so if you’re a big fan of their Refreshers, you’re going to want to make a beeline to your nearest store ASAP.

Scroll on for all the details about shopping the Starbucks Pink Drink at Costco!

Costco

That’s right – Costco just added the bottled version of Starbucks’ Pink Drink to their shelves! This ready-to-drink version has the same “fruity and refreshing” effect you’d expect from the cafe favorite, as it’s made with the chain’s Strawberry Acai Refresher base and accented with coconut milk.

Costco

Each 8-ounce bottle is dairy-free, vegan, and has only 90 calories. The pack Costco is selling comes complete with 12 bottles, so you can easily stock your fridge with a fun little sip.

Starbucks

Costco fan account @costcobuys shared the newly-restocked Pink Drink with their Instagram followers and highlighted that their Costco location had the item listed for $16.99.

However, Costco’s website lists the 12-pack for $19.99, so the exact price may vary based on where you live.

Starbucks

Regardless, that puts each bottle of the Starbucks drink at around $2 each, which is significantly less money than what you’d spend for a freshly-made bev at a Starbucks location.

The Starbucks Pink Drink typically goes for around $5, plus tax. If you want to save on your Starbies habit, this new Costco find is a must!

Costco

Costco also carries many more Starbucks items in bulk like instant coffee, whole coffee beans, Nespresso pods, and even hot cocoa mix.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Costco + Starbucks news!

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Shalia Moore-Hayes, who runs a laundry business, Team J&S, with her husband in St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL.

1. How is it running a business as a wife-and-husband team, with five children no less!

We capitalize on each other's strengths, and we help each other grow in our respective areas. I try to get comfortable with the things that he's good at and he tries to get comfortable with the paperwork – and the things that I'm a little bit more good at, and being aware of those responsibilities. So as long as we do that, things work out well.

2. What’s a recent small win for you and your business?

My husband recently learned how to repair a lot of different things. He paid attention to what the repairmen we hired to do the work were doing. Our top loaders, our most popular washing machine, takes a lot of wear and tear. They're not the easiest to maintain. My husband has learned how to fix them. That's a small win.

The second one, because I said I capitalize on his strengths and my strengths, is I've been much better about working with accounting software. I used Verizon Small Business resources to learn how to make our books easier.

3. Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

My husband and I both agree that the women who contract with us for our wash/dry/fold – who we were able to springboard with support from the Verizon grant program – have inspired us because they were homeless coming out of the pandemic. They were able to come into our establishment and start their own small business, and that's something that we are super proud of these women for, for taking the steps that they did to start their own small business.

4. What's a book, podcast, or resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

Before 2018, my husband bought this DVD set by Danny D'Angelo, the KING of Laundry, and we were able to learn about the business just from sitting down and listening to him. A few years later, my husband was on his podcast! He was really, really inspirational to us.

5. How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

The free resources are always a benefit because you're not obligated to do anything other than taking the time to seek out information. We're just real people and I feel like Verizon is a partnership with us in small business, supporting us, and believing in us. We've been able to expand our business because Verizon gave us a shot to do that. And that's amazing.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Team J&S.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

Gisele Bündchen is officially a mom of three! The supermodel gave birth to the newest member of her family (and her first baby with BF Joaquim Valente) "recently," according to TMZ, who first reported the birth. I love any and all baby news, so I couldn't help myself from digging for details when I first saw the report!

Here's everything we know about Gisele Bündchen's new baby with Joaquim Valente, her first since split from Tom Brady.

Joaquim Valente and Gisele Bündchen's baby is here!

Gisele Bündchen shares two kids with ex-husband Tom Brady, a 15-year-old son named Benjamin Rein and 12-year-old daughter Vivian Lake. According to TMZ, while we haven't gotten an official birthday yet, the baby was born recently, and "mom and the baby are healthy." That's the best news yet!

Gisele and Joaquim were also waiting until giving birth to find out the baby's gender, and a source tells People the couple welcomed a baby boy. Stay tuned from an official announcement from the couple — if they choose to share, of course. The source also reveals the baby's middle name is River, which continues the tradition of Gisele choosing water-related middle names for her kids!

"Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family," a source told People in the fall of 2024.

Just a week ago, Gisele was active on Instagram, posting a video compilation that's set to Nate Broskii's "Memories Don't Fade Away" and features multiple clips, including a gorgeous beach sunset. "Happiness is an inside job," she says in the caption. "Remember, you are the only one who has the power to create the life you want to live."

We can't wait to see how Gisele's next chapter unfolds! Because if there's anyone who can inspire us to create our dream life, it's her.

Congratulations to Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente on their new baby! Check out the latest news on Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell's new baby while you're at it.

This post has been updated.

As the New Year begins to settle, it's officially time to turn your New Year's resolutions into your reality. Whether you've decided that 2025 is the year you live a healthier lifestyle, budget your morning, or boost your productivity, we've rounded up 41 Amazon gems that will help you stick to your goals. From at-home fitness finds to chic planners and budget guides, this list of Amazon must-haves will set you up for success. Make 2025 your year with these products that your future self will thank you for.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

These Adjustable Dumbells Come in a Set of 2

Amazon

The easiest way to prep your home gym is with these adjustable dumbells. They serve as a space-saving gem that allows you to effortlessly switch between five different weights, all with a simple twist.

See it on Amazon

This Label Maker With a Compatible App

Amazon

Follow through on your plan to stay organized in 2025 with this label maker. This gadget seamlessly connects to your smart device via Bluetooth, allowing you to customize and level anything from pantry items to office files.

See it on Amazon

This Cordless Jump Rope Tracks Your Progress

Amazon

Get your cardio on with this cordless jump rope that tracks your jumps, calories burned, and workout time. This gadget keeps you accountable, making it the perfect option for a last-minute sweat.

See it on Amazon

This Budget Binder Organizes Your Expenses

Amazon

Build responsible financial habits with this budget binder that is perfect for tracking spending and setting saving goals. This stylish binder includes cash envelopes and other accessories that make it easy to organize and manage your money.

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This Yoga Mat With an Inch of Cushioning

Amazon

Improve your balance and your mindset in the new year with this yoga mat that has an extra thick design. The non-slip, moisture-resistant material is perfect for anyone with sweaty palms, ensuring you stay in place throughout your workout.

See it on Amazon

This Fitness Ring With a Long-Lasting Battery

Amazon

Prioritize your health in 2025 with this fitness ring that can track your sleep, fitness, and health. This lightweight ring can monitor your heart rate, movement, temperature, and more, providing you with insight into your health each day.

See it on Amazon

This Hat Organizer Saves a Ton of Space

Amazon

If you're officially ready to clean up your closet, this hat organizer is for you. It can hold up to 25 hats and offers a neat and classy way to store your baseball caps, belts, ties, and more.

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This Planner for the Entire Year

Amazon

A New Year calls for a fresh start. This planner is the perfect place to begin, designed to help you map out your entire year. With monthly and weekly spreads, you have plenty of space to track and monitor your plans and goals.

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These Storage Bins Are Stackable

Amazon

Declutter your space with these storage bins that TikTokers swear by. They have four tiers and a stackable design, leaving you plenty of room to hold supplies, shoes, or other accessories.

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This Alarm Clock With 13 Soothing Sounds

Amazon

Become an early riser in the new year, thanks to this alarm clock that gradually simulates a sunrise, offering a soft, natural light each morning. It also includes 13 nature sounds, creating a relaxing experience that you will love.

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This Storage Rack With a Ton of Compartments

Amazon

Create a dedicated workout space in your home with this storage rack that can neatly organize your yoga mats, foam rollers, dumbells, and more. It has multiple storage compartments that will organize all of your belongings.

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This Thigh Master With Comfort Grips

Amazon

The best part about this thigh master is that it can be used anywhere, at any time. It serves as a small but strong workout accessory that can be used to target your legs, arms, core, or glutes.

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These Glass Containers With Air-Tight Lids

Amazon

Stay on track with your meal prep when you have these glass containers that are a game-changer in the kitchen. They are a must-have for portion control and have a microwave-safe and oven-safe design.

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This Challenge Box With a Smash-to-Open Design

Amazon

This challenge box is the perfect accessory for anyone looking to save money this year. This cash vault has a smash-to-open design, meaning you can't access the money you saved until you've hit your goal.

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This Mini Stair Stepper With Built-in Resistance Bands

Amazon

There's no need to go to the gym when you have this mini stair stepper in the comfort of your home. This accessory is made with hydraulic resistance technology, providing a smooth and reliable workout for all fitness levels.

See it on Amazon

This Workout Planner Tracks Your Progress

Amazon

This workout planner is perfect for anyone who likes to stay accountable. Designed with daily workout tracking, progress charts, and goal-setting pages, this planner offers everything you need to track your workouts and monitor your growth.

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This Back Stretcher With Adjustable Levels

Amazon

If your goal is to improve your posture, this back stretcher is for you. Not only does it decompress the spine, but it's also known to promote a better posture and relieve lower back pain.

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This Water Bottle Reminds You to Drink More

Amazon

Drinking enough water is the easiest way to improve your health. This water bottle makes it easy to stay on track throughout the day, providing you with motivational time markers to remind you when it's time for your next sip.

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This Pill Organizer Shaped Like a Heart

Amazon

Stay consistent with your supplements and medications with this pill organizer that simplifies the process. Designed with cute pastel shades, this organizer is a functional and chic accessory that has plenty of room for all of your pills.

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These Food Containers With Reusable Labels

Amazon

Create the pantry of your dreams with these food containers that include 24 reusable labels and airtight locking lids. These containers come in multiple sizes, making them perfect for anything from dry ingredients to your favorite snacks.

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This Memory Puzzle Book for the Problem-Solver

Amazon

Keep your brain sharp through the new year with this memory puzzle book filled with over 175 brain-boosting activities. This book is designed for adults looking to challenge their memory and boost their mental agility and is accessible for all vision levels.

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These Spending Tracker Sheets Come in a Pack of 60

Amazon

Take control of your finances in 2025 with these spending tracker sheets that come in a set of 60. The minimalist design makes it easy to categorize whether you're paying off debt or just trying to cut back on unnecessary purchases.

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This Duffel Bag With Hidden Compartments

Amazon

Prepare for the gym with this duffel bag that has a hidden shoe compartment and other storage spaces. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, perfect for a trip to the gym or a weekend getaway.

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This Electric Lunch Box With an Insulated Carrying Bag

Amazon

Cut back on fast food and enjoy your favorite homemade meals at work with this electric lunch box. The adjustable temperature setting allows you to heat your food throughout the day while the complimentary fork and spoon keep you prepared.

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This Gardening Tool Set for a New Hobby

Amazon

If gardening is on your 2025 bucket list, this garden tool set is a must-have Amazon gem. It includes eight pieces for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

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This Toner Hydrates the Skin

Amazon

Prioritize your skincare in the new year, starting with this toner that has a luxurious formula and a refillable design. Infused with nourishing ingredients like ceramides and amino acids, this skincare gem leaves your skin plump and radiant with each use.

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This Journal Promotes Mindfulness

Amazon

Practice daily gratitude with this journal that helps you set goals, embrace gratitude, and create positive daily habits. With a variety of different sections, this journal helps you focus on goal tracking, affirmations, and reflecting.

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This Sunscreen With a Tinted Formula

Amazon

Practice protecting your skin with this sunscreen that doubles as a tinted moisturizer. This skincare product offers a natural glow, perfect for daily wear. Plus, it has a non-greasy formula that stays in place all day.

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This Jumpsuit With a Breathable Fabric

Amazon

Feel good and look good at the gym with this jumpsuit that comes in a ton of fun colors to choose from. With a tummy-control design and sculpting fit, this one-piece outfit moves with you through yoga, errands, and all of your other plans in the new year.

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This Microwave Steamer With an Adjustable Design

Amazon

Eat more veggies in 2025, thanks to this microwave steamer that is designed to steam vegetables, fish, and even grains. The adjustable steam release vent allows you to control the moisture levels, offering perfectly cooked meals with each use.

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This Amazon Kindle Holds Thousands of Books

Amazon

Pick up reading in the new year with this Amazon Kindle that offers a 7-inch glare-free display. This reading accessory allows you to store thousands of books in one place, making it perfect for following your favorite stories on the go.

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This Fitness Plate Improves Balance

Amazon

Enjoy an at-home workout with this fitness plate that uses high-frequency vibrations to activate your muscles. The adjustable intensity settings let you customize workouts, perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.

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These Running Shoes With Intense Cushioning

Amazon

Boost your cardio with these running shoes that are a must-have for your fitness journey. Designed with ultra-cushioned midsoles and cloud-like support, these shoes will enhance your performance in no time.

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This Password Book With a Compact Design

Amazon

Never forget a password again, thanks to this password book that includes alphabetical tabs. The hardcover design adds a chic touch, while the compact size ensures it can fit in any drawer or bag.

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This Vegetable Chopper Saves Time

Amazon

Healthy habits start with this vegetable chopper that can effortlessly chop up onions, peppers, carrots, and more. It seamlessly catches chopped ingredients and simplifies meal prep.

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These Under-the-Sink Organizers With a Pull-Out Design

Amazon

Organize your kitchen in one simple step with these under-the-sink organizers that come in a pack of two. Each organizer has a double-tier design, leaving plenty of room for supplies, toiletries, and more.

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This Wall Calendar Covers 18 Months

Amazon

This wall calendar is the perfect accessory for staying organized in the new year. This accessory offers eight months of planning, covering everything from appointments to vacations.

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This Thinking Jar Keeps You Motivated

Amazon

Practice positivity with this thinking jar, which contains motivational notes and affirmations designed to boost your mood daily. These encouraging notes are perfect for stressful, unmotivated days when you just need an extra push.

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This Air Fryer Includes a Cookbook

Amazon

Enjoy more at-home meals this year with this air fryer that is the perfect cooking companion for beginners. This cooking gadget includes quick, easy, and delicious recipes, making it easier than ever to create flavorful meals with less oil.

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These Positive Cards Complete With a Wooden Display

Amazon

Stay grateful and motivated in 2025 with these positive cards that come in a pack of 52. Each card seamlessly fits in the wooden display stand, allowing you to show off a new motivating card each day.

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This Portable Treadmill With an LED Display

Amazon

Get your steps in this year thanks to this portable treadmill with a foldable design and a compact size. It's made with comfortable handles and an LED display, allowing you to customize your experience each day.

See it on Amazon