Like Katie herself, our staff here at Katie Couric Media knows their way around an online shopping cart. While many of us are busy covering everything from presidential executive orders to how microplastics effect dementia to taco night recipes, we’re also obsessed with ensuring that if we’re spending our hard-earned salaries, we’re doing it smartly.
That’s why we collected our staffers’ thoughts on the very best purchases they’ve made in 2025 so far. Not surprisingly, each suggestion is something that has actively improved their life: Think hydration drops you can add to your morning coffee, a dreamy summer dress, and a handheld vacuum under $60 that’s “a voracious little dude.” Read on for our favorite buys of the month — no duds in the bunch.
Athena Club Spray Deodorant
Athena Club
“I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m a sweaty gal. I run hot, I can’t sit still for more than five minutes at a time, and I’m somehow always perspiring. I’ve been using this spray deo for quick refreshes after hitting the gym, to keep my feet from stinking up new shoes, and to prevent any uncomfortable underboob dampness on particularly warm days. This smells like a fresh ocean breeze, dries incredibly fast, and it doesn’t leave behind a powdery cast that would inevitably end up all over my clothes somehow. The best part? There are no nasty ingredients like aluminum or talcum powder, both of which irritate my sensitive skin.” —Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor
AV Laboratories Face Cream Light
AV Laboratories
“This moisturizer is an investment, but well worth it. My skin has been ‘going through it’ in this dry, frigid weather, and this cream delivers the intense hydration I need right now. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation while it’s at it.” — Sara Levine, Managing Editor, Newsletters
STNKY Laundry Bag
Amazon
“As someone who travels often and hates dirty clothes mingling with her clean ones, I’m all about these easy-to-use laundry bags. Not only can they contain wet clothing and keep it from touching your dry things, but they have a double-sided zipper system that allows you to wash everything while it’s still inside the bag (similar to a mesh lingerie bag). I’ve used it to hold everything from wet swimsuits to muddy hiking boots, and my partner uses it to stash away sweaty running clothes for a later date if we don’t have laundry access at our destination.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor
Ever Vessel Maxi
Ever Vessel
“Be honest — when was the last time you cleaned your water bottle? I won’t say my answer out loud, but let’s just say it’s not as often as it should be. Most bottles I’ve owned have frustrating crevices and spouts that make cleaning a hassle, so I was so grateful when I discovered Ever Vessel. Its award-winning, patented water bottle makes cleaning effortless, plus, it’s BPA- and phthalate-free, leak-proof. Most importantly, it’s dishwasher-safe.” — Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager
Banana Republic Pull-On Wool Flannel Cargo Pant
Banana Republic
“This winter’s been rough, weather-wise, so I wanted a pair of multi-use pants that could keep me warm; these are likely my favorite purchase of the last year. They’re super comfortable to hack around in or wear on planes, but also structured enough to wear into the office.” — Camey Hess, Head of Sales
Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

Amazon
“I never understood why people felt so attached to their water bottles…until I got this Owala. Now it never leaves my side. It’s made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean and keeping my water cool. Plus, it has a built-in straw with a cover, so my beverage doesn’t pick up germs from the air.” — Alaina Mancini, Managing Editor
Dior Forever Skin Perfect 24H Multi-Use Foundation Stick
Nordstrom
“This Dior foundation stick has completely streamlined my makeup routine: Just a couple of swipes on my cheeks, a quick blend with Saie’s foundation brush, and my naturally rosy complexion is evened out and ready for Zoom calls. It’s lightweight, blends seamlessly, and gives just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy. I also love how the stick applicator is mess-free and easy to travel with.” — Alaina Mancini, Managing Editor
Cann Social Tonic
Cann
“I’ve been cutting back on my alcohol intake, mainly because I’m finding that even one cocktail makes waking up the next morning more unpleasant. When I do want to partake in a fun beverage, I’ve been drinking Cann’s tonics, which have a small amount of both CBD and THC in them. These Roadies are fun because they can be added to any drink (I prefer plain seltzer or ginger ale), and you can take them to a friend’s without having to lug around heavy cans. The drink leaves you feeling chilled out without that sleepy feeling booze can sometimes give you.”— Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor
Black+Decker AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Amazon
“This isn’t the most glamorous pick, but neatniks know that keeping your house tidy is a deeply satisfying experience nonetheless. This handheld vacuum is a voracious little dude who picks up everything from cat-hair tumbleweeds to potting soil to tiny errant screws, and its motor has continued ticking for years. In fact, I own two of these, and store them in different parts of the house, so I don’t have to waste any time when I spot a mess.” — Molly Simms, VP & Editorial Director
BodyBio Electrolytes Liquid for Hydration
Amazon
“I never realized how much of a difference proper hydration could make until I started using BodyBio Electrolytes. Just a few drops keep me feeling energized and refreshed, and I love that this doesn’t have any unnecessary additives. Every morning, I drop a capful into a cup of water and drink it before my coffee — it’s become an essential part of my routine.”— Alaina Mancini, Managing Editor
Printfresh Meredith Dress
Printfresh
“I first spotted the Printfresh resortwear dresses on social media, and the style and fabric looked fun and flattering, so I gave them a shot. I’m a curvy girl, so I sometimes have trouble finding a dress that looks great. But this one was perfect.” — Leslie Picard, Chief Revenue Officer
Kyte Baby Zippered Romper
Kyte Baby
“I’m a mom, which means that all of my recent purchases have been intended for the 15lb monarch who rules our household. My fave new find? This super cute and breathable Kyte Baby zippered romper. I love that it’s nicely stretchy, which provides plenty of room for my kid to grow. Plus, it’s so soft, I’m almost a little jealous I can’t get one of my own.” — Diana Valenzuela, Assistant Editor
Sproos! Handheld Showerhead With Filter
Amazon
“To be honest, I’m a little wary of the current cultural obsession with eliminating germs or — the nonspecific boogeyman of our times — ‘toxins’ from our lives/routines. That said, I’m also vain as hell, so when Sproos! said that its showerhead filters out chlorine and sediment and would make my hair and skin look better, you bet I listened. This cheerful-looking gadget installs quickly with no water leakage and offers a few different types of sprays that feel great when I’m sudsing up. Plus, the head is attached to a long hose, making it way easier to clean a targeted body area or even clean the shower itself. And my hair does look great. (I told you I was vain.)” — Molly Simms, VP & Editorial Director
Gap High Rise Stride Wide Leg Jeans
Gap
“My friends, family, and coworkers can vouch that I’ve had these jeans in constant wardrobe rotation for the last 2 months. They’re nice and stretchy, which makes them great for the office where I’ll be sitting all day, but they’re also flattering and hold their shape well enough to look cute at a bar, so I can truly wear them from day to night. They’re the perfect length to wear with flats or sneakers, and one of the most comfortable pairs of jeans I’ve ever owned. My only complaint is that there’s a bit of waist-gapping for me, but the Gap did recently release a curvy version that I’m now eyeing.” — Ciara Hopkinson, Senior Associate
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

K18
“For years, I’ve been on a hair journey, tweaking my routine to reduce loss and improve my scalp’s health. My path has been littered with endless Reddit searches, half-used bottles of awful TikTok-suggested products, and copious amounts of shedding (which I stuck to my shower wall, creating a Jackson Pollock-esque design). I was losing it, mind and literal body — until I finally splurged last month on this science-forward shampoo. Made with skincare ingredients like peptides, it was developed to reduce protein loss and remove buildup without stripping. My scalp feels clean without that suspicious squeaky feel, and it somehow neutralizes my shower’s hard water, too. It’s only been a few weeks, but I’m excited to continue seeing positive results.” —Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager