15 Treasures Our Staff Discovered This Summer, All Under $100

From personal fans to Nordstrom finds.

collage of staff picks

Spontaneous getaways, weekend cookouts, and poolside gatherings are some of the best parts of summer, but all that fun in the sun can add up quickly. (Those Aperol spritzes don’t come cheap.) If your budget is tight because of too much hot-weather spending, we get it. That’s why we tapped the Katie Couric Media staffers to share the best $100 — or under — they’ve spent this season. (Disclaimer: We also included one highly recommended pair of shoes over $100, because they were too good to leave out.)

These aren’t just random, gimmicky internet finds. Each pick is a personal recommendation from ours truly — tested and approved by our team of editors, producers, and more, all of whom spend more time online than is probably healthy. From discounted gems straight from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale to a pair of toddler-proof sandals, consider this a guide to everything you need this summer — without blowing through your budget.

These picks also make great gifts — because you can’t show up to a summer block party empty-handed. Or just treat yourself to something small without the financial dread, with KCM’s stamp of approval. 


ThirdLove Thermoregulating TempSync T-Shirt Bra

ThirdLove

“On scorching days when the mercury soars, few things are more miserable than your bra betraying you with sweat stains — especially if you’ve chosen one that dramatically changes color when damp. During my recent Italian escape, where temperatures stubbornly hovered above 90°F every day, I found myself repeatedly reaching for this genius bra. Its perforated padding breathes like athleticwear, rather than suffocating lace or heavy cotton. Thanks to the design, not once did I endure swampy discomfort, even under relentless heat. A true game-changer for keeping cool under it all.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

$78 at ThirdLove

Bissell

“Since birth, I have been a certified spiller. There’s no cup that can contain its contents when held in my hands. This is a lifelong struggle, but I’ve come to accept my butterfingers status, so long as I can easily and swiftly clean up my mess. That’s why I treated myself to this light but mighty machine. It’s so powerful, I rarely bust out my standup steam vacuum anymore!” — Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager

$95 at Bissell

Flewd Bath Soaks

Flewd

“After a long day, there’s nothing I crave more than lighting a candle, sinking into a hot bath, and losing myself in whatever book I’m currently reading. Sure, classic Epsom salts can do the trick for soothing sore muscles, but lately I’ve been reaching for Flewd’s magnesium-rich soaks. They don’t just smell incredible — they genuinely help me unwind. Their latest formula kicks things up a notch: It’s crafted to combat fatigue with a powerful blend of magnesium and tryptophan to ease both body and mind, plus vitamin B6 and potassium to help lift your mood and tame stress hormones. It’s my new go-to ritual for hitting reset.”  — Katie Pittman, commerce editor

$11 per Soak at Flewd

JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan

Amazon

“Once the temp hits 80 degrees or above in New York City, this little guy goes everywhere with me. It’s no longer ‘keys, phone, wallet’ when I leave the house; it’s ‘keys, phone, wallet, fan.’ This handheld number packs a punch, offering a lot of power in a little body. It’s rechargeable, and the battery power is strong. In fact, it lasted through an entire Beyoncé concert, going full blast in Washington, D.C. humidity. I also like that it can fold up, so it takes up less space than an eyeglasses case in your bag. And you can stand it up on its own when you’re sitting at a table or desk. Bonus points for it not being obnoxiously loud, and the fact that it doubles as a flashlight — because of course it does.” — Julia Lewis, producer

$18 at Amazon

Ten Little Splash Sandals 2

Ten Little

“These sandals are the only shoes my 16-month-old has worn all summer — and for good reason. They’re wide and easy to get on and off with Velcro straps, and they’re both sturdy and waterproof. They’re perfect for a full summer day, whether she’s running around the playground or splashing in water. I love that they can transition seamlessly and withstand everything my daughter throws at (or onto) something. Yes, you can find cheaper options online, but these are totally worth the extra spend.” — Perri Luckman, Senior Account Executive

$45 at Ten Little

La Chatelaine Luxury Soap Collection

Amazon

“The summer heat means lots of showers, and I’ve been making mine feel a little extra-special with this set of fantastic-smelling soaps. My favorite scents are gardenia and lemon verbena, but they’re all incredible. I love starting my rinse by lathering up and standing still for a moment, just taking a whiff of the calming scent and setting an intention to relax for a few minutes.” — Ryan Buxton, Features Director

$73 at Amazon

Madewell Cotton Crewneck Cardigan

Madewell

“I often throw a cardigan in my bag during the summer in case I get cold — I feel like every office is freezing! This Madewell option is the ideal lightweight cotton material for summer; I have it in white and might go back for another color.”  — Alyssa Horwitz, Executive Assistant

$88 at Madewell

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended

Amazon

“This summer sun has been rough on my skin, and I’m afraid I’m on the path to looking more like Magda from There’s Something About Mary, than Mary. (Millennials and Gen Xers probably have the image of Magda’s leathery tan seared into their memories.) This SPF face cream comes highly recommended, and I can’t wait to try it.” — Mary Agnant, Senior Producer

Herb Pharm Valerian Root Liquid Extract

Herb Pharm Valerian Root Liquid Extract

Amazon

“Lately, my sleep has been like an in-demand child star: Elusive and very short. I’ve tried countless gadgets and potions to improve my zzz quality, but I’m trying to avoid heavy-duty medications in favor of something less habit-forming and more natural. So far, I’m loving this valerian root tincture (derived from the flower), partially for the sedative effects and partially because taking it makes me feel like an ancient witch who lives in a hollowed-out tree. I will warn you that the flavor is intense as hell, so please *do* follow the instructions on the label and add this to a bit of water. Otherwise it feels like doing a Jagermeister shot, which probably isn’t your sleeping ‘vibe.’” — Molly Simms, VP, Editorial Director

Peloton Original Cycling Shoes

Nordstrom

“I had no idea you could buy Peloton gear at Nordstrom, so I’ll be taking this opportunity to save 20 percent on their cycling shoes. I can rest assured that these will clip in easily to my bike.” — Sara Levine, Managing Editor, Newsletters

$100 at Nordstrom

MOROCCANOIL Treatment

MOROCCANOIL Treatment

“This oil is the best hair product I’ve ever used. Not only does it provide silky shine, but it smells so good, sometimes I use it instead of wearing perfume.” — Adriana Fazio, Producer

Polo Ralph Lauren Assorted 5-Pack Knit Cotton Boxers

Nordstrom

“I’ve been meaning to stock up on underwear for myself and my fiancé. He loves the soft fabric and loose fit of these Polo Ralph Lauren boxers.” — Camey Hess, Head of Sales

$45 at Nordstrom

Quince Wild Heirloom Candle

“I’ve been wanting a tomato-leaf-scented candle ever since Bowen Yang raved about his on his podcast Las Culturistas. But the best ones are wildly expensive. When I saw KCM fave brand Quince released its own recipe, I had to indulge. Before you say, ‘Why would I want my room to smell like a savory sandwich topping?’ think for a second: Tomatoes are having their moment, and while most of the time it’s in food form, the scent is surprisingly refreshing. I can’t explain it any better than the brand does: ‘The fresh scent of tomato vines at the edge of harvest — green and full of promise. Herbaceous and grounded, with the warmth of summer lingering in the air.’” — Maggie Parker, Deputy Digital Editor

$24 at quince

Raan Cotton Face and Body Wipes

“I only use facial cleanser once a day, at night, but I also rinse my face with water every morning. When I’m not in NYC, however, often the tap water is so different it upsets my sensitive skin. Instead of awkwardly rinsing with filtered water every morning when I’m out of town, I started looking into facial wipes. Knowing they’re not great for the environment and they often contain lots of chemicals, I started searching for environmentally friendly options. Spoiler alert: There aren’t many. But raan’s facial and body wipes are made of 100 percent USA-grown cotton with 99 percent purified water and 5 clean ingredients, including organic aloe. Each wipe is biodegradable, plastic-free, and comes in PCR packaging that cuts plastic use by 70 percent (versus traditional hard-lid packs). I’ve been using them on my face for a week and my skin feels so hydrated and soft. They’re also safe to use on babies.” — Maggie Parker, Deputy Digital Editor

$15/10-pack on amazon

Rothy’s The Espadrille Mary Jane

Rothy’s

“I’m obsessed with these effortlessly chic Mary Janes from Rothy’s. They’re the only flats I’ve ever worn that don’t give me blisters. Comfortable, breathable, and elevated, they’re perfect for everything from the office to a night out. The Jasmine shade is my go-to for pairing with anything in my wardrobe, but the Red Hot color is such a fun way to make a statement.” — Perri Luckman, Senior Account Executive

$149 at Rothy’s