Today is GA/FL’s 80^th birthday and when I think of her, I think of a Steel Magnolia—Clairee to be specific.  Strong, Southern, gorgeous, with a quick wit—that’s Clairee AND GA/FL.

I found an article about the movie and wanted to share some interesting facts about it.

From: Southern Living

When playwright Robert Harling wrote Steel Magnolias back in 1987—his poignant tribute to his sister’s journey to motherhood and eventual death from diabetes complications—he undoubtedly had no idea that decades later, people would still be quoting it regularly. 

Harling’s witty play had a successful off-Broadway run. Then TriStar Pictures bought the movie rights and Harling edited the script, transforming the play into a movie. The 1989 film had an all-star cast that included Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.

Since then, the Steel Magnolias play had a four-month run on Broadway in 2005, and the movie was remade by Lifetime in 2012, this time starring Queen Latifah. 

But Harling’s clever words like “I’m not crazy … I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 40 years” and “If you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me” have become fodder for jokes with family around the table or friends in the salon. More so, the 1989 film’s powerful portrait of family, hope, loss, grief, and happiness, and strong Southern friendships has become a smash hit that has lasted through the ages. The film is a Southern staple with something for everyone who loves to laugh, cry, or eat armadillo cake. Here are 17 things you might not know about Steel Magnolias.

Steel Magnolias Was Based On A True Story

Actor and writer Robert Harling wrote the play based on the true story of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who died from complications with diabetes. “She was the only person that had been with me for forever,” Harling told Southern Living. “When we lost her, when she died in 1985, I was really in a very bad state with her loss.” He began writing the play after learning his brother-in-law remarried months after his sister’s death.

The Movie Offered Healing For Harling’s Family

Harling wanted his mother to leave the set when they filmed Julia Roberts’ death scene, but his mother insisted on staying so she could see Julia get up and walk away after the director yelled cut. “I said, ‘I can’t believe you put yourself through that,'” Harling recalled saying to his mother in an interview with the Huffington Post. “But Julia had become so special to my parents. She took some peace with that.”

The Film Featured Real People

The nurses and other hospital staff seen in Julia Roberts’ life-support scenes were actual medical professionals who tended to Harling’s sister in her final days. Harling himself played the minister who presided over Shelby’s wedding and funeral.

It Took 10 Days To Write

“The events that inspired it were so powerful that, after I found the story arena, it just poured out into my typewriter in a 24/7 tsunami of Southernness,” Harling told Garden & Gun about the speedy writing process. “I had no idea what I’d written. I asked the first person I gave it to if it even looked like a play. I wasn’t really sure. All I knew was that I felt it portrayed my sister’s life and spirit accurately, and that was enough for me.”

It Was Originally A Short Story

Harling originally wanted to turn his sister’s life into a short story, but it quickly turned into a play because he wanted its Southernness to come out. “I was an actor, so I thought, well, I know what a script looks like, and I know what dialogue looks like,” Harling told Southern Living. “I’m just gonna try to write this as a play. So, I did.”

Harling’s Sister Inspired More Than Just Shelby

When Harling hit a patch of writer’s block while working on the play, he channeled his sister for one of its most famous scenes. “I said, ‘What would Susan do?’ And what Susan would do would be outrageous,” he told Today. “She would do something completely inappropriate and totally out of the box.” The result is that at Shelby’s funeral, when her mother M’Lynn is understandably distraught, Clairee cheekily suggests that M’Lynn take out her grief by hitting Ouiser. “Here, hit this!” Clairee says in one of the film’s memorable moments.

Other Actresses Were Considered To Play Shelby

Originally, Winona Ryder was considered for the part of Shelby, but producers decided she was too young. Instead, they settled on Meg Ryan, who committed to the role before dropping out for a little film called When Harry Met Sally. That’s when Julia Roberts stepped in.

“We brought her in, and she was Julia Roberts, so she was magic. She just walked into the room and lit it up, and I thought, that’s my sister,” Harling told Southern Living. (Coincidentally, Roberts later passed on the lead for You’ve Got Mail, which went to Ryan, Roberts told Andy Cohen in 2023.)

Another fun fact about the role of Shelby? When Nicole Kidman was starting out as an actress in Australia, one of her earliest roles was Shelby in the stage version of Steel Magnolias.

Hollywood Royalty Wanted In

Elizabeth Taylor went to see Steel Magnolias during its off-Broadway run, and thanks to her rave review, Hollywood legend Bette Davis called up Harling and started a push to be cast in the film as Ouiser. She also thought that Katharine Hepburn could make a fantastic Clairee and Elizabeth Taylor would be perfect as M’Lynn. In an interview with the Huffington Post, Harling said that Davis even invited him to tea to convince him that she was right for the role. The role, of course, went to Shirley MacLaine.

Harling Wrote Truvy For Another Actress

While Dolly Parton was perfect in the role of beauty shop owner Truvy, the part was actually written for someone else entirely—Margo Martindale. Harling and Martindale were friends in real life, and he wrote the role for her to play. She originated the role of Truvy in the play’s off-Broadway debut.

It Was Filmed In The Author’s Hometown

Playwright Robert Harling grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and insisted on filming there. His decision had a huge impact on the town, which can still be felt today. “For everyone who has seen the movie outside of Natchitoches, it is synonymous with the movie,” Natchitoches Convention and Tourism Bureau former Executive Director Arlene Gould told The Shreveport Times. “It had a tremendous impact on the tourism trade and on our community.” You can even take a self-guided tour of the filming locations.

Steel Magnolias Led To Soapdish

After long days on set in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the cast would gather together to play games and chat. One night, according to the Huffington Post, Harling asked each actress to name the role she’d most like to play. Sally Field said she always played “really noble, earnest women that wear crummy clothes. For once I’d like to play a b—h that gets to wear nice clothes.” Harling loved the idea and started to think about a seeming sweetheart who was truly devilish. Soon after, Soapdish was born, and Field got to play the role of her dreams as an aging soap opera star who plots to ruin her co-star’s career in the 1991 film.

There Was A Steel Magnolias TV Show

CBS aired a pilot episode of a Steel Magnolias TV series in August 1990, but the show never made it to a full series. Perhaps CBS should try again, though. When Lifetime created its 2012 version of the film starring Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, and Condola Rashad, it was the channel’s third-most-watched telecast ever.

The Film Sparked A Real-Life Romance

The sparks you saw between Roberts and her on-screen beau, Dylan McDermott, were real. When filming began on Steel Magnolias, Roberts was dating actor Liam Neeson, her co-star in 1988’s Satisfaction. Then, she allegedly broke up with Neeson to date—and eventually become engaged to—McDermott. They never made it to the altar, though. Their relationship ended in 1990.

Visitors Can Stay At The Steel Magnolia House

The historic Natchitoches house where Steel Magnolias was filmed is now a bed-and-breakfast and has been renamed The Steel Magnolia House. Guests can stay in rooms named after characters like Clairee, Ouiser, and Annelle.

The Christmas Scenes Were Filmed In August

Southern summers can be scorchers, but that didn’t stop the cast and extras from donning their finest Christmas sweaters and winter hats to film the Natchitoches Christmas festival scenes. It might have been 100 degrees during filming, but it sure looked like December, thanks to the magic of the movies.

The Movie Has Inspired Others To Donate

Harling told Today that a fan reached out to tell him that watching the film inspired them to donate a kidney to a neighbor in need. While Oscar nominations and Tony Awards are undoubtedly exciting, inspiring someone to save a life sounds like a truly incredible reward for a playwright.

Shirley MacLaine Knew The Movie Was Special

It was while filming one of those blazing hot Christmas festival scenes that Shirley MacLaine turned to playwright Robert Harling and told him she thought the film was important.

“I think it revealed all the intricacies and the diversity of women’s friendships,” MacLaine later told Southern Living, reflecting on the movie’s long-lasting legacy during its 25th anniversary.

“And we experienced that on the set. We made very good friends that are still there for us,” she said. “I think that, especially now, I think it’s still resonating because we know we find comfort in each other and we can be honest and we can be cruel, and we can be funny. And we can be sarcastic and also know that we’re there for each other always. So I think that’s something we long for in this culture.”

Sally Field Wanted To Do The Movie Because Of One Scene

There’s a dramatic funeral scene in which Sally Field’s character M’Lynn “skates back and forth through the five stages of grief in roughly five minutes,” writes Jen Chaney for Vulture. In an interview with Chaney, Field says that “humdinger of a scene” was “the crux of the film” and one of the main reasons she chose to take on the role. “It is about loss and sadness and grief and rage, but ultimately it’s about friendship,” she says. “It’s about these women who hang with her. Every step of the journey she takes in that speech — she walks up and down the dirt road of the cemetery and they’re right there with her, feeling it with her, and ultimately they make her laugh. It’s about the very best of what women friends are.”

Director Herbert Ross Was Particularly Hard On One Cast Member

In her interview with Jen Chaney for Vulture, Sally Field remembers director Herbert “Herb” Ross giving her “the freedom to do whatever” but being “very, very, very hard on Julia.” Though she says the cast members “would all rally around Julia, because she was the baby,” Ross “just picked on her.” “It was awful,” she says. Field specifically remembers castmate Dolly Parton turning right back on Ross with “the most vulgar humor you ever heard.” To be a fly on that wall!

SOURCE: SOUTHERNLIVING.COM

GA/FL I hope you have a fantastic day!!

Glasshouse Fragrances ‘Night Before Christmas’ Dancing Sugar Plums Interior Fragrance Gift Set

“If you have a holiday party — or seven — to attend, finding a non-cliché hostess gift can get tricky (not everyone likes the seasonal scent of pine trees or cranberries!). Nothing about these Glasshouse candles is ordinary: From the exquisitely designed, super evocative jars to the premium fragrance blends, they all ooze that glam ‘wow’ factor. The Dancing Sugar Plums scent is my favorite (a subtle fruity floral with just a hint of spice), but honestly, everything in its Holiday Jewels collection is a winner… and all fabulously packaged, too, so they’re ready to go.” — Eunice Lucero-Lee, Senior Editor, Reviews

Graza “Drizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil

“I put this on literally every hot meal I’ve made in the last year. You don’t cook with it; you just drizzle it on top of whatever food you make once you’re finished with it. It makes anything you’ve just made, whether it’s just eggs and toast or homemade pasta, notably punchier and more flavorful than without it. If you’re an aspiring chef or just a lazy cook like me, throw this olive oil on your food and let your taste buds take it from there.” — TP

Cozy Earth Women’s Studio Jogger

“These have become my go-to work-from-home sweatpants. I literally look forward to doing laundry because it means I can wear these pants again. Thanks to their modal fabric, they’re SO soft, and the pants come in three cute colors. It is on the pricier side at $175 for a pair, but I think they would make for a nice splurgy gift. I could totally see this being a great Christmas gift this year.” — Micki Wagner, former Commerce Editor

Repos Production ‘7 Wonders’ Board Game

“If you love Catan or any sort of adventure/civilization type of board game, this is for you. Not only is this one of the prettiest board games I own and always get compliments on, but it is so much fun! I’ve played this with my teen niece and nephew as well as my twentysomething friends, and they have all enjoyed it. Although the rules are a bit to digest in the beginning, once you get through that first practice round, you’re good to go. The game has a good balance of interacting with other players and focusing mainly on building out your individual “wonder.” The best part is you don’t know who has won until the very end when you count up your final victory points. Add this to your game nights!” — Saba Ahmed, Assistant Commerce Photo Editor

Huckberry Vintage Wash Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt

“Who doesn’t like cozy fleece in the winter? An old hoodie is fine for around the house but I don’t like going out in them. This quarter-neck zip fleece is slightly more dressed up while still being warm and comfortable. It’s cut in a relaxed fit and has been washed for softness. The sweatshirts are also made in the U.S. from domestic cotton.” — Danny Perez, Commerce Editor

Crate & Barrel Monochrome No. 5 Rain Reed Diffuser

“I discovered these candles and diffusers while perusing the cereal bowl section at a Crate & Barrel and have not been able to get them off my mind since. Every other rain-scented fragrance I’ve encountered (and being a perfumery graduate, I’ve come across a lot) has not been able to evoke the fresh, cozy melancholy that this cypress-forward one does. It’s clean, slightly green, almost Scandi; it also has just the right amount of vanilla to keep you hooked AF. Also, no notes on that super-giftable minimalist aesthetic. Get your fave hostess the candle, the diffuser, anything in this scent family, really (a close second: Citron), and watch them genuinely squeal in delight.” — ELL

Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds

“These wired (yes, wired) earbuds deliver high-quality sound via Bluetooth, and unlike most wireless earbuds, are very difficult to lose. Simply pop one bud in each ear, and drape the wire connecting them across your neck. It’s unobtrusive and gives your earbuds a natural place to sit when you pop them out. Better still, the backs of both buds are magnetized, so when you bring them together, they send a signal to your phone to pause your music or podcast. For a friend or family member who’s misplacing things constantly, these will save them from regularly having to replace expensive wireless earbuds in the future.” — JG

Edifier W830NB Wireless Over Ear Headphones

“In a year when the market for budget-friendly wireless headphones reached a higher level, the under-$80 (before frequent discounts) Edifier W830NB cans stood out by delivering more value per dollar than any rival. The over-ear headphones impressed me with high-quality sound, support for immersive spatial audio, strong noise cancellation, and fantastic battery life. Combined with their elegant design and comfy fit, these qualities consistently made me feel like I was using a costlier set of headphones.” — SV

Nécessaire The Body Wash Olibanum

“True story: I’m a Nécessaire fanatic and promise you need the brand’s latest drop. The Body Wash quickly became my go-to shower gel since its launch in 2019, and the 2024 upgrade proves that good things don’t need to be fussy. There are currently three new scents to choose from, but I gravitate toward the Olibanum version. The light blend of frankincense, vanilla, cassis buds, and lily of the valley ensures my shower time smells like a sweet and spicy spa day. The Olibanum Body Wash also now contains vitamin C for a brighter complexion, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, and a trio of enzymes to improve uneven skin tone. It’s also the perfect treat for someone who is hard-to-please like a mother figure — my mom is currently obsessed with her bottle, so I’m confident yours will be, too.” — Nicole Saunders, Beauty Editor

Silky Professional Big Boy Folding Saw

“Contestants on the History Channel TV show Alone often bring a larger version of this saw as one of their ten allotted items, but most of us aren’t trying to survive on our own for three months in the arctic. For those with property to maintain or go camping, a high-quality folding saw like the Silky Big Boy will exceed expectations. It folds to a compact size that can be safely carried in a backpack and delivers quick and efficient cuts (on the pull stroke) so you can quickly assemble wood for your campfire without expending much energy. If you’ll be cutting down the family Christmas tree, this saw would also make a great companion, as it’s easy to carry and stowed in a bag.” — Colin Aylesworth, Deputy Editor, Reviews

Otella Cooling Body Spray

“These sprays work so well and are a godsend after a workout or a ride (or dog walk, or honestly just a walk around the block some days) on a hot day. Plus, they smell amazing!” — Natascha Grief, Health and Fitness Editor

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm

“Nobody wants dry hands! Greasy palms aren’t exactly desirable, either. That said, I am truly so grateful that the Aesop Aromatique Hand Balm exists. The product has my hands feeling hydrated and light whenever I layer it on. There’s no lingering residue or sticky feeling afterward. (Especially important for those who type on keyboards frequently.) Aesop offers this in three different scents, but my favorite is Reverence, which gives off a smoky and wood-like aroma. I seriously use this every day, and I think everyone else should, too.” — Josiah Soto, Digital Content Producer

Whoop Fitness Tracker 4.0

“Whoop 4.0 offers a more complete picture than most other fitness trackers provide since it measures metrics such as sleep, recovery, and stress (among other things) and allows you to track over time so you can analyze how your body responds to, well, everything. The 4.0 model now also tracks body temp and respiratory rate, which provides an even more detailed reporting of strain, stress, and recovery. Whoop has also recently released a line of sport-specific technical clothing (Assos bibs for cyclists, for example) that seamlessly integrate data collection with built-in Whoop pods.” — NG

Bruvi Coffee and Tea Bundle

“This machine can brew everything from iced coffee and tea to espresso and infused drinks. The interface is tech-savvy yet user-friendly, and there are several helpful features like a used pod receptacle, personalization options, and app compatibility. I love the iced coffee setting because the Bruvi brews at a lower temperature so your ice doesn’t melt and water down your beverage.” — Amber Joglar, Reviews Editor

lululemon Beyondfeel Trail Running Shoes

“2024 is the year I became a fan of lululemon shoes. This is my new favorite running errands and dog-walking shoe. It’s not so much a trail shoe that I feel like I’m wearing a boot, but it has good grip and stability.” — Donna Raskin, Senior Health and Fitness Editor

Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker

“A fresh take on a legendary product, the Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker is an excellent gift option for anyone in need of a sound upgrade. The portable gadget can blast high-quality sound anywhere and, thanks to an IP67 rating, survive exposure to water and dust. In addition to flawless integration with Apple and Android devices, the Pill is easy to locate and capable of powering up their phone.” — SV

Nomad Stand One Max

“The Stand One Max by Nomad is my favorite MagSafe charger to arrive this year and a great gift for Apple enthusiasts who rock an iPhone, an Apple watch, and AirPods or other wireless earbuds with wireless charging. Crafted from metal and glass, the accessory looks decidedly luxurious and feels incredibly crafted. Of course, it can also rapidly charge Apple gear.” — SV

 

GiftedGold Custom Album Cover

“I got my closest friends a custom-made poster of their favorite albums from this Etsy store last Christmas, and it was a hit. Each poster features the cover of your selected album, a row of colors matching the album’s artwork, and a list of each track. The final result makes for a nice piece of wall art that can easily be framed.” — XP

Opinel High Carbon Steel Dinner Knives

“If you’re like me, buying a new set of knives is something you put off as long as possible. I cut with dull knives for years until I got this colorful set from Opinel as a gift. The knives are made in France and feature stainless steel blades and hand-varnished hornbeam wooden handles. They also come in an easy-to-wrap box.” — RK

SOURCE: BESTPRODUCTS.COM

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving gifts.  If you’re not the best at choosing gifts for the special people in your life, I found an article detailing the “best” gifts for this year.  Most of these gifts are pricey and some are just odd—a heated eye massager?? REALLY??? Who needs that??

lululemon Go Getter Bag 2.0

“Give your exercise-obsessed giftee this versatile gym bag from lululemon for Christmas this year. It has designated space for sweaty workout clothes, their water bottle, and all other essentials they need at the gym. But it’s also great for travel, too, thanks to its water-repellent fabric and padded handles for comfy carrying. It also has an interior padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop and a quick-access pocket for their phone. It will become an instant mainstay in their accessories collection.” — Best Products Staff

Renpho Eye Massager with Heat

“Give your recipient’s eyes a break with this heated eye massager. It features internal heating pads, built-in speakers to listen to Bluetooth music, adjustable compression, and five different massage modes to help your recipient’s eyes relax. Thanks to its foldable and portable design, they can take it wherever they go. It’s so relaxing, they might even use it to get some much needed shut-eye. Bonus: It helps ease dark circles, too!” — Best Products Staff

Skylight Calendar Max

“The Skylight 27-inch is a home digital calendar that makes life easier. you can load your family’s Outlooks, Gcal, iCal, and more into the system so that everyone knows each other’s schedule. You can import them one by one as well. We use it so that the kids know when we’re going to be out, and we know when they have after-school activities.” — CB

Golfguru Golf Practice Net

“If your dad (or any other golfer in your life) can’t always hit the links, this is the best Christmas gift to bring the links to him. This golf training kit comes with a tri-turf golf hitting mat, 10 golf balls, seven golf tees, two golf rubber tees, and a hitting net that features one large target and three chipping target pockets so he can practice all his shots and swings from the comfort of his home. And since it can be set up in less than 5 minutes, your favorite golfer can spend more time practicing their swing than dealing with gear.” — Best Products Staff

Carhartt Deluxe Insulated Lunch Bag

“Lunch boxes may seem too practical, but this option from Carhartt is definitely gift-worthy — especially for the teachers on your list. It features two insulated compartments for extra storage, a zippered pocket ideal for utensils, and two carrying options — a top handle and shoulder strap. It’s also made of durable water-repellent fabric, so your recipient can take it on rainy days and know their food will be safe. Choose from five colors to make the gift feel more personalized for your recipient.” — Best Products Staff

Netany Drinking Glasses Set

“This drinking glass set will help your recipient ditch plastic one drink at a time. They’ll have everything they need for worry-free sips and a move toward a more sustainable lifestyle. This includes four can-shaped glass cups with a 16-ounce capacity, four lids made from 100% bamboo, and four reusable glass straws. It also comes with a pair of brushes so they can make sure the straws stay squeaky clean between uses.” — Best Products Staff

Intoval 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

“If your loved one is an Apple user, they will love this Christmas gift. It will not only give them a designated space to store all their devices but also offers wireless charging. Its sleek design can hold an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, so all their devices can charge at one time without a mess of cords. We’re confident that this useful gift will have a permanent spot on their desk or nightstand.” — Best Products Staff

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

“Keeping tea, coffee, and hot cocoa warm has never been easier than with Ember’s genius smart mug. It can be controlled with a smartphone and has a long-lasting battery. It maintains their preferred sipping temperature (up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit), so they don’t have to run to the microwave occasionally to heat up lukewarm java. It’s convenient, clever, and something your recipients probably wouldn’t buy themselves — all the ingredients for one of the best Christmas gifts.” — Best Products Staff

Lost Boy Entertainment ‘Words Are Hard‘ Card Game

“This game is fast-paced and competitive but still accessible. Because the premise is based on the pictures on the cards, basically anyone of any age can play. I’ve played this before over drinks with some friends and at a birthday party with my young family members; both times were equally fun. It’s also easy to play with larger groups because you rotate between turns so quickly that nobody is ever left waiting for long. The game is nearly impossible to play without getting a little too competitive.” — Tom Price, Associate Editor, Reviews

Razer Kishi Ultra Gaming Controller

“The Razer Kishi Ultra mobile gaming controller is the new gold standard for design, ergonomics, and performance in its product category and rightfully one of my favorite gadgets of 2024. Its full-size grips, onboard switches with best-in-class performance and tactility, and customizable RGB lighting can transform any phone — with or without a case — into a portable gaming console.” — Stefan Vazharov, Senior Technology Editor, Reviews

Gurgle Pot Beverage Pourer

“As the name implies, this pitcher will create a gurgling sound after each pour when placed upright, and it’s always a delight whenever we have friends or family over for dinner. The pitcher’s open-mouthed fish design is certainly unique, but it’s so charming and great for anyone who wants a statement piece for their kitchen or dining area. It comes in different color options, too.” — Xavier Piedra, Senior Editor, Reviews

Dupray Bloom Air Purifier for Large Rooms with Planter

“Adding another clunky appliance into a small apartment is a bummer, but feels necessary after a year of constant construction pollution, wildfire smoke, and intense allergies. This Dupray air purifier is much less of an eyesore than the traditional boxy design. You can use it as an accent table or a planter and simultaneously have it purifying over 1500 square feet with its HEPA-13 filter. Dupray gives you a choice of finishes for the tabletop and the color of the mesh around the base, too!” — Bridget Clegg, Senior Digital Art Director

Bearaby Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket for Adults

“I am someone who relies on a lot of assistance to get a good night’s rest. A weighted blanket is critical for me, and my favorite blanket is by Bearaby. It’s a woven style with a soft cover and a deeply weighted feel. It’s also machine washable, which, as a hot sleeper, makes things feel cleaner overall.” — Cat Bowen, Senior Editor for Commerce, Reviews

Clixo Super Rainbow (60-Piece Pack)

“This Christmas gift can help break a kid’s screen addiction by giving them a huge collection of Clixo’s beloved multisensory toys to fiddle around with. The magnetic, flexible shapes can be turned into any 2D and 3D shape a child can imagine, whether they want to build a dog, a hat, or a plane. The kit also fosters open-ended play and helps kids develop creative confidence and innovation skills, so it’s a Christmas gift parents can appreciate, too!” — Best Products StaffApple AirTag (4-Pack

“Imagine never having to worry about where you left something ever again. Thanks to Apple AirTags, you can gift that sense of relief to all the forgetful folks on your list! These tags stick onto just about anything — from wallets to dog collars — and they work as a tracker, so your gift recipient will always know where their things are. If they can’t find their item immediately, they can activate an audio alarm to help locate it. And if they do lose something, they can report it as lost in the Find My network, which comes standard with all Apple devices.” — Best Products Staff

Anker MagGo Power Bank

“Anker’s MagGo Power Bank (10K) has been my go-to iPhone battery pack since its launch in early 2024. Featuring support for the latest Qi2 wireless charging standard and ample battery capacity, the accessory treated my iPhone 15 Pro Max to quick and easy power-ups on the move. Its built-in viewing stand, fast USB-C port, and color display were also handy for monitoring the charging process.” — SV

Badesofa Back Bath Pillow

“For whoever loves to spend time in the bathtub, this pillow makes it easy to find comfortable positions and up the experience.” — Pavlína Černá, Senior Features Editor

Rumpl Original Puffy Camping Blanket

“I love when gear intended for outdoorsy stuff does double-duty as home decor. That’s the case with Rumpl’s Original Puffy blanket, which is an excellent addition to any camping trip but also looks great unfurled on my bed or couch as a throw. The insulated puffer’s water-resistant ripstop nylon shell is super-soft, pulled up against your nose and chin, and a sewn-in clasp along the edge transforms the blanket into a cape. It’s available in more than two dozen colorful, groovy graphic prints and a few solids, and it stores in a matching stuffsack.” — Rachel Klein, Deputy Editor, Reviews

Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

“From bird lovers to new homeowners, this smart bird feeder is a surprising gift idea that’s sure to win Christmas. It features a high-resolution AI-powered camera that captures photos, recognizes over 1,000 bird species, and works with a convenient companion app that notifies your recipient of any feathered visitors — so your loved one won’t miss any of the action when they’re not at home. It’s also lightweight, weather-resistant, and made of recyclable plastic housing.” — Best Products Staff

Cave Tools Barbecue Spatula with Bottle Opener and Serrated Edge

“This heavy-duty spatula does more than flip burgers: Its serrated edge cuts through even the fattiest piece of meat to check for doneness or create perfect-sized portions. It also has a built-in bottle opener for your griller to pop a cold one the next time they’re on duty. And when they’re done, it’s dishwasher-safe for extremely easy clean-up.” — John Gilpatrick, Senior Editor, Reviews

SOURCE: BESTPRODUCTS.COM