Spring is finally here! And our editors are sharing their latest obsessions. Trust us—you'll use these handy product picks all season long.
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Here at Taste of Home, our team doesn’t find the latest and greatest gear by window shopping. We rigorously test products in our own homes before we give them our stamp of approval.
Because we come across these wow-worthy gems organically, our favorite items vary wildly from tasty snacks and useful appliances to dopamine buys. Take last month’s picks, for example, which featured both oversized cookies in spring-forward flavors and a surprisingly tiny water bottle.
This month, we’re back with more monthly faves for May. These picks have earned their spot by being pretty and practical for spring.
Top Picks for May
Le Creuset Oval Bread Oven
Built for baking stunning sourdough, this oblong bread oven creates perfectly shaped loaves.
We already stan Le Creuset Dutch ovens for their gorgeous look and heirloom quality. In fact, they’re one of our favorite vessels for baking bread. Recently, the French brand expanded its bread oven lineup to include a new oval shape, which is quickly becoming our go-to for rustic bakes.
“I’m so sick of paying $7 for fresh bread at the grocery store, so one of my goals this spring is to bake my own loaves,” says Deputy Shopping Editor and tester Katie Bandurski. “This stunning Le Creuset bread oven has been a major help, creating that perfect soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture.”
Rifle Paper Co Blanket
This charming cotton blanket from Rifle Paper Co. is high-quality, made in the U.S and absolutely stunning.
Given that we’ve tested over 55 blankets, I think it’s fair to say we’re experts on cozy throws. Even still, we occasionally find a new option that wows us, like the recently released Rifle Paper Co. throw.
“When I saw this throw online, I was immediately intrigued,” says Katie. “I’ve tested a lot of blankets, but this might be the most beautiful. I’m obsessed with the ‘Country Farm’ print, and I love that it’s made to order in North Carolina. It reminds me of the intricate knit throws my mom draped over a rocking chair in the ’90s.”
If you’re not a fan of the current farm animal trend, the blanket is also available in nine other patterns, including those featuring cats, dogs and flowers.
Nutribullet Chill Ice Cream Maker
Sorbet, smoothies, ice cream and froyo—oh, my! This easy peasy countertop ice cream maker is capable of almost any frozen treat you can think of.
While I liked my Ninja Creami, its large footprint and loud motor made me ultimately donate it to a friend. Instead, I’m sticking with the newly launched Nutribullet Chill. This machine offers much of the same functionality in a smaller, easy-to-store package. Not only is it simple to use thanks to its LED menu wheel, but it also works quickly. Plus, I find it quieter than the other “spin and go” machines I’ve tried.
For my full Nutribullet Chill review, I tried each setting and found that this little gem is remarkably versatile. Whether you want an ice cream machine that can make smoothies or you’re trying to replace your usual treats with high-protein dupes, it’s a great investment. Plus, it’s cheaper than the Creami, too!
OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Maker
Espresso on the go? This high-end gadget makes it surprisingly easy.
If you’re anything like us, you’re tired of travel coffee makers being marketed as “travel-friendly” when they still require access to a kettle. Unlike portable espresso makers that require a separate source of hot water, the OutIn Nano heats water on its own. This makes it not just a travel-friendly pour-over, but an actual, portable espresso machine.
“I didn’t expect a portable espresso machine to come close to replacing my usual coffee shop fixes. But the OutIn Nano truly impressed me,” says tester Nancy Snyder in her review of the espresso maker. “It has just about everything I want in an espresso maker, whether I’m at home or on the go.”
Souper Cubes Cookie Tray
This is the ultimate cookie tray that helps you bake fresh cookies at a moment's notice.
Keep a stash of cookie dough on hand at all times with this handy cookie tray by Souper Cubes. Complete with a lid and 10 perfectly portioned wells, this tray keeps cookie dough fresh for months. As a bonus, it’s better at fighting freezer burn than freezer bags, according to Shopping Editor Mary Henn.
“It’s sturdy, space-saving, easy to clean and makes freezing cookie dough (and other treats) relatively effortless,” Mary raves in her dedicated review of the cookie tray. “The wells are nicely sized, the lid seals tightly and, best of all, the tray holds its shape without flopping around like bendable silicone molds.”
Stanley All Day Julienne Midi Cooler
This lightweight, soft cooler is built for day trips, the office and campus.
While handy, a huge, hard cooler isn’t always worth the hassle. Instead, we recommend reaching for the Stanley Julienne midi cooler. Equipped with both a shoulder strap and handle, it’s perfectly portable for warm-weather outings.
“I travel with a snack-obsessed toddler who demands ‘nack ’nacks’ every hour,” says Mary in her review of the cooler. “This Stanley cooler keeps all my essentials chilled and ready to go. I love the stretchy outer pockets for quick grabs from the bottom of a stroller or the back of a wagon. Plus, it’s surprisingly lightweight for how much it holds.”
