How Useful Are These Gadgets?

Happy New Year! 🎉

2025 is here, and as the holiday season slips into the rearview mirror, it’s time to dive back into reality - and new reviews! Today, I’m kicking off the year with my first public video, where I test three interesting gadgets to see if they’re as useful as they claim.

This newsletter is packed with the usual deals, tips, and a nostalgic flashback to a past review. So let’s jump right in with…

NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
How Useful Are These Gadgets?

My latest video is live, and today I’m testing three unique gadgets, including two for the kitchen and one that’s all about fun!

Here’s what I tested:
🍗 Better Breader: A mess-free way to bread chicken and veggies, but does it really work?
🔥 Food Warming Mat: A sleek solution to keep your dishes warm, but is it worth the price?
🌈 Huey the Chameleon Lamp: A clever color-changing light. Fun or forgettable?

Click below to see how these gadgets performed and find out which ones (if any) might deserve a spot in your home!

If you don’t have time to watch, you can always read the written version here.

DEALS 🏷️
Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker: 23% Off

If you’ve been following my reviews, you might remember the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker I tested in late 2022 (check out my review here). Not only did I enjoy it, but it became a regular part of my kitchen routine. What you may not know is that there’s a dual version, perfect for making sandwiches for two. No more waiting to enjoy breakfast with a friend or loved one! This model has been around for a while and is currently on the lower end of its price range. If you’ve been eyeing one of these gadgets, now’s the time to upgrade!

📦 Fabric Storage Cubes: 25% Off

After reviewing nearly 2,000 products, storage is life, and these fabric storage cubes have been a big part of my storage regimen. I use them for organizing paperwork, manuals, extra cables, and even as temporary storage for upcoming reviews. I’ve got 10 of these in use, and at 25% off, I might grab a few more myself. If your space could use some tidying up, these are a no-brainer.

👕Kangaroo Hanger: 20% Off

Here’s a hidden gem! While my review of the Kangaroo Hanger was exclusive to members, I’ve since realized just how handy its unique design truly is. Whether you struggle with awkward clothing shapes or just want a better hanger, these are worth a look, especially at 20% off. Although their improvement over traditional hangers is minimal, laundry aficionados may find them worth the upgrade.

Extend the life of nonstick pans.
Use wooden or silicone utensils instead of metal.
Hand wash to prevent scratches.
Let pans cool before cleaning
Avoid cooking with high heat

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
Hand Warmer Comparison (2024)

Exactly one year ago today, I shared my comparison of four different hand warmers. As someone with Raynaud’s, products like these are more than just convenient, they’re essential. I was especially invested in this review and put all four options through their paces to find the best of the bunch. One pair stood out as the clear winner! If you missed it the first time around, now’s the perfect time to check it out and see which one kept my hands the warmest.

Don’t want to watch it? You can read my written version here.

📺 My Top 10 for January 2025 is live! This playlist highlights the most popular videos on Freakin’ Reviews right now. No surprise: my Best and Worst of 2024 videos have claimed the top spots, but what other fan favorites have climbed into the list this month? Check out the full playlist to see if there’s a gem you missed, or a video worth rewatching!

SMART SHOPPING 🛒
Three Tips for Wiser Shopping

Look for Discounted Subscriptions. Services like streaming platforms or software often offer annual plans at a lower overall cost. If you know you’ll be sticking with a platform, an annual subscription makes sense.

Look for Damaged Packaging Discounts. Products with torn or dented boxes are often discounted but the items inside are brand-new. The box usually ends up in the trash anyway, so who cares if it’s a little rough if you can save a few bucks?

Shop Early in the Morning for Online Restocks. Popular items tend to restock overnight, giving early risers a better chance of grabbing them.

SHORT SPOTLIGHT 🎥
🍓Nature’s Wild Berry