We know that Cyber Monday can be overwhelming, so in the interest of saving you time with just the deals you’d actually want, our editors will each be selecting just one great discounted thing (okay, plus a few honorable mentions) that you should really spend your money on. Below, deputy editor Jason Chen on his favorite tote bag.
One of my friends emailed me the other day with a question: “I’m having a small crisis about being a 32-year-old who still carries his computer to work in a backpack. Do you have any good ideas for a cool bag I should buy instead?” Well, of course I did. I’d written about one.
But it seemed lazy to just toss off a recommendation for something I’ve already talked about publicly, so I dug into some other options. The Filson tote is nice and affordable, even if it has no effective closure system. The Mismo is interesting-looking, though it is a tad small and expensive. The more I thought about it, the more hesitant I was to hit send on my reply — truth is, I can’t in good conscience recommend any bag but the Makr tote, especially now that it’s 20 percent off (and it’s virtually never on sale).
Everything I first said about it months and months ago is still true — it’s the perfect size both on the shoulder and off — and with time I’ve come to discover how special it is to have a grown-up tote you’re not afraid to use. I’ve bought Big-Boy Bags before, ones with pebbled leather or suede bottoms that I’d leave at home on rainy days or squeeze between my knees on a crowded train for worry over subway dust. As handsome as the Makr bag is, it isn’t precious. I’ll throw it in the overstuffed trunk of a car, sling it over my shoulder when it’s pouring out, or, yes, stow it at my feet on the train. I like it in black, but you (or your friends with small crises) might like tobacco or all-canvas olive.
By now, you’ve heard all there is to say about the UE Boom 2 speaker (that it holds a charge, has 360-degree sound, packs well for travel, and is a favorite of Barbara Corcoran), so I’ll just say that it’s 32 percent off and very much worth it.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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