February 17, 2026

EDITOR'S NOTE

I hope it’s not just me, but recently my nervous system has felt like it’s on fire. We’re only 48 days into 2026, but someone throw a blanket over my cage. If you too feel like “wow, more?” — join me in a collective deep breath and take a peek at what I’ve been using to soothe myself, because another moment on my phone may cause me to throw it from a rooftop:

• The punch needle kit that’s keeping my hands busy as I watch the Olympics

• The silicone magnets I keep on my WFH desk for daily meetings

• The affirmation cards I have on my nightstand

• The very basic ice roller I use most mornings to soothe my skin

• And lastly, my emotional support electric heating pad

—Alexandra Napoli / Commerce Director / New York, NY

We’re firm believers in celebrating Valentine’s Day for the entire month. And while the holiday is officially behind us, Lelo’s offering up to 50% off select sex toys until next week. Plus, if you spend over $199, you can get a free Lelo Dot Travel. Not sure where to start? Our editors are longtime fans of this beginner-friendly vibrator.

Margo’s Empties

Here are three products our editor finished over the last month (and will repurchase ASAP):

• Snow Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips: Because they dissolve within 20 minutes of application, they’re much more enjoyable to wear.

• Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Shampoo: If you have fine hair, you can skip conditioner with this one.

• Dropps Sensitive Skin: The best laundry detergent pods if you’re prone to redness and itching.

Reads

AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That’s Always Changing by Liz Tran

• The story: Margo here. Whether you try to plan for life changes months in advance (like me) or run towards it with open arms (kudos to you), there’s always room for getting more comfortable with the unknown. In Liz Tran’s latest book, AQ, she teaches readers about the “agility quotient,” or the emotional muscle for flexibly accepting change. I read her first book The Karma of Success after being a longtime follower of the executive coach. What I love about Tran’s perspective is that it’s holistic, practical, and easy to digest (without feeling corporate). If you’re looking for a quick, yet addictive read about how to manage uncertainty, this is one of those books that will make you feel a little more steady.

Bookmark This

👶 Parenthood is expensive, which is why we’re shopping this baby sale.

📚 A Little Women-inspired murder mystery? We’re all ears.

😎 Today’s the last day to shop Quay’s latest sale with sunglasses starting at $49.

🐰 An adorable sleep trainer and night-light for toddlers.

👀 A surprising way to get muscles to relax at the end of the day.

Skimm’d by: Margo Ghertner, Alexandra Napoli, Martha Upton, Caroline Goldstein, Alessandra Rey

theSkimm Shopping | We serve you affordable, durable products meant for keeps. And if anything has a flashy price tag, we’ve vetted for quality and deemed it investment-worthy.