Taste of Home Shopping Wins: Everything Our Editors Are Loving in September
Updated: Sep. 24, 2023
Here's what our shopping editors are loving in September, from wholesome fall essentials to a life-changing coffee gadget.
As Taste of Home‘s shopping experts, we test a lot of products to help you find the absolute best buys worthy of your home and kitchen. Though we’re still trying to accept that summer is coming to a close, we’re sharing our must-have products for fall and everyday life. Discover refreshing drinks to cool you down as hot summer temps linger, a sofa hack you’ll wish you knew sooner and the coziest throw blanket of the season.
Quince Woven Throw Blanket
“The weather still feels like summer here in Denver, but it’s officially fall in my books. In search of a statement-worthy throw blanket for my new couch, I discovered (and fell in love with) this terracotta woven throw blanket. I mean, the terracotta hue just screams, “I’m ready for autumn!” And don’t get me started on the woven texture. I’m a sucker for knits (sweaters, sweatpants, you name it), and my home decor is no exception. It holds its structure beautifully despite my puppy constantly scratching at it.”
–Madi Koetting, Associate Shopping Editor
Let’s Eat Cookbook
“I’ve been a massive fan of internet legend @grossypelosi for years and have eagerly awaited his debut cookbook, which released this month. (I squealed when I got it in the mail!) The pages are packed with nostalgic comfort food recipes interwoven with family stories that’ll make you smile. Every recipe reads like it was written by your BFF. This month you can find me cooking Grossy’s iconic vodka sawce and chocolate chip cookie recipe.”
–Nicole Doster, Content Director, Strategy and Performance
Tea Forte Cold Brew Sampler
“While I crave cool, fall temps, Wisconsin weather just isn’t cooperating. To beat the lingering heat, I turn to Tea Forte’s cold brew sachets. I love that I can steep a refreshing drink in mere minutes—no boiling water required! Each fruity flavor is so refreshing, too. (The pomegranate vanilla is my favorite.) Talk about the perfect way to kiss summer goodbye.”
–Katie Bandurski, Senior Shopping Editor
Baggu Packing Cube Set
“My summer travels are coming to a close, and I’ve been so grateful for my Baggu packing cubes that came with me to Hawaii, Los Angeles, Scottsdale and more. First off, the fruit design puts a smile on my face. And the pouches themselves are such high quality. So many comparable products are flimsy and cheap. Not these! The heavy-duty zipper and substantial nylon material feel ultra-sturdy and withstand my cross-country treks. I put my toiletries in the smaller bag and my dirty laundry in the bigger bag. With their help, I leave all my trips as organized as I arrived.”
–Annamarie Higley, Shopping Editor
Melinda’s Pepper Sauce
“My husband is part Puerto Rican, part Mexican and 100% in love with spicy food. That’s why Melinda’s sauces—primarily their Pepper Sauce Challenge Collection—are winners in our household. With taste profiles that range from fruity to smokey and all different heat levels, it’s a great purchase for those who don’t want to compromise flavor for fire. Even better, it arrives in an attractive, gift-able box. Bye-bye, bland dinners!”
–Emily Way, Associate Shopping Editor, Sales and Deals
Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker
“I admit it—I’m a coffee snob. If it isn’t espresso, I don’t want to drink it, which is tricky when I’m traveling and don’t have access to a local coffee shop. Enter the Minipresso. This handheld espresso maker (no bigger than a nitro brew can) delivers espresso that rivals my fancy $400 machine—yes, really! It takes some elbow grease to use the hand pump, but the result is worth the work: a shot of rich espresso with a lovely crema. This tool works with your favorite fresh-ground coffee or pre-made Nespresso pods. Just pop in the pod, add boiling water, flip and pump the espresso shot into the included travel cup. It’s perfect for camping or any situation where you might risk going without your caffeine fix.”
–Reina Galhea, Deputy Shopping Editor
Couch Cushion Covers
“I have a dog and a toddler at home—and both are allowed on the couch, of course. But that means they’re constantly getting the sofa messy with their snacks and anything they choose to bring in from outside. So, instead of keeping them off our family room couch, I opted for these easy couch cushion covers to protect my sectional while adding a touch of flair. The fabric pattern elevates the look of my boring gray couch while also being super soft to the touch. The best part is I can easily remove the covers and throw them in the wash for a quick clean. And when I’m ready to switch things up, the seat covers come in fun colors like coffee, biscuit green or even orange.”
–Cher Checchio, Senior Shopping Editor
Originally Published: September 14, 2023
