3 months with 3 kids and a $300 digital calendar |
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| NYT Wirecutter |
Wirecutter journalist Ellen Lee wasn’t surprised when parents in her community started buzzing about a sleek, touchscreen calendar that promised to be a “digital command center” in the form of an elegant, color-coded display.
Anything to ease the mental load of the orthodontist appointments, summer-camp signups, field trips, track tournaments, and more that she and her husband juggle for their three kids (ages 10, 15, and 17) was compelling. So she spent three months putting the $300 Skylight Calendar to the test.
It’s not a perfect system, Ellen admits. But it helped set clear expectations and got every member of the family involved in managing their home — her 10-year-old son even started reminding her about his upcoming appointments.
“I’ve started thinking of it as a second brain”→
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Plus: Excellent paper planners |
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| Michael Murtaugh |
Sometimes all it takes is some paper and a pen. Our experts found the best customizable planners to tackle your scheduling needs the analog way.
7 paper planners we love→
Your daily deal: Drinking glasses that are a pleasure to hold |
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| Bormioli Rocco |
These rounded, retro-style cups are simple, durable, and can turn an ordinary glass of water into a delightful drinking experience.
We found a set of 12 on sale for $38→
One last (productivity) thing: Consider the microwave |
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| Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter; source photos by AdobeStock |
For one Wirecutter writer, her favorite productivity tool is one she already owned: the timer on her microwave. She simply puts five minutes on the clock and starts tackling whatever is top of mind. A plus? She’s not relying on her phone or laptop for help.
Plus, more kooky productivity hacks that Wirecutter journalists swear by→
One task at a time. You got this.
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