Today's best sales: Over 50% off an Echo Dot, 45% off Spanx leggings and more

Amazon invented the smart speaker (hey Alexa!), so you can trust that it knows what it's doing by now. The latest Echo Dot offers great sound for its size, performs an array of functions and regularly costs $50. Snag one for over 50% off! 

Yahoo's Senior Tech Writer, Rick Broida, writes in his review: "I consider the Echo Dot an excellent device, one that's incredibly useful and versatile. Whether it's your first foray into smart speakers or simply an extension of an existing smart-home setup, you'll find it an amazing asset."

One Amazon shopper who calls the device a "must have" said they have five versions of Alexa around their house for various tasks. They shared: "In the unlikely event of a fall, I can call a friend or 911 for help, which is a potential lifesaver for people of any age. If I come home after dark, I can ask Alexa to turn on the lights so I don't walk into a dark house. Alexa does thousands of things to make life easier."

These leggings are so popular they've sold out a few times in recent years. They're best known for streamlining you in all the right places (and giving your booty a lift). The faux leather means you can dress them up a little, and a soft fleece lining keeps you extra warm. They do run small, so order one size up, and keep in mind that these are marked final sale. 

"Love the fleece-lined leggings!" said one shopper. "I wore them on a girls' trip to the mountains and wineries. They were perfect for the cool air. I felt cute wearing them with wedge booties and thick socks. I did find the waistband rolled a little if I bent over, but nothing problematic. They do run smaller than the regular faux leather leggings ... I would say to size up to be safe!"

Readers will love Amazon's latest Kindle — it's a No. 1 bestseller and Yahoo's best e-reader of 2024. Broida says it "approaches perfection" thanks to its design, screen, size and amount of storage (oh yeah, and it's also waterproof). 

"I like the Paperwhite's 7-inch screen, which is a touch larger than the previous gen's 6.8-incher, but without any increase to overall device size," he writes in his review. "It strikes me as just about the ideal size for comfortable reading, and while the 2024 Paperwhite is a smidgen heavier than its predecessor, it's still comfortable to hold for long stretches."

While this isn't a huge markdown, it is a rare one! And it's only $5 more than it was over Black Friday weekend.

If you sleep hot, these moisture-wicking pillows will help keep you comfortable. They're filled with a plush down alternative (100% polyester) that's encased in a soft, breathable sateen cover. You get two for $25 for a limited time!

"My husband and I are very picky about our pillows, and we are pleasantly surprised at how comfortable these are," said one five-star fan. "We are both side sleepers, and these have helped both of us have better nights of sleep. They support our necks without feeling like we are too propped up, and they offer enough give to help feel like our necks are being cradled. I'm glad I found these."

Wake up to fresh coffee or espresso with the VertuoPlus, our pick for the best Nespresso machine of the year. One button brews up to four different sizes of java. Once it's done, it automatically disposes of your pod by sliding it into an attached container, which you can empty once it's full (it holds up to 10 used capsules).

"OK, so this thing is fast! Much quicker than Keurig. It took about 60 seconds to brew a nice frothy cup of coffee. One button and you're done," explained one shopper. "I love the froth, and the coffee included in the set is also very good. The coffee is hot, but not too hot and can be enjoyed almost immediately. Very attractive design; will impress guests!"

Prep ingredients and store leftovers with this set of durable glass food containers. Each one comes with a leakproof snap-lock lid, so they keep food fresh and messes contained. They're also dishwasher-, freezer-, microwave- and oven-safe.

"After using these containers, I threw all my other ones in the garbage!" said one shopper. "I love the covers. They fit very well and I don't have to worry about them leaking. I love these! I love the fact that you can put these in the freezer. They can go from freezer to oven (without lids), microwavable and dishwasher-safe. Easy to stack."

This set of six knives can help you dice veggies, chop fruit, slice bread and cut through thick meats with ease. It's fun to look at and comes with color-coded blade guards, a nice touch if you like to keep your knives in a drawer instead of out on the counter.

"These knives are so amazing!" wrote one fan. "They are super sharp and work really well. The guards are really handy and I would definitely purchase again for the price."

If you're looking for a simple, chic black handbag this winter, grab this one by Rebecca Minkoff. Even the hardware is black, so you don't have to worry about a gold chain or a silver clip clashing with your jewelry. Plus, at just over 50% off, this is a rare steal. 

"This is the perfect little bag," said one shopper. "I have been looking for a black bag for a while and really fell in love with this one because of the black hardware on it. The leather is very nice quality as well."

Keeping your coffee or tea hot can be difficult while you're dashing around the house on a busy morning. That's where this bestseller comes in. You can set the temperature and keep it there for hours, on or off the charging coaster.

"I use it every day! The temperature is always perfect," said a five-star reviewer. "It looks like a normal mug but oh boy! It is no normal mug! It's beautiful. So easy to use. I just wish the battery lasted longer. Even that doesn't make me take a star away. I absolutely love how well it works."

This little space heater packs a punch! It can heat up to 95°F and has three levels. It will automatically shut off if it starts to overheat or if it's tipped over. If your feet get especially chilly or you want to use it to keep warm on your patio, it's a solid buy (despite the likely inflated starting price).

"Love this space heater!" said one Walmart shopper. "It gets warm quickly and if you have to store it like I do after use, it cools down pretty quickly as well. This space heater definitely does its job and I really only need to give it a few minutes for the space to be comfortably warm!"