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Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Getting (actually good) food storage containers is a small but meaningful upgrade that will make it far easier to deal with the onslaught of leftovers that pile up this time of year. In our years of testing, we’ve found that the best containers are leak-proof, durable, and transparent—so it’s easy to see the contents and actually eat them before they go moldy. Our four favorites will serve you much better than any old takeout tubs you have laying around.

For all those leftovers→

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The best early Black Friday deals we’re seeing so far Yes, they’ve already begun→

Baggu and Uniqlo have nearly identical bags. But one is better. We put both of these trendy crescent cross-body bags to the test→

Black plastic kitchen tools might expose you to toxic chemicals Here’s what to use instead→

Photo illustration by NYT Wirecutter; source photo by iStock/Zeynep Ozdelice

The secret to a great Thanksgiving dinner is all in the preparation. And according to Sam Sifton, founding editor of New York Times Cooking, that preparation can start happening now. Sam’s timeline: Buy your dry goods and bottled beverages a couple weeks in advance. Grab the turkey the weekend before—along with the gourds, brussels sprouts, potatoes, and lots and lots of butter. On Wednesday, buy everything else you need, and get going on the dishes you can make ahead.

And some essential kitchenware for the day: Senior staff writer Lesley Stockton says investing in few tools now—like a thermometer and a sharp knife—will set you up for a successful and delicious feast.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Newsletters coordinator Isoke Samuel never travels for the holidays without a few essentials: her toothbrush, a pair of comfy jeans, a phone charger, and … her trusty kitchen scale.

Yes, really. Back in 2020, after years of settling for the measuring cups at her parents’ house and too many resulting sourdough failures to count, Isoke decided to bring her own kitchen scale with her. “The scale basically guarantees my family’s favorite flaky pie crust is perfect every time,” she says. “Plus, as an added bonus, using it helps cut down on dishes. Bringing it is weirdly a gift for the whole party.”

Our top-pick kitchen scale is extremely simple to use, reads in accurate increments, and comes in a range colors. We think it’s best for home (or traveling!) cooks who want fast, consistent results when baking or cooking.

Our favorite kitchen scale since 2017→

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