Photo of the Ember coffee mug in white
Photo by Joseph De Leo

What’s in the Epi Staff’s Shopping Carts this Month? Bathrobes, Coffee Mugs, and Lunch Boxes

Here’s what our editors shopped for in September.

All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I break out the sweaters and forgo my summer mason jars filled with iced coffee when the temperature drops even slightly in September. As soon as the weather dips into the 60s, I’m ready for steaming hot joe in celebration of fall returning. Even if it’s going to be back up to 80 the next day.

我很好奇厨房工具、servewareand appliances my colleagues bring out come fall. So, with that question in mind, I bring you another edition ofWhat’s in the Epi Staff’s Carts?We’ve got products like comfy new bathrobes, temperature-controlled mugs, lunch boxes for the school year, and all your other standard kitchenware.

Silicone mats

I usethese-semi transparent silicone matsasplacematsto protect our new(ish)wood dining room tablefrom my kids and their messes (my toddler also likes to stab the table with his fork when he gets really excited, which is fun). I’m considering getting a few more to help protect my butcher block countertops on both sides of the sink.—Emily Farris, senior commerce writer

Silicone Counter Mats Set of 2

Parachute Turkish cotton bathrobe

Can someone please buy me one of these already? I’ve been staring at this fluffy robe for over a year, but I can’t justify the purchase because I already own two bathrobes that, unfortunately, aren’t as soft. This plush bathrobe looks like it belongs in a spa, and I have a feeling wearing it around the house will make each day feel like the staycation I need.—Genevieve Yam, assistant editor

Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

Ember temperature controlled mug

A little while ago, I was doing an extended stay at my parents’ house and they have three Ember mugs: one for each of them and one for a guest. I amon record as a person who continually refills half-full cups of coffeeI’ve let go cold, so it was a true game changer to have a mug that keeps my coffee warm. I considered stealing their third mug and bringing it back to New York with me, but I guess I'll be a good person and just purchase one for myself.—Emily Johnson, associate commerce director

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2, 10 ounce

Kids lunch box

School finally started in New York, and it was definitely time to replace one of my kiddo’s threadbare lunch boxes. This one has a built-in fidget toy on the front; I think it’ll be a hit.—Maggie Hoffman, digital director

Kids Lunch Box with Adjustable Strap

3-tier hanging basket

I’ve decided that I hate storing things on kitchen countertops. I have an aversion to any flat surface with more than two items resting on top of it. That means all tools, utensils, pantry goods, et cetera, need a spot in my cupboards. And, of course, I ignore anything in my cupboards, which leaves me no choice but to turn my kitchen into a lame art installation and hang everything from these3-tier hanging baskets.—Travis Rainey, associate photo editor

Home Intuition 3-Tier Hanging Fruit Produce Basket

Sharp pebble premium whetstone knife sharpening stone

My knives are in need of a true sharpening, which my $8 manual sharpener just can’t provide. There is always a learning curve with a whetstone, so I’m steeling myself (apologies) to go through with purchasing one, learning to use it properly, and finally giving my knives the care they deserve.—Jonathan Wise, director of programming

(Editor’s tip: Follow ourguide to sharpening a knife with a whetsone.)

Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone