The best things Axios Tampa Bay reporters bought in 2025

iRobot's Roomba

👋 Hey, Yacob here. I spent most of my money this year on tuition and a wedding. Neither would make a good gift, unless the recipient happens to be in school and engaged.

• I didn't buy the best thing I got this year, though I did pick it out. It was a gift from my wedding registry: a Roomba from Maya's aunt and uncle, Sheila and Steve Lanier.

Between the lines: Maya and I filled out our registry piecemeal, loading it with practical gifts and the occasional appliance we would not have bought ourselves. Our families and friends outdid themselves.

• We received all but 10 of the nearly 200 items we listed on Amazon.
• And while it is hard to pick a favorite — we love the bougie magazine rack you got us, Kathryn — no one works harder to keep our apartment clean than our $349.99 Roomba.

Details: It's controlled via iPhone app, vacuums every corner and then some, and harasses our cat, Choopy, who loves to make a mess of her litter.

• Roomba doesn't replace sweeping, but it makes it much easier.

If you're interested: You can find it here.