As an Amazon customer, you already know there are simple ways to check on your orders. But so do the people you're living with or buying gifts for. That's why it's a good idea to take these steps to keep those purchases a secret.

Have an Amazon Echo at home? With Drop In, you can pop in on your speaker or one owned by a friend or family member who gives you access. It’s an excellent way to say hello without picking up the phone.

To enable Drop In:

• Open the Alexa app and tap Devices.
• Select Echo & Alexa, then select the device you want to use.
• Tap the settings icon in the top right corner, then choose Communications.
• Tap the toggle to enable Drop In and other communications.
• Tap Drop In to customize who can Drop In. You can select My Household to limit this to only devices on your account.

You can now use the Alexa app to pop into your Echo devices. In the app, tap Communicate at the bottom of the screen, then Drop In. Choose the device you want from the list.

🔈 Want more Echo tricks? Here are four other smart uses.

If you learned something new or found this helpful, consider subscribing to the Komando Community. Your support makes our work possible. Try it free here!

You can shop around and try to find a deal, but there's no denying printer ink cartridges are expensive. Instead of shelling out money on them year after year, upgrade to the printer Kim uses. Don't just take her word for it, though. Here's what happy Komando readers have to say about this powerhouse printer.

The internet is full of junk. We find the good stuff for you, from helpful tools to get stuff done to the best apps and websites out there.

Computer systems in cars are the new normal. When something breaks, it could cost a fortune. And now is not the time for expensive repairs. That’s where CarShield comes in. You could save thousands on covered repairs. CarShield offers customizable and flexible payment plans with no long-term contracts — plus, you can choose your favorite mechanic or dealership to do the work. They also offer complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance and a rental car while yours is being fixed.

CarShield has helped over 1 million customers! Drive with confidence with America’s No. 1 auto protection company. Protect yourself from surprises and save thousands for a covered repair!

How much have you spent on a phone, computer, tablet, printer, TV and all the other devices you use day in and day out? Do a quick tally in your head. Now that you really think about it, I bet you want to protect those investments. All it takes is a little know-how.

I love finding smart ways to save you money. One easy one is cutting out the streaming services you pay for every month but don't use. I'll help you create an action plan to cut out what you don't use and maybe even score a free month of your favorite service.

When you own your own business, you're the CEO, the marketer, the IT person and the data analyst. Don't go it alone. Get Kim's must-read small biz tips every week.

Spiders are some of the smallest invertebrates on Earth, but these tiny creatures have a remarkable skill. They can see better than most animals 10 times their size. The trick is that their eyes are tiny little telescopes that allow them to focus on things in extraordinary detail. Some scientists even claim spiders can see the details of the moon. The real question is, why do they need to be able to do this?