Do you want to know what my absolute favorite Amazon products are? This is kind of a trick question because you’re not going to find them with just a click or two and you’re not going to be able to narrow them down by Amazon’s plentiful categories. That’s because my favorite Amazon finds are the ones someone else found first. Let me explain: the best things you’ll ever buy on Amazon are the products that A. your friends told you about first-hand or B. have a ton of glowing reviews.
The good news for you is that this list is both. I’m telling you about these first-hand, new BFFs, and these have a host of positive reviews. I’ve got middle-of-the-night helpers (you know what I’m talking about 🚽), yard work saviors and quick solutions for eggs and popcorn. Coffee on the go? You got it. Help to keep you from burning your house down? Absolutely. Fidget gadgets you can hide in plain sight? I got you, boo. These are the gadgets Amazon shoppers swear by … and so will you.
Potty Party
Tell me you’ve stepped on Legos on your way to the bathroom without telling you’ve stepped on Legos on your way to the bathroom. This toilet night light solves that middle-of-the-night, half-awake trip to the potty to relieve yourself. You’ll actually get three lights with this purchase, enough to light up every bathroom in the house. These fit any toilet bowl and glow up to eight different colors.
Don’t Bug Me
Bugs, ahem, bugging you? This indoor insect trap puts flying critters in their place. It doesn’t have that awful “zap zap” noise either. The manufacturer claims this has “triple trapping power” between the UV light, fan and glue boards. Use it near fruit, plants or trash in a subtle, stylish design. The reviews are full of things like “definitely works” and “worked better than expected.”
Leaf It Alone
‘Tis the season … for muddy yards and leaves a-plenty. These leaf scoops will speed up the process of collecting those fallen leaves by giving you Paul Bunyan-sized hands. You can use these for more than just leaves, too, making toy pick-up quicker and harvesting from your fruit trees or garden speedier. These fit together for easy storage and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Measure Up
There are smart buys and then there are smart buys, and this smart tape measure fits into both categories. Equipped with a corresponding app for your phone, this automatically records your measurements from your arms to your feet. (You’re not measuring your feet, are you?) This is the perfect tool to throw in your arsenal before New Year’s resolutions roll around again.
Shower Power
There’s nothing like a shower, amirite? It wakes you up in the morning and settles you at night after a long day. But, nothing about it will be right in the shower head is all wrong. Amazon shoppers love this high-pressure handheld shower head that has anti-clog nozzles, a built-in power wash for cleaning your tubs and Fido (not at the same time) and an extra-long hose.
It’s A Tens
One day, you’re 24 and can go to work sporting the clothes you wore the night before and a hangover the size of Manhattan. The next day, you’re 44 and your knee hurts because you slept weird. This at-home tens unit hurts so good, delivering stimulating pulses to any area where you place the included pads. It comes with a storage bag, 24 modes and 20 levels of intensity.
Blow Things Up
Remember when your math teacher said, “You’re not going to carry a calculator with you everywhere you go!” We sure fooled them, didn’t we? Now we carry an entire computer in our pocket on which we can do everything from calculating a tip to watching a movie. This screen magnifier makes the latter a lot more pleasant. It has a lightweight, portable design you can take just about anywhere … like a calculator.
Light My Fire
Why do I always feel guilty buying a lighter at the store? I don’t smoke. I’ve never smoked. But, even at 44 years old, I feel like my Dad is going to pop up and be like, “Why are you buying a lighter?” This electric lighter is the 21st-century way to light a grill, a candle or yes, even a cigarette. These are windproof and rechargeable for the ultimate in convenience.
Splatypus The Spatula
I love ironic gadgets and this jar spatula, affectionately dubbed Splatypus is not only ironic but also really useful. This guy can be used for scooping, scraping and spreading, using its “bill” to do the heavy lifting. Reviewers call it “the perfect kitchen tool” because it’s cute (obviously) but also functional: “If you are on the fence, just do yourself the favor and purchase Splatypus,” one shopper said.
Incredible Edible Eggs
I’m not someone who loves eggs. Sure, I’ll eat them but I’m never crazy about it. That is, until you make it virtually zero work, which makes me a lot more interested. The DASH rapid egg cooker works with a push of a button, cooking your eggs while you’re drying your hair or throwing clothes in the dryer. Hardboiled, scrambled, poached or omelet-style, this gadget does it all.
You Pop And You Don’t Stop
Popcorn is my favorite food. I’ve been on the fence saying that for a long time but I’ve finally come to terms with it. (I’m talking about movie theater popcorn specifically here.) This microwave popcorn maker is convenient for making the treat at home, collapsing for storage when not in use and “popping” up when you need it. (Pun intended.) It even comes with a lid.
A Magnetic Personality
This is like one of those “Find the Hidden Object” pictures. Are we talking about the mouse? The chair? That notebook on the left? Wrong! We’re talking about those magnetic toys on the right. These fidget-like gadgets aren’t just for entertainment, though. They double as both ink pens and a stylus. And, yes, when you’re bored or have writer’s block, they’re also a lot of fun to separate and create tiny sculptures.
Coffee To Go
If I say “coffee on the go,” and Starbucks pops into your brain, this item is not for you. But, if I say “coffee on the go,” and you’re envisioning a campsite off the beaten path, keep reading. This portable espresso machine means you don’t have to sacrifice your brew, even if you’re on a trail or huddled up in a tent. It’s compatible with NS capsules.
Make Things Gel
Are you a road rager? Let me give you two tips to combat it. First, chill out because it’s probably not that serious. Second, grab yourself one of these jars of cleaning gel. There’s nothing more therapeutic when Mr. Tesla cuts you off in traffic than grabbing this and cleaning the crap out of your dashboard. It’s cheap therapy for less than $8.
Smooth As Silk
I’ve slept on a satin or silk pillowcase for years and I’m never going back. This satin case is zippered to keep your pillow in place but the benefits go beyond that. It’s great for your skin, reducing creases and wrinkles, and your hair by preventing matting, breakage, tangling and more. You won’t find a less expensive entry point into the satin pillowcase market either, at just $8 and some change.
Carry The Can
I don’t have to tell you that recycling is good for the planet, do I? It keeps things out of the landfill and just generally makes you feel better about doing your part. This can crusher makes recycling more fun while giving you more room on your weekly recycling runs. Smash seltzer, soda, beer and more in this heavy-duty contraption that would make a killer White Elephant gift idea.
Wine Protection
“Don’t be a fool; cover your tool.” And, by “tool,” I mean that bottle of wine you opened but didn’t finish. These wine condoms are a tongue-in-cheek buy that actually really works. You’ll get a set of six protective bottle covers that give you an airtight seal to prolong freshness while guaranteeing a few smirks along the way. If nothing else, click through and read the reviews. I promise it’ll be worth your time.
Power Hitter
I always have a hundred things I need to be plugged in, both at home and on the road. This swivel charging station is perfect for your house or for travel, giving you six outlets and three USB ports to work with. (If you’re traveling with more than that, you need to relax.) Charge up to nine devices at one time with this little guy that’ll fit in the palm of your hand.
Blanket Statement
If you know someone who is always cold (me), this blanket hoodie is the perfect Christmas present (for me or, you know, someone else). Available in “one size fits most,” this has sleeves, a hood and a handy kangaroo pouch in the front (with an extra-special dedicated phone pocket). Choose from nearly a dozen colors and sizes for both children and adults.
In A Vacuum
I know what you’re thinking: What could a desktop vacuum cleaner possibly do? But, this is one of my favorite Amazon purchases over the past year. I use mine to collect nail dust and powder residue but it would be great for all kinds of arts and crafts as well as general (but tiny) clean-up projects. It’s cordless and has a 360-degree rotating design.
There are somewhere around 16,000 fire years each due to washer/dryer issues, with dryers accounting for more than 90 percent of those incidents. A $12 investment in the form of this dryer vent cleaner kit could save you a lot of money and heartache. This attachment snaps right onto your vacuum cleaner (just not that tiny one above) and rids your vent of fire-causing dust and lint.
Cut The Cables
Cables-a-go-go? It’s a fact of life living in the 21st century; you’re always going to have phone and laptop cords at a minimum. This electronic organizer keeps everything tidy and at your fingertips with plenty of pockets and slots inside a zippered case with a handy wrist strap. Never root around in your bag for a cord again with this conveniently-sized storage option.