My house since the beginning of the first lockdown has become a bit of a hot mess. With everyone battling for space to work and play. Most of the common spaces are getting more use than ever. Obviously, this means that keeping the house tidy and organized is important. It also means that we have to be way more organized in our own spaces and be more effective in our daily routines to give each other space in which to live, work and play. I mean there have been times when we thought we might have to win the lottery and buy the house next door or basically “decouple” like Gwennie and Chris. This obviously wasn’t an option so I just set about getting a few bits and bobs that make life easier. During lockdown you needed to find a way to do your home pedicures, because the salon is shut, or maybe even a genius gadget which cleans your microwave within seconds. As I am a writer and I have always worked from home I adapted to having everyone home with ease. However, some members of my family needed a little adjusting. I bought a bunch of stuff which I trialled and some were absolute disasters. We all had a chat the other night at dinner and I thought I would make a list of the 36 items which we all now like to keep on hand to make life a little easier around the house. This list contains the 37 most popular products we purchased, and trust me on this, they do not disappoint. From nifty gadgets that make your life easier to beauty product with over 10,000 positive reviews, these are the holy grail products that you need to know about. Enjoy!
Avoid A Sticky Laundry Room With The Tidy-Cup
How many times have you opened up your laundry room cabinet only to discover that it is covered in laundry detergent? I can tell you that this is a daily occurrence for me. Avoid a sticky laundry room with the Tidy-Cup, a gadget that fits most detergent bottles and catches dripping soap.
These Scrapers That Get Rid Of Gunk Without Leaving Behind Scratches
Who knew something so darn simple would be so handy? Scraping gum off the floor, grabbing dust out of corners… it even moonlights as a can opener and label scraper. This is one hard-working little tool your kitchen will never be without again.
Block Out the Noise and Focus On Work With These Soft Silicone Earplugs
I don’t know about you, but I don’t care for foam earplugs that extend into the ear canal. Those cause me discomfort. But I like these soft silicone earplugs. They mold to the shape of your ear and block out any space for sound to pass through. They’re comfortable and allow me to work without being disturbed by roommates or neighbors.
Speaking Of Gel Manicures, Grab This Polish Remover That Works On Gels
During lockdown I started to do my own gels. You’re totally going to need a 100% pure acetone polish remover like this one, as regular nail polish remover won’t remove gel. And because it’s so strong, you can also use it to get rid of acrylic nails, glitter polish, as well as nail glue.
Relieve Foot Pain Instantly With This Foot Massager
I used to work in a position where I had to be on my feet, moving quickly for hours at a time. By the end of the day, I could barely walk. This foot massager was (and still is) a lifesaver. After a long day, there’s nothing I love more than a little reflexology. It melts away your stress and helps with pain from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, etc. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic pain, this will change your life. Trust me.
These Pill Organizers Will Keep You On Track So You Don’t Miss Your Medication
I’ve reached that stage of life where it’s no longer “I think I could take some ibuprofen,” and it’s more “I need to take this slew of pills at this set time every freaking day.” I’ve never met a pill organizer I love more than this one, mainly because each pod has three sections for morning, dinner, and bedtime, and you can pop out a single day’s worth if you’re going to be out and about. It’s a win-win for me.
Stop Throwing Away Lighters And Get This Rechargeable Lighter Instead
If you have Tik-Tok, then there’s a good chance that you’ve seen these rechargeable lighters before. I’ve gone through my fair share of drugstore lighters. I’m an avid candle burner, which means they don’t ever last too long. With this lighter, you never have to worry about refilling with lighter fluid.
This Water Flosser Gets Five Stars For Convenience
Can I let you in on a little secret? I hate flossing. And, when I say “hate,” I actually mean “loathe.” Whoever decided that sawing back and forth around your gums with a skinny piece of “paper” with sharp edges was a good idea anyway? (Don’t answer that.) With this water flosser, I hate flossing less. It has six jet nozzles and two brush heads, and the entire thing is housed in one portable unit — no cords attached. That makes it perfect for flossing on the go, if you’re into that sort of thing.
This Portable Eyeglass Cleaner Cleans Your Glasses Perfectly Every Time
A big motivation for me to switch to contacts was just how grubby my eyeglasses could get. These little eyeglass cleaners are specially designed to get eyeglass frames smudge-free with small microfibre pads that can get rid of grit, fingerprints, and other yucky stuff. They’re portable, and at only $6 for a pack of five, I just throw one in my eyeglass case, and I’m ready to go.
This All-Natural Sleep Aid Works Every Single Night
I often have trouble falling asleep, and on really late nights I’ll sometimes pop a Benadryl to finally get myself to dreamland. I don’t think this is a great habit though, so I was looking for a better alternative. Good thing I found this Genius Sleep Aid which is well, genius. These help you get to sleep faster and actually improve the quality of your sleep with a tiny bit of melatonin and some stress-relieving herbs and vitamins. And over 8,400 fans on Amazon is nothing to yawn at.
Soak Your Tired Tootsies And Revive Your Soles
This is one of the best purchases I’ve made in the past six months. After lockdown and no salons to go to for a pedicure, I decided, “Why can’t I have one of these pedicure chairs in my house?” O.K., so the reason is, they take up a whole lot of room. The next best thing is a foot spa, like this one from HoMedics, to simulate that warm, bubbly foot experience for less than $25 without ever having to leave the house.
Breathe Easier With This 3D Mask Bracket
Masks are the new norm and will most likely be around for a while. While there are many benefits (hello, no make-up!), they can also be a bit uncomfortable. Luckily, people have learned to adapt, and thus the 3D mask bracket was born! It sits between your mouth and your mask so that you can breathe easier, talk easier, and avoid rashes and acne. They also help keep your make-up in place!
These Cast Iron Pan Scrapers Are Legit
We have these cast iron pan scrapers from Lodge and use them a few times a week to clean my hub’s prized collection of pans (ok, two, but who’s counting?) They effectively get the gunk off without removing that precious polymerized coating that’s key to skillet cooking.
This Electric Shoulder Massager Gives Great Heat
My friend who suffers from muscle and shoulder pains all day and night put me on to this heat massager. It is great for pain relief, and you would feel much better after using it. Its speed can be controlled as per your desire. My husband gets really tight shoulders after hunching over the computer all day long. I find 15-20 minutes at night when we are watching TV before bed with this is the best thing for him. Way less tossing and turning in the night.
These Massaging Boots Relieve Pain and Reduce Swelling
For swelling, neuropathy, and other discomforts, these Massaging Boots are a miracle. Strap them on and enjoy the air pressure that massages and encourages proper circulation. Here’s one 5-star review: “Easy and comfortable. Really compresses your legs to hit pressure points and releases at intervals that really relieves pain.”
This Portable Shiatsu Massage Pillow for Some at-Work Pampering
Who doesn’t love a massage while they work? I found this shiatsu pillow via @toponlinefinds ‘s TikTok and haven’t looked back. I bought it on Amazon and just slipped it over my office chair to pamper myself while I work from home. The massage rotation changes every 60 seconds, so I never get bored of it.
This Nail Polish Bottle Holder Make Home Manicures A Breeze
How many times have you gone to dip the brush into the nail polish bottle, only to knock it over? That can be an expensive accident, depending on where it happens. This bottle clamp solves the problem by securing the polish just where you need it while you’re doing your work. It’s got a large sturdy base and gripper feet to keep it securely in place.
A Whiter, Brighter Smile
Have you ever discussed teeth whitening with your dentist? Holy Moses, that stuff is not cheap. This teeth whitening kit from Smile Direct is, though, clocking in at just under $40. It includes teeth whitening pens and an LED light to help you achieve great results in as little as one week (up to nine shades whiter, they say!). With over 1,900 reviewers, some reviewers claim it’s even good for those of us with sensitive teeth.
The Pillow Pad Lets You Watch Your Tablet Hands-Free
Watching TV on your tablet is a heck of a lot more comfortable with the Pillow Pad! The tri-ledge design gives you three ways to prop up the screen so you can find the angle that works best for you. The interior is sturdy foam, and the cover is soft, smooth, ultra-suede, which removes for washing if necessary.
These Aromatherapy Shower Steamers Will Really Turn Your Shower Into A Spa
One of the easiest ways to turn your home into a spa is to use shower steamers. You place them on the bottom of the shower without directly touching the water. Then you let the steam release the incredibly relaxing aromas. This set of six comes with lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, watermelon, grapefruit, and peppermint. The possibilities are endless.
This Pedicure Kit Made From Stainless Steel Is Perfect For Home Salons
This kit has been essential ever since I’ve started doing my nails at home. This pedicure kit has been a lifesaver. The tools are made from stainless steel that won’t rust over time, and they all come packaged in a sleek travel case so it’s super easy to store.
Scrub Those Stubborn Stains With This Pumice Stone Tool
These pumice stone cleaning tools have a handle that makes them easy to use. They clean ceramic fixtures, hard water stains, swimming pool tiles, toilet bowls, barbecue racks, steel, and more, without leaving scratches. Made of 100% natural pumice, they’re environmentally friendly and odorless. You can also sharpen these tools into different shapes to get into corners and crevices.
Scrub a Dub Dub, Use These Gloves and You’re Done!
Scrubber Gloves are the perfect protection for your hands while doing dishes, washing the dog, cleaning the tub, and countless other household chores. Simply slip on your silicone gloves, add soap, and get to scrubbing! You can even use hot water for the most stubborn dishes, without fear of burning your hands. The best part about these scrubber gloves? Simply throw them in the dishwasher to clean up before your next chore.
This Anti-Slip Wax From Shark Tank Is A Must-Have For Your Favorite Nerd
You always get the best stuff from Shark Tank. This was is a must have for those sporty folk in your family who wear specs. If your kids wear glasses and complain about their glasses slipping. This Nerd Wax is soon to be their favorite gift ever. It creates a layer of friction on glasses so they stay in place, no matter how much they shake their head around. Brilliant.
A Portable Foot Massager For When You Are On-The-Go
I’ve already told you about my plantar fasciitis. Basically my high arches look nice but cause me a lot of pain the older I get. I have two foot massagers that work well for me. This one is the smaller of the two that I find is a little more portable for when I am on the go. It is small but mighty and the wooden massage roller is designed to trigger target points throughout your foot and deliver some serious pain relief.
These 25 Bath Bombs That Are Totally Organic And Are The Perfect Gift
For just $25, you can get 24 of these organic bath bombs — that’s less than $2 per bomb. Each set comes with six scents: morning rose, summer dream, ocean pearl, good night, rainforest, and lovely cupid. They’re made with hydrating cocoa butter so that your skin doesn’t dry out while you soak, and they won’t leave stains in your tub.
Get Your Daily Dose of B12 With These Gummies Designed to Give You Added Zing
I’m a big fan of Olly products. I started with the Sleep gummies and slowly branched out into their other products. I’ve found I especially enjoy Olly Daily Energy, which includes vitamin B12 and CoQ10 for cellular energy and goji berries for a steady flow of energy. Each of Olly’s gummies has its own distinctive (and delicious) taste; this one, which is caffeine-free, tastes like tropical passion.
Angry Mama Cleans Your Microwave In Minutes… No Scrubbing Required
Why do I feel like this Angry Mama microwave cleaner resembles me on cleaning day? She may be grumpy, but she sure does deep clean your microwave! If someone zapped the chili or spaghetti sauce for too long and it spattered all over the place, she’s your gal. Fill her with a mix of vinegar and water, then microwave her for seven minutes – the steam will loosen up all the gunk, so all you have to do is wipe it down with a paper towel!
These Woolite Dry Clean At Home Sheets For Fast Clothing Refresh
These bad boys from Woolite are a lifesaver when you want to wear your favorite blouse, but you can’t make it to the dry cleaners on time. Simply spot clean with the included stain remover cloths, toss a sheet with up to five pieces of clothing into the dryer and tumble dry for 20 minutes. Voila, dry cleaner fresh clothes without the high price!
Drift Off With This Calming Sleep Sound Machine With 24 White Noise Sounds
I really can’t say enough about the power of a good night’s sleep to revolutionize your life. This cute little gadget just might mean the difference between waking up every hour and sleeping soundly for 10 hours straight. (Ok, maybe you can’t afford to sleep for 10 hours, but if you can, I highly recommend it.) This sleep sound machine offers 24 different sounds in three categories: fan, white noise and nature (like ocean, crickets, thunder and more). It has a timer function so it’ll shut off after 30, 60 or 90 minutes — or you can leave it going all night. It’s also got an earphone jack, so you can use it during the day too, if you want to get a little peace and privacy in a noisy room.
This Mermaid Bath Bomb That Has A Special Surprise Inside
Okay so I might be a little addicted to bath bombs and nice smelly things. Speaking of bath bombs, this “mermaid” one also goes above and beyond the call of duty. Not only is it just a good bath product with a lovely scent and color for your normal bath time, but it also comes with a special surprise. This bath bomb also contains a special jewelry gift that can be valued anywhere between $15 and $5,000. Not only do you get a relaxing bath, but you also get some stunning accessories.
These Sugar Bear Hair Gummies Encourage Healthy Hair Growth
Formulated with biotin and vitamins known to promote healthy hair growth, these Sugar Bear Hair Gummies are a sweet and simple way to nourish your hair from the inside. They’re vegan and free of gelatin, dairy, and gluten. They’ve earned nearly 28,000 ratings on Amazon with a solid 4.5 out of 5 average score. Here’s one 5-star review: “My hair was falling out in clumps and getting super thin in the front. On the recommendation of my hairstylist, I ordered SugarBearHair. I have tons of new hair growth. So pleased and, they taste amazing.”
This Glass Washer Suctions to the Sink for the Easiest Way to Hand-Wash Glasses
Where has this glass washing gadget been all my life?! This is the best method I’ve found to hand wash my nice wine glasses and other glassware. The scrubber suction cups to the sink to stay firmly in place while you swirl each glass in the double-brushes. Wine stains, lip prints, and residue disappear, and the glasses come out sparkling and spot-free!
These Toothpaste Rollers Get Every Last Drop
It’s so frustrating when you know there’s more toothpaste in the tube but you can’t get it out effectively and just end up wasting it when you eventually toss the tube. If you’re super exacting about your toothpaste, try these toothpaste tube squeezers to get out every last drop easily and efficiently. Simply pop them onto the bottom of your toothpaste tube then turn the key to roll up as you use toothpaste. You’ll squeeze every bit you can from the tube with no waste and a superior sense of self-satisfaction.
These Compression Socks Relieve Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Take care of your feet! These Compression Socks support the foot and ankle in moisture-wicking fabric while letting the toes stay free, which makes them more comfortable to wear while sleeping or in warm weather. They’ve earned over 25,000 ratings on Amazon! Here’s one 5-star review: “I am the super skeptic, but I was desperate and the cost was negligible… My PF is completely under control now, I run without pain, I wake up and can walk without pain.”
This Toothpaste Cap Stops Messes On Your Sink Tops
If your bathroom looks anything like mine, then it’ll feature lovely displays of goopy toothpaste on the counters and generally in places it really shouldn’t be, thanks to kids brushing teeth unsupervised. This toothpaste cap stops those messes before they start since it has only a small slit where a reasonable amount of toothpaste can come out and not be squirted all over the place. It just pops onto any tube, even the little sample ones you get from the dentist!