When was the last time you were in a pinch? I don’t mean something like “I forgot my coffee at home!” — no, that constitutes a real emergency. I’m talking about those times when you need a real problem solver … on-hand … at one particular moment. What do you do if you need a jar opened and there’s no one there to help? What about those times when you’re really into your book, but your partner is sleeping soundly in the dark beside you? What if you have too many coffee pods and nowhere to put them? (Yes, I’ve come full circle on the coffee issue.)
This list was born out of a desire to help with just these types of issues: Unopened jars seemingly sealed by the world’s strongest man himself, nighttime reading binges when you just can’t put the book down, coffee pod takeovers that make your kitchen look more like a barista station than a place you prepare meals. The solutions are here for your issues! (Well, most of your issues.) Have a look at Nos. 6, 10, and 13… and heck, you might as well read all the way to No. 37. I may have solved problems you didn’t even know you had. I’m crafty like that.
Real Space Savers
One of the biggest problems I think most of us face is a lack of space. Or, maybe it’s the inability to stop buying stuff — whatever. This is a judgment-free zone. This five-piece kitchen gadget set gets surprisingly high reviews for its small footprint and portability. The set includes a grater, grinder, pizza cutter, bottle opener, and swivel peeler with a nesting height of — get this – less than two inches.
Monitor Your Health
Health woes got you down? I think a lot of us can empathize with that lately. This Bluetooth pulse oximeter accurately monitors measures oxygen levels, pulse rate, and pulse strength in as little as eight seconds. What I love most about it (and your doctor will, too) is the real-time collection of data, which is stored on the corresponding smartphone app so you can show it to your healthcare provider at your next appointment.
Light The Way
If you were ever asked to “hold the flashlight” for your dad when you were a kid, you’ve probably already grabbed a pair of these LED flashlight gloves. Seriously, no one wants to have to hold the flashlight. These gloves will give dad (or anyone else) the gift of independence and you the gift of freedom from hearing, “No, shine it here! Wait, over to the right!” on repeat.
Stripper Action
Your dreams of being a stripper can finally be recognized! Oh, wait, no, not that kind of stripper — an herb stripper. Have you ever tried to work fresh herbs into your recipes? Some of them are a challenge. This herb stripper is ideal for removing stems from leafy greens like parsley, cilantro, and thyme with its ‘insert and pull’ leaf-shaped design. With eight-hole sizes, this tool will accommodate most herbs.
Soap, No Rope
I plainly remember the day I discovered that stainless steel helps remove odors from your hands and while I don’t understand the science of it, I’m here for its miraculous ways. This stainless steel “soap” works just like regular soap (except for the suds) to remove odors from foods like garlic, onions, and fish. It comes with a handy soap dish for storage.
Open For Business
I’m a strong, independent woman … who honestly needs help opening jars. Who seals those things, Thor? C’mon, manufacturers. This bottle opener works for twist-off style caps like water or soda bottles, plastic jugs, sauce and salad dressing containers, and more. This is also a perfect gift for someone with struggles with weakness in their hands due to age, arthritis, or a number of other conditions.
Santa Claws
Sometimes, meat is too girthy to be separated using regular kitchen utensils. In these instances, you need claws. No, not Wolverine claws, but close. These meat claws are the perfect solution for shredding pulled pork, chicken, beef, or turkey. You won’t even need gloves; just grab these claws and get to rippin’. If there’s a griller or smoker in your household, you definitely need a pair of these.
Level With Me
Have you ever wished for an extra set of hands? This laser level provides that with a three-in-one fine-tuned tape measure, a triple-positioned leveling bubble, and a new laser level to provide maximum results. So, whether you’re measuring locations on a wall or want to get your pictures hung correctly, this level is 100 percent plug-and-play. It’s a great stocking stuffer idea, too.
Grab And Go
Do you remember the TV commercials for this grabber reach tool? I sure do. It made it seem like anything you needed was easily within reach using this picker-upper with a 32-inch arm. Whether you’re vertically challenged or not, this handy reacher is the perfect companion for getting things out of your cabinets, pulling weeds, or picking trash on the side of the road.
Pod Perfection
Let’s just say, if you need a five-tier coffee pod drawer that holds 90 (90!) pods, you might have a coffee addiction. But, now, at least, you’ll have your addiction organized. Dump the cardboard boxes the pods come in at the store and add your selection to this organizer. It’s perfect for your own kitchen or for an office setting where everyone has to have their own flavors at all times.
Pleased To Meat You
Let me let you in on a little secret: Those bags you get your ham, turkey, and roast beef in from the deli are not good long-term storage options. Ditch the bags and store your deli meat in these cold meat storage containers. Adorned with an adorable pig on top, these containers will keep your lunch meat fresher longer and if you buy more than one, they’ll stack neatly, too.
Tong Song
Stop burning your fingers on hot toast or Pop-Tarts and invest in a pair of these toast tongs. Equipped with a built-in magnet, these toast tongs grip onto any metallic or magnetic surface and can also be used for serving or any other kitchen task you put them up to. Made from bamboo, these tongs are eight inches long to give you a great grip while keeping the heat far away from your fingers.
Night Light
My favorite time of the day to read is at night, which is great until you realize the natural sunlight is gone, and reading with a lamp can disturb the people around you. This neck reading light is the perfect solution for nighttime reading (or sewing or auto repairs, etc.) with bendable arms, three color temperatures, and six different brightness levels. You’re going to want multiple pairs so there’s always one handy.
Keep Your Cool
The holidays are coming, which means baking is about to be at its year-long high. These expandable cooling racks are a must-have for cookies, pies, candies, and cakes. You can attach all three for one extra-long cooling rack or separate them for three different bakes. These are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, which gives you one less thing to have to clean up.
Measuring Pasta-bilities
I have two measurements for pasta: Not nearly enough and way too much. This spaghetti pasta measurer is designed to solve my (your?) pasta-measuring problems with just the right portion size for one to four people. Made of high-quality stainless steel with no moving parts, this measurer will last until you’ve had your fill of pasta — if that’s even a thing.
Take A Stand
You don’t realize you need a cell phone stand until you have said cell phone stand and then you’ll wonder how you lived without it. I have one in my bedroom, office, and kitchen, where it’s particularly useful if I’m referencing a recipe on my phone. This one is compatible with phones or phones in most cases and has non-slip pads to keep your device from moving around.
A Fairy Duster
Do you know those recipes that call for a dusting of sugar or other spices? How do you do that without one of these dusting wands? From one of my favorite kitchen gadgets manufacturers, OXO, this dusting wand is perfect for evenly flouring baking pans, sprinkling surfaces for rolling dough, or adding a dusting of powdered sugar to take your desserts to the next level.
It’s All In The Wrist
Screws, nails, bits, and more at your fingertips when you’re in the midst of a home improvement project? Yes, please! Why didn’t I think of this magnetic wristband? It holds small metal objects, small tools, screws, nails, bits, bobby pins, bolts, washers, pins, fasteners, and more with its 10 strong magnets. This wristband also has two pockets, which we all know is the way to a woman’s heart.
You Spin Me ‘Round
I can think of plenty of places to use a two-tiered spinning organizer like this: In the kitchen for spices or condiments in the refrigerator, in the bathroom for skincare products, or on a makeup table for a plethora of cosmetics. Everything stays visible and the center spinner accommodates taller objects that won’t fit properly on either tier. You can even adjust the height of the spinner to your exact needs.
A Car Coup
Everybody knows the driver picks the tunes, but if you’re feeling generous, you could let your passenger sync up to this Bluetooth FM transmitter. This little gadget has multiple uses including two ports for charging, hands-free calling, and music playback capabilities from any Bluetooth-enabled device. One reviewer called it “the best FM transmitter on Amazon, hands down.”
Backseat Business
Backseat woes? I’m talking about everything from kids making a mess to not being able to find a tissue or an umbrella when you need one. This car backseat organizer has a place for everything and puts everything in its place, from water bottles to umbrellas to tissues. It even has a dropdown tray that’s perfect for on-the-go meals or as a perch for an iPad.
Pots And Pans On Point
I have a pots and pans organizer that looks something like this and I can’t tell you how much time and energy it has saved. Not only does it enable me to grab just the right pan without sorting through everything I own, but it also keeps everything just ever-so-slightly separated to protect my investment. Use it in both horizontal or vertical positions, on your counter or even inside a cabinet.
Splatter Stopper
I can’t handle a dirty microwave, not even a speck. I guess I get that from my mother. (Thanks, mom.) This microwave plate cover will go to work where you can’t — when you’re heating and reheating meals inside of your microwave. Splatters and spills will be a thing of the past because this cover works with most bowls and plates to keep your microwave squeaky clean.
Count To TENS
The first time someone suggested I try a TENS unit, I was skeptical … and also a bit scared. Small electrical shocks? On purpose? No lie, though, a TENS unit is a good kind of pain (honestly, it’s really not painful at all), delivering little shocks to areas you choose to target without the need for drugs or chemicals. Try it on your back, shoulders, knees, hands, and more for at-home relief.
Happy New Ear
You know the rule: Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. And, that totally jibes with this smart visual ear wax removal kit that features an at-home otoscope. You can connect this kit to your Android or PC to literally see inside of your own ear … which is equal parts cool and weird. But, if you suffer from regular ear wax issues, this problem-solving gadget could be a lifesaver.
Mail Run
Tired of guessing when your latest delivery from Amazon has arrived? Samesies. This yellow alert flag for mailboxes pops up once your mail has been delivered so you can save yourself from needless trips to the mailbox. It works for most mailboxes that mimic the “bread loaf” design, metal or plastic. Now you can stop stalking your mail carrier wondering when your goodies will show up.
Marvelous Multitool
Some jobs require the entire tool bag, but many don’t, which is where this handy 12-in-1 multitool comes in handy. It features a mini hammer, nail claw, pliers, wire cutter, saw, files, screwdrivers, bottle opener, carabiner, knives, and more with a safety lock to protect little hands from getting into trouble. Portable and lightweight, it has an ergonomic grip that’s comfortable to hold and easy to tote around.
Dock And Roll
Imagine a world where your phone, keys, watch and wallet are all in one place to make it simpler to get out the door in the morning. Sound like a fantasy? It doesn’t have to be if you buy this wood docking station. Great for guys or gals, this docking station has built-in places to stash your phone chargers, hooks for your watch and glasses, and cut-outs for your watch, favorite pen, and more.
Should’ve Put A Ring On It
Before you ask, “What problem could a ring light possibly solve?”, ask yourself if you’ve ever tried to apply makeup in less-than-ideal lighting. Yep, that’s what I figured. This selfie ring light comes with a tripod and a smartphone holder for the obvious IG updates, but this ring light has myriad other uses including providing perfect lighting for makeup applications or attending a Zoom meeting.
A Mini Mess Cleaner
This is the teeny-tiniest vacuum cleaner I’ve ever seen and I’m here to tell you that it 100 percent works. I grabbed one of these a few months back for cleaning up after my mess at home and it’s a champ at removing dust and small particles. Use this handheld vac for a ton of things like cleaning in your car, vacuuming out kitchen or bathroom drawers, or freshening your work area.
Wipe Out
Are you a wet wipe household? Some are, some aren’t. If you are, you’re going to want this refillable and stylish wet wipe dispenser that looks good enough to leave out on a counter all the time. Simply slide your wet wipe canisters straight from the store into this dispenser and press the button for easy access to a quick cleaning solution. This dispenser holds a count of up to 80 wipes.
Solar Saver
Where are my adventurers? This solar power bank is built with dual bright flashlights and comes with a portable compass kit, a handy tool for outdoor activities. And, of course, it provides a reliable option for charging devices when plugging into a wall isn’t an option. It can be recharged and ready to use in as little as six hours and provides multiple charging opportunities in one fell swoop.
Take A Temperature
My meat-cooking game has been on point since investing in an instant-read thermometer, so much better in fact that I don’t know why it took me so long to buy one. This digital thermometer has dual probes, which isn’t even the most remarkable feature. The fact that you can use this for everything from cooking to heating oil to making candy makes it a total no-brainer.
Get Trashed
We all have that friend whose entire passenger floorboard looks like a trash can. And, if you don’t have that friend, you are that friend. Clean up your act with this foldable car garbage can. This is the perfect option for daily errands (toss out those receipts pronto) or road trips (hide the evidence of your many fast food stops). This can have a capacity of almost two gallons.
Compact Cutlery
When I think of cutlery organizers, I think of those rigid, inflexible, oversized options that literally take up an entire drawer in your kitchen. If you don’t have that kind of space (or you simply want to maximize the space you have), try out this compact cutlery organizer from Joseph Joseph. It’s made of individual stacked compartments that can hold up to 24 pieces of your forks, knives, and spoons.
Blow Off Some Steam
I’m a big fan of steamers. Steamers > irons, in my book. This mini version heats up quickly, thanks to its small 1.4-ounce water tank and removes wrinkles from most fabric. This mini clothes steamer has an anti-slip handle and dual voltage so it’s perfect for travel, whether you’re going to Naples or New York City. Speaking of travel, an included travel bag and plastic measuring cup are also included.
A Diaper Dandy
Why do babies come with so much stuff? One of the trickiest moments in babyhood is when you’re trying to change a diaper. You need creams and powders and wipes and diapers … makes me tired just thinking about it. This hanging diaper organizer will keep all your goods in one place so you’ll never have to wander off to hunt for that tube of diaper rash ointment.