One of the things I find simultaneously amazing and annoying is our society’s need for instant gratification. Do I love being able to get virtually anything I want from Amazon in two to three days? Yes, I do. But, do I need it in two to three days? Also yes. (Kidding. Sort of.) Thanks in part to Amazon, we’ve lost all patience with virtual retailers despite the fact that online shopping is experiencing record numbers. From March 2020 through February 2022, U.S. consumers spent $609 billion (with a “B”) more than the two prior years combined. (And, you wonder why the post office is slow.)
So, don’t mind me while I build a list of Amazon buys that fall into the “you need these in your life right now” category. And, this is my favorite kind of list, too, because it’s a menagerie of products from alien keychains to ladybug leak detectors to the juiciest pool float of the season. You simply need to keep reading!
Digging In
Spring has sprung for most of us, which means it’s time to stop putting off your yard work and get things ready for summer. This super-strong garden trowel goes anywhere you need it to from planting and transplanting flowers to removing stubborn weeds to scooping fertilizer. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and the rust-resistant blade is wide, thick, and durable.
Double Trouble
Double your shot, double your fun? This double bubble layered shot glass is an exercise in science. Why, you ask? Because liquor is less dense than most chasers you drink so the liquids in this glass naturally want to separate. Add the shot and the chaser in one glass. The patented shape gives you the liquor first and the chaser last in one cool little mug.
Go Goggle It
Do you know how many times I accidentally type “goggle” instead of “Google” on a given day? It’s more than you might imagine. This one is actually about goggles, though, in the form of lightweight safety googles goggles that have an anti-scratch coating and won’t fog up. These have clear, panoramic lenses and an adjustable elastic headband to ensure a great fit.
Diaper Duty
If you’ve ever had a kiddo with diaper rash, you know you’d do anything to make it go away. This organic diaper balm is beloved by diaper changers for its fast-acting, gentle formula. One reviewer said, “… the ugliest blowouts and stickiest poo don’t hold up against this stuff.” This only has five simple ingredients, too, all of which you’ll be able to pronounce: Beeswax, olive oil, vitamin E, water, and limestone.
This Facial Care Kit Has Got You Covered
I have a hard time committing to a skin-care routine because the products I’ve tried are either too complicated or too complex. Thankfully, this complete facial routine for men makes the entire process easy! This bundle is a 3-step system that cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes your skin daily with gentle ingredients, including aloe vera and antioxidants. It almost makes for the perfect gift!
Game Time
You’ve probably played Jenga but have you ever played Jenga on steroids? This giant tumbling stacking game is a blast outdoors where you can build a tower up to five feet tall. This life-sized game comes with 60 wooden pieces and a heavy-duty carrying bag so you can take it to the cookout, block party, or tailgate with ease.
Through The Roof
If you have big travel plans this summer, you need … to take me with you. Just joking, gosh. Rather, you need this rooftop cargo carrier that offers 16 cubic feet of storage space so nobody has to ride pinned in by suitcases in the backseat. (I know your type.) This carrier has Kevlar threads, heat-welded seams, and a waterproof zipper to keep everything dry.
Smelling Like A Rose
I’ve seen a lot of unusual products since I’ve been putting together these lists but never deodorant in a jar. This activated charcoal deodorant is all-natural and designed for use by both men and women. Apply it by scooping out a pea-sized amount of the creamy paste-like substance and then use your fingers to rub it into your skin until it is completely clear.
Fox In Socks
Wear some attitude on your feet with these funny Thick-Fil-A socks. These socks come in black and red or gray and red and should absolutely be worn on your next trip to Chick-Fil-A, preferably inside so everyone can see your socks and be supremely jealous.
To The Letter
Sending mail (yes, actual mail) is a lost art but there are still occasions when it’s the best way to communicate, i.e. weddings and parties and such. If you’re like me and find yourself writing downhill, you need this envelope addressing stencil that will keep you on the straight and narrow (literally). The translucent design lays right over your envelope to make your handwriting picture perfect.
Fits Like A Glove
With 255 silicone grooming tips, these pet grooming gloves are no match for your short-haired or long-haired furry friends. These are better for brushing your pets because they slip on easily and the touch of your hands mimics a soothing massage for your pets. Little do they know you’re brushing away dirt and loose hairs from cats, dogs, and, well, any other furry critter who could use a little upkeep.
Alien Invasion
What’s a keychain without something quirky on it? This alien keychain detailing your Ph.D. in UFOlogy is plenty quirky, lighthearted, and guaranteed to draw some looks. Did you know an astronomer in the 1870s speculated that aliens on Mars would be taller than human beings? There’s something you can think about at 3 a.m. when you wake up and can’t get back to sleep.
Coffee On The Go
The only thing better than coffee is coffee on the go, which can be tricky for people whose stomachs don’t appreciate the acidity. These instant coffee packets slip neatly into your purse, pocket, or briefcase to give you a chemical-free, low-acid, coffee-drinking experience wherever you are. Just open, mix and enjoy while everyone else rolls in with their $7 Starbucks.
Banded Together
Have a budding jewelry maker on your hands? This 4,800-piece (you read that right) loom rubber band refill kit works with all rubber band jewelry looms and gives you tons of color possibilities. This set includes 600 bands each of red, orange, turquoise, blue, green, pink, purple, and yellow, packaged in a way that’s great for personal use or to give as a gift.
Here’s The Tea
There are tea drinkers and then there are serious tea drinkers who need to infuse an entire pot. This teapot with a built-in diffuser is great for loose leaf teas with heat-resistant glass and a stylish copper lid. You won’t need tea bags or paper filters ever again. The stainless steel infuser helps keep your tea in contact with the water at all times, delivering a great-tasting and smelling experience.
Spring A Leak
Who could’ve ever imagined that a little ladybug could alert you to something as serious as a leak in your house? This leak bug flood detector detects as little as 1/32 of an inch of water and I don’t know how much that is but it doesn’t sound like a lot. A sensor will even beep when the battery is low.
Supreme Savage
In the style of all things “Supreme,” warn people ahead of time who they’re dealing with, with this savage lapel pin. Pins like this look great on denim jackets, backpacks, bags, and even hats. Built to last with sharp enamel colors and premium zinc alloy with nickel plating, this pin lets your personality come shining through without ever uttering a word.
Making The Bed Has Never Felt So Good!
I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve woken up in the middle of the night to shriveled up bed sheet corners. It’s so frustrating having to wrestle with that every day. So, I finally got tired of sleeping like a starfish and bought this bed scrunchie I saw on Good Morning America and, let me tell you, it is a game changer! It’s like a big belt for your bed that converts a flat sheet into a fitted sheet. Making the bed has never been easier! Impress everyone by turning your bedroom into a 5-star hotel with this vegan bed sheet tightener.
What A Doll
Tiny doll clothes call for tiny doll clothes hangers and this set of 24 will get the outfits for the smallest member of your house neat and in order. The hangers are constructed with a unique design that lets you pair shirts and pants or tops and skirts together. These work best for clothes that fit 18-inch dolls like American Girl and more.
Food For Thought
If you have the time and the patience, making homemade baby food is the way to go — both for nutrients and price. But, storing individual jars can be a pain. This storage tray with a clip-on lid accommodates seven pods of food in 2.5-ounce servings. (You can also snag it in a 10-portion size.) Food pops out easily after being frozen thanks to the silicone design.
Clean As A Whistle
I had to try these garbage disposal tabs that both clean and deodorize and I was pleasantly surprised by both the fragrance and how well they worked. Made in the United States, these tabs are non-toxic, biodegradable, and septic system-safe and dissolve fatty deposits to prevent clogs. These were actually invented by a plumber who — quite literally — could’ve put himself out of business.
Melting Pot
Is there anything better than melted chocolate? Go ahead and try to figure it out; I’ll wait. This chocolate melting pot is a more household-friendly chocolate fountain-esque option for dipping everything from cheesecake bites to graham crackers to fruit with delicious chocolate. I mean, I guess you could also use it for cheese but if the choice is “chocolate or cheese,” which makes more sense?
We’ve Got A Runner
Would I look foolish if I start wearing one of these running belts to simply run errands? The updated version of the fanny pack has room for the essentials — phone, keys, and money — with a reflective stripe that’ll keep you safe whether you’re running trails or running into the grocery store. The adjustable waistband works for men, women, or children.
Too Cool For The Pool
If you don’t look chic at the pool, are you even trying? This water-resistant combination lock pouch protects your valuables when you’re at the pool, hanging at the beach, or climbing aboard a boat. The tether is great for attaching to a chair or table to ensure nobody makes off with your stuff. Grab it in the “Hello Summer” print pictured or a juicy watermelon print.
Cave In
Cats will chill literally anywhere, from empty boxes to window sills. This cat cave won’t stop them from “If he fits, he sits,” but they’ll enjoy it nonetheless. It’s handmade shaped felt that makes a cozy indoor hideaway for your feline friends. It also comes in more than a dozen colors so that weird cave-shaped thing in your living room will blend right in.
Low-Hanging Fruit
There’s nothing finer than a pineapple and this plug-in wax warmer is a juicy buy. You’ll get a set of two plug-in units, four guava pineapple wax cubes (it melts one at a time), and the necessary halogen bulbs. This doesn’t produce any flame; rather, it gives off a soft glow which could work well to replace your existing nightlights.
Carved In Stone
I gave a friend a set of whiskey stones a few years ago and the recipient still talks about how awesome they are. This set is even better, including the stones, slate coasters, tongs, tray for stone storage, and wooden crate. The whole thing will only set you back $35. It also has two 10-ounce Old-Fashioned glasses. This is a great gift for the whiskey lover in your life.
Melon Mania
Basic pool floats are for basic people … and you are not basic. This giant inflatable watermelon float is a juicy slice of fun for the pool. Inflate and deflate easily with a single air chamber, which makes it easy to take on the go. Not a fan of watermelons? Choose from other designs including a pretzel, pizza, donut, or — my personal favorite — banana.
The Ball‘s In Your Court
These basketball lollipops are perfect for the baller in your life, as decor for cakes or cupcakes or as party favors for a celebration. Handmade with a great mixed fruit flavor, you’ll get a dozen suckers with this purchase. Hear it from a reviewer: “Great treat to hand out during a birthday party and when they came happy to see they were each individually wrapped and protected during shipping.”
Car ER
A lot of emergency situations happen when we’re away from home. This car emergency kit has 104 pieces including a 42-piece auto emergency set and a 62-piece first aid kit. An emergency car kit should be a staple in every car or trailer for each road trip or anytime you travel on the road. This also makes a great gift for new drivers or kids going off to college.
Net Worth
Are stuffed animals taking over your home? This hammock storage organizer gets them off the floor (and out of closets, cabinets, and drawers) and puts them in the air in a space you’re not using anyway. This hammock holds up to 25 pounds and stretches to five feet in length to easily hold every lovey from their newborn days to their county fair winnings.
Going Green
Microgreens are one of my favorite things while dining out but I’ve never had them at home. This microgreens sprouting kit will let you grow your own swiss chard, basil, beets, and arugula. A seed starter set, it also has four compressed potting soil discs, four markers, four pots, and a grower’s guide for your best chance at growing success.
Fruit Loop
Water infused with different fruits and even vegetables and herbs like cucumber and mint are supremely refreshing. This fruit-infused glass water bottle will let you experiment with flavors and take your creation on the road. This bottle holds 20 ounces and has a silicone grip for easier holding. The built-in cylinder inside is meant to be packed with fruit without getting any pulp or seeds in your water.
Check Your Oil
Maybe it’s just me but every essential oil diffuser necklace I’ve ever seen looks clunky or not at all fashionable. This one from Kitsch is neither of those with a beautiful star-dotted locket made of 14k gold-plated brass. Inside the locket, you’ll find a wool pad to which you can add essential oil of your choosing. This also comes in two other designs.
A Steady Clip
Sometimes you just want a little pop of bling and these rhinestone clips deliver. Available in gold or hematite (a dark silver shade), you’ll get a set of two in your purchase. One reviewer said, “These are perfect to put one on left and one on right to pull away wisps of hair from the face. The sparkly stones are connected to each other and double attached to the clip.”
Secret Garden
This geometric glass terrarium is the cutest thing on my list so you can create your own flower, fern, or moss centerpiece with a hinged roof for easy access. These are great for growing microgreens (Hey! We just discussed those!), succulents, air plants, moss, cacti, and more. The size of this will let you put them just about anywhere.
Thanksgiving Pants Anytime
Listen, you don’t need new pants, O.K.? You just need more buttons. If your resolutions for the new year are already in the garbage, these adjustable replacement buttons create an instant adjustment for your pants, whether you need a little less room or a little, ahem, more room.
Sweet As Sugar
You’ll never go back to store-bought syrup after trying real, pure dark maple syrup. This 16-ounce jug is homemade in Wisconsin and has a cult following of sorts including this reviewer: “This is fantastic syrup. Not super thick, with a nice warm maple flavor, and has a great golden brown color.” This is tree-to-table at its finest — its buttery, pancake-y finest.
Put It On My Charge
I have 99 problems and almost all of them are related to not having enough places to plug in my devices. This six-port charging station works with smartphones, tablets, and other devices to create a convenient family hub for electronic gadgets. A blue light status indicator turns off when charging is complete. One reviewer said: “Our kids can’t keep cords tidy and won’t charge their devices.” Say no more, fam. Say no more.