I get it: You’ve seen these lists before, spewing headlines like “Amazon’s Best Finds!” or “Gadgets You Can’t Live Without!” The truth is, you can live without them, and they may – or may not – be the best finds for you.
I think I can comfortably say this is a list you need in your life, with everything from ways to simplify cooking to products that’ll clean up your car, your cabinets, and your crusty heels. (Sorry, heels alone didn’t start with a “C.”)
If you’ve ever struggled with what to do with leftover wine or avocado, I’ve got you covered. Need a simpler way to find your keys or clean your phone? No sweat. I’m revealing three dozen of the best finds – I promise – for your home, car, and person. Read on to find your favorite!
This Furbo Dog Camera Is A High-Tech Way To Pamper Your Pooch
If you’re both a tech junkie and a pet lover like I am, this Furbo Dog Camera was designed with you in mind. It allows you to keep an eye on your fur baby for added peace of mind when you’re away. Bonus: It even dispenses treats! I can’t wait to surprise my dog with this nifty gadget.
Stack Safely With This Stackable Mug Organizer
Are your cabinets full of mugs? I’m talking mugs with funny sayings or photos, mugs that represent your travels, even mugs you’ve picked up along the way and don’t know where or why. You need a storage solution like this stackable mug organizer. It comes in a six-pack to help tame your cupboards in a safe (and stackable) way.
This Sengled Smart Light Bulb That Works With Alexa
Imagine for a moment that you’ve just crawled into bed only to realize that you’ve left the downstairs lights on. Instead of hauling yourself back down the stairs, you simply ask Alexa to turn off the lights, and, like magic, they do. That dream can become a reality with this Sengled Smart Light Bulb.
Prop Up Your Digital Recipes With This Recipe Holder Stand
Cookbooks appear to have gone the way of pagers, VCRs, and cassette tapes. (If you don’t know what a cassette tape is, go ask a Baby Boomer.) I do most of my recipe-keeping on my phone, which means I do most of my cooking with that digital recipe nearby. This recipe holder stand will keep your ingredients and instructions upright and within arm’s reach.
This Mini Humidifier Light Is Ridiculously Cool
Cute, handy, and surprisingly cheap, this Highpot® Lamp Shape Decorative Light is my newest obsession. It’s a mini humidifier built into a lightbulb that changes color for instant ambiance and comfort. I have mine on my desk and use it all winter long to combat dryness.
You’ll Mop And You Won’t Stop With This Mop And Bucket Set
Nobody likes mopping … although I think I like mopping better than vacuuming. (I still have nightmares about my mom’s two-piece vacuum from when I was a child, but I digress.) This mop-and-bucket combo will at least simplify the task, with reusable microfiber pads and a built-in, self-wringing pad cleaner. Reviewers lauded this system for its easy pet hair removal.
Go With The (Over)Flow With An Overflow Drain Cover
I can’t be the only one who doesn’t get the tub as full as I want when it’s time to take a steamy and luxurious bath. Thanks to this overflow drain cover, I can fill the tub all the way to the top when it’s bath time, thanks to its suction cup seal. This gives me additional inches of water in my bath without that dreaded draining that occurs when you’ve been sitting in it for, oh, say, an hour or longer. (Don’t judge me.)
Simplify Your Bag Carrying With Convenient Carrying Handles
Raise your hand if you’d sooner break your arms carrying 47 grocery bags at one time than make more than one trip gathering bags from your car? My hand is raised. But, I’ve found a way to do that in a simpler, less back-breaking way. These grocery bag carrying handles multiple your carrying capacity by condensing various bags under one easy-to-carry grip.
Protect Your Leftover Wine With Wine Condoms
I know what you’re thinking: Who has leftover wine? Or, maybe you’re questioning why these wine condoms look like the real deal. The design of these wine savers was created to turn heads, but don’t get it twisted: They work. Creating both a water-tight and air-tight seal, they shrink or expand to fit most bottles. The clever packaging adds to their charm.
Avoca-Do Pick Up This Avocado Hugger
Avocados. They’re hard as rocks in the store but almost over-ripe by the time you get them home. And, if you’re the only avocado eater in your home, you know the struggle of eating one half and trying to figure out how to save the remaining half. This avocado hugger will help preserve your fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit, fight me) until you’re ready to return for round two.
Pocket This Multi-Tool For All Life’s Emergencies
Have you ever gotten into a situation where you thought, “Man, a wrench would be really handy right about now?” If not, it’s coming. This keychain tool has it all: Wrench, bottle opener, screwdriver, ruler, bit driver, file, and bike spoke key, in one unit that easily attaches to a lanyard or key ring. And, that’s just as small sampling of the tasks it’ll perform in a TSA-compliant design.
This Portable Espresso Maker Gives You A Hot Cup Of Joe On-The-Go
Okay, I know there are lots of cool gadgets on this list, but this one might be my favorite. It’s a nifty little espresso maker that brews the perfect cup of hot, frothy Joe anywhere. It even comes with a cute little carrying case so you can throw it into a backpack or purse! Because wouldn’t a cold winter hike be a million times better with a cup of espresso?
You’ll Be Good To The Last Drop With This Bottle Emptying Kit
If you’re one of those people who like to get every last squirt out of a tube of toothpaste, you’re going to appreciate this bottle emptying kit. Me? I like precariously stacking near-empty bottles of shampoo in the itty-bitty corner of the bathtub in hopes that they drain sufficiently before falling over and having to restart the process. The two-pack cap replacement system allows you to get all the goody out of your bottles – without funnels or that lopsided system of mine I mentioned above.
Organize Your Pots And Pans With This In-Cabinet Rack
If you’ve recently Marie Kondo-ed your kitchen and still found yourself with a plethora of pots and pans, this organizing rack will help you regain control over your cabinets. This system works either vertically or horizontally, with or without screw-in installation, and has a place for up to five pans and/or lids. I use one of these in my pots-and-pans cabinet and what I like most about it is that it keeps the pans from banging into one another and causing scratches.
Enjoy Toasty Tunes With This Unisex Beanie Featuring Wireless Controls
If you’ve ever had to choose between keeping your head warm and listening to your favorite tunes, this unisex beanie with built-in wireless capabilities will solve all your problems. It comes in a ton of colors and patterns, which isn’t at all the best part. The best part is the Bluetooth integration that enables you to pair your existing smartphone or music player so you can get your tunes while keeping your dome nice and toasty. A mini-control panel on the band lets you skip songs and answer calls with just a push of a button.
Toss This Light-Up Speaker In The Pool
Immerse it in water – or don’t. Use it in the shower – or on your desk. Bring the party – or simply add some ambiance to a long soak in the tub. This Bluetooth speaker does it all: Lights, music, you name it. Change the color to one of seven different shades. Blast your tunes up to 50 feet away from your phone. You can throw it in the pool, toss it in the shower, or take it to the beach. It is waterproof, rechargeable, and delivers crystal-clear sound in one really fun package.
File Your Feet To Baby-Like Softness With An At-Home File And Callus Remover
So, we’ve come to the “crusty heel” portion of the list that I alluded to at the beginning of this article. But there is hope! You can control your crust, ahem, level with this foot file and callus remover good for either wet or dry skin. Pro tip: If you use this after every bath or shower, your feet will be in tip-top shape year-round, which means you can pop in for a professional pedi whenever you want without fear of grossing out your pedicurist. I mean, surely they talk, right?
Turn Your Shower Into A Wine Bar With This SipCaddy
We just got finished with our white elephant gift exchange at work, and it’s safe to say there was a bit of a scrum over this SipCaddy, which puts a glass of wine or a can of beer within easy reach when you’re in the bathtub or shower. Why would you want to do that? I think the better question is, Why wouldn’t you want to do that? The included suction cup holds a weight of up to seven pounds … just in case you had a terrible day and a small drink just won’t do.
Blow Up Your Phone Screen With A 12-Inch Magnifier
Smartphones have gotten bigger, then smaller, then bigger over the years. Still, none has eclipsed 12 inches in size, making this magnifier a no-brainer to watch your favorite TV shows and movies comfortably. Think of it like having a projector at your disposal whenever you want. It’s available in five shades, from beige to brown, and can double the size of your screen with ease.
Charge All Your Devices With This Chic Wireless Charging Station
Minimalists, unite! You won’t find a chicer (is that a word?) wireless charging station anywhere than this three-in-one setup that accommodates both Apple and Android devices. Give juice to your smartphone, earbuds, and smartwatch in one organized wireless station. The chargers are designed to prevent overheating while charging quickly. My favorite feature is the soft blue light indicator, which won’t light up your room at night like the Fourth of July.
Give Your Phone Its Own Seat With A Cup Phone Holder
In full disclosure, I bought two of these for Christmas – one for myself and one to give as a gift. The gift, shall we say, was a name-brand product while mine was a knock-off. But, I’m pleased to report the knock-off is just as nice as the more expensive version. This cup phone holder easily installs by sliding the base into one of your car’s cup holders and then adjusts from there to transport your phone safely and securely.
Organize Your Airwrap In Style With This Wall-Mounted Rack
I bought a Dyson Airwrap a year or so ago and immediately ran into a problem due to my limited bathroom storage and counter space: I had nowhere to put it. Don’t get me wrong, it is nicely packaged in a leather-like storage container slightly larger than a traditional shoebox, but it just takes up so much room. Cue this wall-mounted storage rack built for housing the Airwrap’s various attachments. Now everything is easily within reach, but not tying up valuable real estate.
Keep Reading Glasses Within Reach Thanks To A Phone Case-Glasses Combo
Always losing your reading glasses? Have I got a solution for you! Now you can lose both your reading glasses and your iPhone in one fell swoop. I kid, I kid. The convenience factor is through the roof on this gadget, which includes both an iPhone case and ThinOptics reading glasses in one package. So, if you always have hands on your smartphone, you’ll always be able to find your spectacles as well.
Simplify DIY Projects With A Magnetic Tool Wristband
If you bombed at Christmas gift-giving, you could redeem yourself with this magnetic wristband that holds screws, nails, and drill bits for your favorite handyman. You can officially dismiss yourself as the handyman’s helper (or simply better organize yourself if you are the handyman or handywoman). Strong magnets put necessary pieces within easy reach, and the wristband itself is adjustable for those with smaller – or larger – wrists.
Magnetize Your Light Switch And Turn It Into A Convenient Key Rack
I have dedicated key ring holders right inside my front door, but I totally would have gone for this magnetic number that works with an existing light switch cover if I had only known it existed. Simply replace existing screws in a switch cover with these ultra-powerful magnets, and you’ll have your keys within reach when you cut out the lights and head out for a night on the town.
Sanitize And Sterilize With This UV Light Cleaning Box
We’ve all heard the words “sanitize,” “social distance,” “masks,” and “wash your hands” a few hundred (thousand) times over the course of the past year. But, did you know a ton of germs live on your smartphone, which neither wears a mask nor washes its hands? This sterilizer cleaning box will erase the germs from your phone, keys, masks, and anything else that fits inside it, using the power of UV light. It also features an aromatherapy inlet to impart essential oil fragrance into anything you choose.
Give Yourself More Outlets With This Socket Shelf
Remember my space-deprived bathroom from a few products up? I added one of the socket shelves to my lone bathroom outlet a few months back, and I could not be more pleased. Not only do I have more outlets for hair tools, but I have dedicated USB ports to charge power banks and my Kindle and a shelf where I can stash my phone to keep it away from the sink. It’s a win-win-win in my book.
Strain All The Things With This Snap-On Colander
I have a serious addiction to kitchen gadgets, like this strainer that snaps onto a pan or bowl, allowing you to drain things like water from pasta or grease from hamburger. Its universal design allows it to clip onto a variety of sizes of pots or bowls and, when not in use; it takes up a quarter of the space that a traditional colander does. It’s available in five colors, from goes-with-anything gray to liven-up-your-space lime green.
Clean Your Nether Regions Like The Europeans With Your Own Bidet Attachment
You don’t have to spend hundreds to have a bidet installed in your bathroom. For less than $35, you can attach this bidet self-cleaning nozzle to your existing toilet and enjoy a – shall we say – “refreshing” experience after you’ve done your business. This attachment features an adjustable spray and a retractable nozzle that protects the unit when not in use. You’ll feel very fancy without spending much money.
Light It Up With An Electronic Candle Lighter
I want one of these just because they look a lot cooler than what I currently use, which is a cheapy cigarette lighter from Walmart. This chic electronic candle lighter is windproof and flameless, delivering more than 60 uses with a single charge. Light your candles, grills, and more with this slim-designed rechargeable device that all your friends will think looks cool while making things hot.
You Froth And You Don’t Stop With A Milk Frother
Who needs Starbucks when you have your very own milk frother like this one from Amazon? O.K., O.K., I still make periodic stops at everyone’s favorite coffee shop, but this milk frother is great for days when I don’t feel like getting out. You can use it for cappuccinos, frappes, and even hot chocolate to give you the sweet, creamy foam you love on your favorite beverages. It’s available in more than two dozen colors to match your mood.
You’ll Be A Master Peeler With This Boiled Egg Peeler
I’m the worst – the literal worst – at peeling hardboiled eggs. I’ve tried every trick known to man: Using an Instant Pot, adding baking soda to the water, you name it. This little boiled egg peeler is a genius invention and at least one way to take out your frustrations. Why? Because you simply add the hardboiled egg to the cup, fill with 1/4 cup of water, re-attach the lid and then shake the living daylights out of it. Voila! Perfectly peeled eggs without the frustration. Grab it in one of eight colors.
Tear Your Herbs To Shreds With These Five-Blade Herb Scissors
Herb scissors are one of those things you don’t realize you need until you actually own a pair. Then, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. These herb scissors have five blades for simply snipping things like onions, cilantro, and other herbs, but that’s not all! With this set, you also get an herb stripper and a protective cover to keep all those blades safe. Celebrate your purchase with herbal confetti!
A Rechargeable Hand Warmer Is Your New Winter BFF
I live in Florida, so this product is not-so-useful for me, but I’ve spent a fair amount of time outside (football stadiums, in particular) around the country, so I know these could be put to good use by probably 90 percent of the country. These rechargeable hand warmers operate on a quick charge via a USB cable and double as a power bank for your phone if you find yourself low on juice. I like it in mint, which is the color of all things icy and wintry.
Open Your Next Bottle of Wine With This Seven-Second Electric Corkscrew Set
You could open a bottle of wine the old-fashioned way (by shooting the cork across the room), or you could try out this electric wine opener that has garnered nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. The description claims that only “seven seconds” stands between you and a freshly-opened bottle of vino. The set, which would make a lovely gift, includes the automatic corkscrew, foil cutter, wine pourer, stopper, and charger.
Set Whatever Mood You Want With A Color-Changing Light Bulb
Red and blue and purple, oh my! This color-changing light bulb delivers on those shades and 13 others (for a total of 16), sure to match whatever mood you’re aiming for. Perhaps the best part of this colorful gadget is the remote, which not only controls the on/off function but allows you to play with all the colors of the rainbow like you’re painter Bob Ross. You can also opt for flash or strobe settings if you’re feeling crazy.
Spatula? Tongs? How About These Spongs?
Okay, so I totally made up the word “spongs,” but you get the idea. This nifty two-in-one contraption takes the place of separate tongs and a spatula, allowing you to grip it, flip it, spoon it, and serve it. If you opt for this one, you’ll get a set of two – large and small tongs, which boast a spatula cradle. Now you can grip tacos or flip pancakes like the Michelin-starred chef you know you are at heart.