I was born on a blustery day in the middle of a blizzard (which my parents remind me of often). On that Thursday, the No. 1 song in the U.S. was Player’s “Baby Come Back,” which overtook The Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” on the Billboard Hot 100. Those were the days that music charts were revered and climbing the charts meant the singer or band was on its way to the big time.
No. 1’s and best-sellers are a bit different these days. We don’t wait days or weeks for newspapers and magazines to tell us what’s hot. We can simply log on to the internet and read reviews or check flash sales to see what’s on its way up. And, guess what? Amazon is no different! I’ve combed through the Amazon bins to find items that you truly need to get your hands on before they’re gone and FOMO consumes your life.
Never Be Out Of Juice Again With This Dual Xbox Charging Station
Got a gamer in your house? If so, you’ve probably heard the sighs of frustration when they go to play their favorite game and realize their wireless controller is dead as a doornail. Depending on when you’re reading this, it’s likely this is jumping up the bestseller charts with the new Series X flying off store shelves and Christmas right around the corner. Keep them (or yourself) in perpetual playing mode with this dual Xbox charging station for your wireless controllers. It’s either this or your weight in batteries … you choose.
Prepare For Big Sound From These Tiny Wireless In-Ear Headphones
JBL is well respected in the audio world for delivering clear, crisp sound and lots of pure bass, even when it’s in a teeny-tiny package like these lightweight wireless in-ear headphones. Available in black, blue, pink, or white, Amazon had slashed its pricing by half at the time this was written making this a steal of a deal. No, it doesn’t have the name of a fruit on it (Hi, Apple!), but it’s a well-priced competitor from a beloved brand.
Have The Coolest Lunch Box At The Office With This Bento Box
It’s my goal in 2021 to turn “bento” into a verb. “No, thanks, I’m going to bento.” “Want to bento tomorrow?” This crazy cool bento lunch box will probably make that task a lot easier. Simple, yet elegant styling that pays homage to its Japanese roots is the name of the game for this box, which helps with portion control and also includes cutlery. You want to bento now, too, don’t you?
Brighten Your Smile With This Complete Teeth Whitening Kit
There is something like a bajillion teeth whitening systems on Amazon (I didn’t actually count, but I feel like that’s an accurate number). So, what’s so great about this one? This teeth whitening kit combines the best of both worlds: The gel to do the job and a battery-operated light to accelerate the effort. Reviewers rave about this one, too, because it’s great for those with sensitive teeth.
Ditch The Santa Suit And Grab This Sumo Suit Instead
I know what you’re thinking: Halloween is over for another year … or, it’s just coming around again, depending on when you found this list. But, there’s never a wrong time to delight your friends and family with an inflatable sumo suit. This big guy includes a headpiece and requires four AA batteries. Wear it to a birthday party, throw it on for Thanksgiving, or heck, even have sumo Santa deliver the presents. The possibilities are endless.
Make It A Starry Night With This Night Sky Projector
Don’t you just love sitting out under the stars on a cloudless evening? This night sky projector will let you take that outdoor experience indoors. Whether you want to add a little razzle-dazzle to an entertainment room or give baby something to think about as he dozes off at night, this projector turns any room into a starry night. Vincent Van Gogh would approve.
Light Up Your Life With A Large Ring Light With Stand
I thought I was the last person on Earth to purchase a ring light until I saw this 18-inch ring light with stand that’s shooting up the bestseller chart. Mine isn’t that big since I purchased it to light up my workspace for Zoom calls, but this would be an excellent choice for an amateur photographer or a budding YouTube star. Its adjustable brightness and color temperature settings will really light up your life. Pun totally intended.
Get Off The Couch And Hit The Bar, A Portable Pilates Bar That Is
This year has kind of put a damper on a lot of in-person events, including exercise classes. That doesn’t mean you get to sit on the couch stuffing Twinkies into your face. Keep your Pilates skills fresh with this portable bar kit that comes with two latex resistance bands.
Unleash Your Inner Artist With This Watercolor Paint Set
I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler, but that doesn’t mean I don’t envy people with artistic ability. This 36-piece watercolor paint set will fuel your painting passion or make the perfect gift for your favorite artist. The set includes a brush and comes in a compact and portable case for painting wherever inspiration strikes.
You Can Everything and NOT Chill In This Oversized Blanket Sweatshirt
Raise your hand if you’re always cold. That’s me, even living in balmy Florida. I’m almost always too cold at home … in the office … at restaurants. It’s really kind of ridiculous. Obviously, I can’t wear this oversized blanket sweatshirt to the store, but you best believe I’ll be rocking it at home. Hey, I may even be wearing it now, you just can’t tell. It comes in six shades of fluffy goodness.
Nothing Holds A Candle To This Flameless Color-Changing Set
In the words of the illustrious Kanye West, “Turn up the lights in here, baby.” These flameless, color-changing candles will set the mood … no matter what mood you’re in. You received nine (nine!) candles in this set, each with 12 color options and three lighting modes, all controlled by two tiny remotes. Enjoy the ambiance that candlelight offers without any smell or waxy drips.
A Reasonably-Priced Stylus Pen For The Rest Of Us
I’m not knocking my Apple Pencil. Seriously. Props to the tech gods at Apple for dreaming up that genius creation. But, it’s pricy. Like, ramen-noodles-for-a-month pricy. This bargain stylus pen works on all capacitive smartphones and tablets ranging from Apple to Samsung to Google. And, it’s only $10. That’s it. The cost of two pumpkin spice lattes. Now you can have a cool toy and eat grown-up meals this month.
Gift The Happiest Earrings On Earth
The link doesn’t call these Mickey (or Minnie) Mouse earrings. But, I know it. You know it. Even Goofy knows it. These pearl stud earrings in a cute mouse design are the perfect gift for your favorite Disney fan, coming in colors ranging from black to red to white. Some varieties are being offered for as low as $6.99! Grab a pair for yourself to don the next time you’re in the happiest place on Earth.
This Tracing Light Box Has No Glare And No Shadows
Here’s another one for the art lovers. This tracing lightbox offers all the tools of the trade for crafts like calligraphy, scrapbooking, tattoo transferring, sketching, and more. Housed in an ultra-thin, tablet-like style, this box can be toted anywhere so you can work while you’re sitting in the doctor’s office or just chilling in the park. Adjust the brightness of the bulbs that last upward of 50,000 hours.
Bag It Up In Style With This Multifunctional Backpack
Have you ever tried to get out of the house with all of your gear and all of your kids’ gear? You can either carry multiple bags or one stylish back that can accommodate everything. The trick is finding the right bag to do the job. I think I’ve found it for you. This multifunctional backpack is both chic and well-designed with 13 different pockets and stroller hooks. Reviewers call it “durable” and “lightweight,” and big enough for a laptop.
Blast Off To Fun With A Rocket Ship Play Tent
Have you ever wished you could send your kids to the moon? C’mon, you can admit it. This is probably as close as you’re going to get unless you’re raising the next Neil Armstrong. This rocket ship play tent is adorable, though, and promises to offer hours of playtime fun. It includes five exciting ways to play, but your little Sally Ride will probably come up with at least five more on her own.
These Firework Lights Add Extra Holiday Sparkle
My absolute favorite thing at Christmas is all the lights. Whether they’re on the tree, on a house, or strung around town, I can’t get enough. As a kid, I can remember going to bed at night during the holiday season and my room being illuminated by our lights outside. These firework lights offer a unique shape and addition to any light display. You get fairy string lights with 60 flexible copper wires and holiday memories to cherish for a lifetime.
A Large-Print Computer Keyboard Will Simplify Your Online Tasks
A lot of people struggle with being able to see the letters and characters on a traditional keyboard. This large-print keyboard with high-contrast keys is a great option for older adults, the visually impaired, and others who might benefit from a bit more thoughtful keyboard design. The high-contrast coloring of the keys makes it easier for users to see, even in low light. This might be the perfect gift for an aging parent who shies away from computer usage due to small, hard-to-read keys.
Tote Your Utensils With You Thanks To This Portable Cutlery Set
Camper? Traveler? Germophobe? This portable stainless steel flatware set has you covered x three. I actually bought these myself because, even though Florida has mostly reopened following the shutdown, my favorite restaurant is only offering plastic forks. I hate plastic forks. Now, I have my own complete set to tote with me wherever I go. It’s better for the environment and I know I’m not risking picking up any unwanted germs.
Enjoy Jurassic Fun With This T-Rex Battle Attack Game
I’ve never wanted to do anything more than chase a dinosaur and make it shoot steam from it’s mouth. OK, wait, I can think of a couple of things that might come higher on my list, but this is pretty darn close. This Jurassic experience includes a T-rex and a remote which controls him. This guy sprays steam from his mouth and shakes his head at his prey. This will be a big win under the tree and is currently marked down from it’s original RRP.
Insulate And Chill With Skinny Can Coolers
There’s a lot of fuss out there over a skinny can cooler brand that — shall we say? — rhymes with ShoeDate. And, for good reason; that little can cooler keeps your beverage cool until the final sip. It’s quite a bit more expensive than this Amazon find, though, which promises to do the same. You can this four-in-one can cooler right now for $14 after applying a site coupon.
Keep Your AirPods Handy With A Cool AirPods Case
If you’ve ever uttered the words, “I can’t find a case I like,” this is the Amazon pick you for. Available in more than 40 colors and patterns, this AirPods case is shockproof, in case you drop it, and includes a carabiner and keyring to keep it nearby at all times. I’m particularly loving the pirate- and tie-dye-themed versions; all are available for between $9 and $11.
Move Files With Ease With An iOS Flash Drive
You’ve probably heard of a flash drive for your computer, but what about one for your iPhone or even iPad? This flash drive is iOS-compatible and really handy for those times you’ve asked out loud, “How do I get all these photos off my phone?” It’s also great for transferring files, music, and videos from your portable devices to more permanent storage on a laptop or computer.
Don’t Brush Off This Do-It-All Electric Toothbrush
Just about everywhere you look these days, someone is hawking an electric toothbrush. This one is wireless! That one has 14 different attachments! It mounts to your mirror! You can take it on an airplane! Enough. What you really need is just a simple-to-operate toothbrush that gets the job done. This sonic electric toothbrush has a lot of the same bells and whistles, at a much cheaper price.
Pocket This Nostalgic Handheld Video Game
This one gives me all the throwback vibes to a childhood spent blowing dust out of game cartridges perched in front of a television and game console. This time, it fits in the palm of your hand. This little guy is packed full of games — 400 total, ranging from action-packed stories reminiscent of Mario Brothers to the ghost-eating Pac-Man. Kids will love it … if they can get it away from the grown-ups.
Win The Holiday Season With Immortal Flowers
This is my favorite time of year and not just because the temperatures are cooling off a bit. We’ve got Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day is a virtual back-to-back run of holiday happiness. But, there’s always that one person out there I cannot think of a gift for. This is definitely a unique find: A handmade forever rose tucked under a glass dome. These immortal flowers are said to last three to five years.
From Potty Chair To Full-Fledged Toilet Training Seat
If you’ve never experienced the joy (and I use that term loosely) of potty training a toddler, you should consider yourself blessed and highly favored. I kid, I kid. But, truly, it can be one of life’s most frustrating experiences. Capturing just the right moment before they go in a diaper or training underwear is like trying to spot Sasquatch on a camping trip. This toilet training seat will make the transition from potty chair to actual potty a lot simpler.
Fold Up Your Chess Pieces And Go Home (Or Anywhere) With This Magnetic Travel Set
When we were kids, we had a host of travel games to keep us occupied (read: quiet) in the backseat on family trips. The one thing we never had was a magnetic travel chess set, probably because we were terrible at chess. I still am. But, I could get good with a little practice. This portable version means I could whip out a chess game anytime, anywhere, and if that’s not checkmate I don’t know what is.
Make Cleaning Fun Again With This Cordless Lightweight Vacuum
My least favorite chore ever is vacuuming and I fully blame my mother and all my childhood vacuuming chores for it. (She knows. You don’t have to run and tell her.) Vacuuming almost became fun again when I found a lightweight cordless vac similar to this one on Amazon. It glides effortlessly over any surface and is easy to maneuver (unlike the vac of my childhood). The best news is that it’s about $300 cheaper than the least expensive version of my brand.
You Get A Uke And You Get A Uke, Everybody Gets A Ukulele
I totally stole that line from Oprah, but I’m sure she won’t mind. Especially when we’re talking about something as cool as a ukulele. This beginner uke is ready to go as soon as you receive it (and figure out how to play it), since it has a strap, picks, and gig bag. It’s available in two colors and even has an option for left-handers. Left-handers are more likely to be geniuses, by the way, and I know that because I found it on Google.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet With This Non-Contact Thermometer
Taking our temperature has become just about as common lately as brushing our teeth and pumping gas. But, it wasn’t that long ago that finding a thermometer at the store was like finding a needle in a haystack. That national shortage appears to be over, with even better — and more affordable — options now available. This non-contact thermometer works in ears and on foreheads for both kids and adults in a roughly $20 package.
Play This Fill-In-The-Blanks Card Game With The Whole Family
Have you ever played Cards Against Humanity, that risqué, mostly-offensive card game for adults? If not, put it on your to-do list. If so, just know that Kids Against Maturity is not nearly as scandalous, but just as hilarious. It’s family-friendly, but the same fill-in-the-blank format you’re used to playing after the kids go to bed. Nearly 8,000 reviewers have rated it an almost-perfect 4.6 stars.
Turn A Tree Into A Swing With This Hanging Strap Kit
Here’s my tree swing story: I had a really cool one at my grandparents that I fell off of as a kid, knocked the wind out of myself, and never got on it again. The end. Don’t let that derail you from setting this up for yourself or your kids. This hanging strap kit makes installing a tree swing easy-peasy and holds an amazing 2,200 pounds — you know, just in case your friendly neighborhood hippopotamus wants to take it for a spin.
Your Nose Knows You Need This Painless Hair Trimmer
What to say about this one? It’s a necessity? Hurry up and buy it? This hair trimmer offers a painless solution for hair removal, primarily from the nose, but is also suitable for, say, your eyebrows, inside your ears, or those weird stragglers that just randomly pop up on your face. (I don’t know from experience; I’m just speculating.) I like its discreet size and the LED light for precision.
Grip And Clip Your Spices With These Cabinet Strips
I recently went with another spice storage system, but I’m kicking myself a little for not finding these spice gripper strips and clips that adhere to the inside of your kitchen cabinets. You can organize up to 30 standard-sized spice jars with these strips so that they’re easy to read and within arm’s reach. Best yet, this solution is less than nine bucks.
Grab A Cola-Shaped Water Bottle And A Smile
Cola-shaped, you say? If you’re old enough to remember when cola came in this shape container, you should probably go take a multivitamin and get to bed. Still, these insulated water bottles are adorable with nearly 20 color choices in three different sizes. I’m a sucker for a cute water bottle anyway and especially like the pop-up straw option this one provides.
Keep An Eye On It All With This GPS Tracking Device
I’m not telling you to track your teenager/boyfriend/husband/best friend while they’re driving, but I’m not telling you not to either. This is an incredibly cheap way to do it, though, if you were — ahem — going to. I mean, maybe you need to keep an eye on delivery trucks at your company. You can do all of that with this GPS tracking device that boasts a coordinating smartphone app. Hey, you just can’t be too careful nowadays.