I like to go my own way. It’s not intentional really, but things like social media fads, the latest clothing trends and popular favorites in hair and makeup looks just never seem to do it for me. The only time I tend to “go with the flow” is when it comes to the purchases I make. Then, and only then, am I interested in seeing what everybody else likes. That’s the beauty of Amazon, isn’t it? Being able to read reviews from other shoppers before making your decision?
This entire list is dedicated to that very concept: Crowd-pleasing finds that people like for themselves or love enough to gift to others. I’m talking about things like “fine china” that’s actually plastic but doesn’t look like it is (No. 5), cup warmers that are a must in the cooler months (buy No. 11 for everyone in your office), and the perfect solution for all those “I’m cold” folks out there (peep No. 29). So, whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, this list aims to please.
Play These Flutes
Why would you ever use real champagne glasses when you could have these 24 stemless plastic flutes that you can chuck in the trash when you’re finished? These are unbreakable and shatterproof and, sure, you could reuse them if you wanted. One reviewer, who bought them for a mimosa bar at a bridal shower, said: “No spills at the shower with 50-plus people there. I would buy again!”
Tumbler Time
I’ve never met a tumbler I didn’t like. Seriously, every time I think, “I have enough cups,” I stumble on one more that I just have to buy. This 20-ounce tumbler is made of glass and has a bamboo lid, silicone sleeve, and straw, and if you break it in the first year you own it, the manufacturer will send you a replacement for free. It comes in so many great shades; I recommend the watermelon, kimchi green, or papaya.
Charge In A Flash
You just never know when you’re going to find yourself in a situation where a clip-on flashlight and smartphone charger is going to come in handy so you might as well buy one to keep it around for just such a scenario. This dual-function device works with crank power: Just one minute of cranking produces 10 minutes of light. An included carabiner makes it simple to tote anywhere.
Our Daily Bread-er
Breading anything results in two truths: It’s going to taste great and it’s going to make a mess. This all-in-one better breader makes it easier to get that crispy crunch that you enjoy, thanks to its covered shaker-style concept. Put the breading mix in the bottom with the meat in the top tray and shake, shake, shake your way to beautifully breaded meats and even veggies.
Faux China
What if you could set a table that looks like a million bucks but only cost you $28? This 60-pack of disposable plates (in both salad and entree sizes) is a timesaver that won’t dampen the festive spirit by looking chintzy. Available with gold or silver trim, this is the perfect solution for dinner parties and holiday gatherings because you can just throw them away rather than spending hours on your feet hand washing dishes.
Do You Have The Time?
We don’t really have a good grasp of time until we’re adults, do we? If you don’t believe me, try telling a kid that Christmas is “x” days away and then get ready to be asked every 10 minutes, “Is it Christmas yet?” This 60-minute visual timer is perfect for that age group, whether you’re encouraging them to work on homework or asking them to complete chores in a timely manner because they can see exactly how long they have to go.
Meet The Winer Dog
Do you have a favorite dog? If you don’t, let me introduce you to your new favorite — the winer dog. A clever play on weiner dogs (really a dachshund, who draws its nickname from its weiner-like shape), this pup has a very important job — opening your new bottle of wine. This unique bar tool includes a foil cutter, bottle opener, lever, and Teflon-coated corkscrew, all nested neatly in a soft-touch handle.
Fill My Cup
How many times have you thought, “Some cupcakes might be nice,” only to discover that you’ve run out of disposable paper baking cups? I’ve done it a few times myself. These silicone baking cups from Amazon Basics are great to keep on hand for spur-of-the-moment baking projects. Since they’re reusable, require no oil/spray, and are freezer-, microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe, these are guaranteed to become your new favorite kitchen helper.
Stick A Knife In It
One thing no one ever tells you when you become an adult is what a knife snob you’re likely to become … if you’re interested in cooking, that is. This 19-piece knife set with wooden block is reasonably priced at $89 for such a large set and the reviews are glowing: “They are extremely sharp and easily handle any cutting task.” If you’ve been looking for a high-quality set at a price that won’t break the bank, here it is.
Perfectly Popped
For a lot of women, the way to their heart is with flowers, candy, or jewelry. For me? It’s popcorn. Now, I’d almost always prefer movie theater popcorn with loads of butter, but I can’t spend my life at the theater (or can I?) so this microwave popcorn popper is a solid second choice. It’s made from silicone, which helps spread the heat evenly, and comes with both handles and a lid.
Warm Me Up
In the warmer months, I usually turn to iced coffees and cold brews to deliver that hit of caffeine I need to get my day started. In the cooler months, though, I’m all about the hot beverages. This mug warmer helps keep your coffee or tea warm no matter how long it takes you to drink it. It operates on gravity induction so there’s no need to remember to hit that on/off switch.
A Portable Hot Pot
While we’re talking about warm things, you need to get your hands on this stainless steel insulated lunch container. Available in pink, black, gray, purple, and blue, the real magic is what’s happening inside to keep your food either hot or cold. (Yes, it works both ways.) The extra-wide mouth helps you get every last bite and it even comes with a folding stainless steel spoon.
Mat About You
I do a lot of baking at Christmas, like many of you, but I’m thinking about stepping up my game this year by investing in these silicone baking mats. This should take care of my inconsistently shaped baked goods while eliminating the need for lining a pan with parchment paper. This set includes two half sheets and two-quarter sheets that are reusable time and time again.
Throw In The Towel
I know, I know, these look like beach towels … just about the time the weather is turning cool and the beach is on the back burner until next year. However, these plush oversized towels are great for options besides the beach including late-night dips in the hot tub or for bundling up after a bath or shower. This set of four works out to being about $10 per piece — each luxurious, super-soft piece.
Rice Is Nice
Did you know a lot of people have trouble cooking rice? I don’t, but I know more than one or two people who complain about this struggle. This mini rice cooker from the Dash brand of appliances holds two cups and takes all the guesswork out of preparing rice. If you’re hesitant to buy an appliance just for rice, don’t be: This little guy also handles oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, and pasta easily.
Better Butter Storage
I don’t know why I struggle so much with butter storage. I mean, there’s a built-in butter drawer right in my refrigerator and I still have issues. This butter dish with a magnetic lid and included knife might be the solution to my first-world problem. It stores two sticks or cream cheese (take your pick) and has measurements printed right on it for easy recipe following.
Pitch(er) A Fit
I’ve never met a pitcher I didn’t like and I’m especially enamored with this wide-mouth glass Mason jar pitcher that holds up to 64 ounces of liquid. Stylish and durable in the body with a silicone seal and a flip-cap lid that stays out of your way while pouring, you’ll feel like you’re pouring in style whether it’s homemade mimosas or sun tea. It’ll fit in your refrigerator door, too.
An Apple A Day
There’s nothing more synonymous with fall to me than apples. So, it was a natural pick to include this apple peeler and corer in this list, especially if an apple pie is on your agenda any time soon. I have an apple peeler/corer from a direct sales company that is lovely, but probably cost more than it needed to. This one will only set you back $27, which is worth its weight in pies.
Bling Your Ride
I know a lot of people love cars, but I find them to be rather boring and utilitarian. If you want to add your own touch to your ride, it’s easy to do with options like this blingy leather steering wheel cover. With Amazon’s “confirmed fit” capabilities, you can plug in your ride and see if this is a viable option. This cover promises easy installation in whatever color you choose, from black to flashy purple.
Brushes Under Cover
If you do your makeup at all, you probably have a handful of makeup brushes sitting in a container on your vanity or bathroom counter. The problem is, with the brush bristles exposed, you’re picking up dirt and dust particles without even knowing it. This covered makeup brush holder is chic and attractive, but best of all, it has a lid to keep the fuzzies away. Grab it with clear pebbles (pictured) or dress it up with white or pink pearls.
Set-Your-Own Safe
I had no idea that personal safes even existed until I stumbled upon this set-your-own-combination option from Master Lock. Just slightly larger than a large smartphone, this personal safe can go with you anywhere to keep your valuables secure. Throw your phone, cash, credit, and debit cards in here, and then affix it to nearly any surface with the included cable. It has holes for your earbuds or charging cable as well.
Mack On Your Mac
Listen, I love my Apple products including my MacBook and I’ll never go back to a PC. However, the port options (or lack thereof) are sometimes painful. This USB adapter fits right into your existing MacBook ports, giving you a world of options for plug-ins like USBs, HDMIs, USB-Cs, and even SD card readers. It’s still your Mac, just optimized for all your add-ons.
Hanging Out
Whether you’re relaxing by the fire pit in your own backyard or camping out under the stars, this portable hammock is a must-have. Weighing in at only 24 ounces, it folds down to such a small size, it won’t take up any room in your gear. It also has nine-foot-long tree straps, carabiners, and five separate loops so you can adjust the height to just your liking.
Princess Power
If you’re reading this, you’re probably not into Disney princesses. Or, maybe you are, I don’t know. Regardless, you probably know someone who would love these giant Disney princess peel-and-stick wall decals. It comes with 37 different decals including the princesses, from Snow White to Tiana. Affix them to any smooth surface. It’ll be the quickest and easiest decorating you ever do.
Have A Ball
Ready to work on your flexibility, core strength, and posture? You don’t need a ton of gadgets, especially if you opt-in for this yoga ball chair. Use it to enhance your yoga practice, making it simpler to do backbends, hip openers, and restorative poses, or pair it with the stability ring and use it at your desk. It’s also loaded with accessories like resistance bands and an inflation tool.
Don’t Be A Tool
Every household needs tools. I don’t care if you’re a man, a woman, or a senior living alone. Everybody needs them. This household tool bag features 165 tools and accessories for household projects, repairs, and DIY tasks, including a claw hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, level, hex keys, saw, and a picture hanging assortment. And, so what if the tools and bag are pink or green? It just adds some extra flair.
Tame The Tea Monster
I’m a full-fledged coffee addict, but sometimes tea just hits the spot. Since I prefer loose leaf tea, I probably should just go ahead and buy this adorable baby Nessie loose leaf tea infuser. A comical take on the Loch Ness Monster, this tea infuser is made of silicone with a steeping spoon that — oh, yeah — might be baby Nessie’s neck. Let baby Nessie dive to the bottom of your tea mug and get a chuckle every time.
Clear As A Bell
Now that football games, concerts, and festivals are back, you’re going to want to snag a venue-approved clear crossbody bag for toting your money, lip balm, keys, and phone. Pass through security with no issues thanks to this invention that is waterproof and includes an exterior pocket for quick access to your most important items. The strap length can also be adjusted to wear across your body or on your shoulder.
Get Comfy
I don’t know who invented this oversized wearable blanket, but I’d like to give them a hug — a warm, cozy, snuggly hug. Originally seen on “Shark Tank,” this hoodie-like blanket is guaranteed to keep you warm and cozy whether you’re on the couch or attending an event outdoors. It comes in a ton of solid colors and a few prints like camo, leopard, and the red plaid pictured.
Diffuse Any Situation
I’m not an essential oil groupie, I promise, but I have discovered that a few of them really benefit me in certain situations — like when I get motion sickness in the car. This aromatherapy diffuser bracelet comes with four popular oil scents: Peppermint, tea tree, lemongrass, and orange. All can be added to the felt diffuser pad inside of the bracelet to deliver the benefits directly to the wearer.
Welcome To The Gun Show
I haven’t had a real massage in a hot second, but I’m not salty about it. Why? Because I have the next best thing — this handheld massage gun that works wonders targeting my problem areas. This massage gun comes with six built-in speeds, eight different massage heads, and a battery that can run for up to 120 minutes on a single charge.
Champagne Shooters, Anyone?
Chambong’s are always loads of fun, and if you are looking for something to please a crowd, they are the way to go! You can fill these shooters with champagne to living up the mood, and have a little bit of fun while doing so.
String Me Along
Do you love displaying photos so much that you’ve run out of room? These photo clip string lights will eliminate that problem, providing plenty of space along its 25-foot length in addition to fairy lights that add a touch of softness or romantic glow. The lights themselves feature eight different glow modes, which can be changed via remote control, and the option to charge via USB.
Blame It On The Rain
This is one Waterpik that won’t fit in your mouth. Known more for its flossing appliances than its showerheads, don’t overlook the latter by investing in this FlexNeck rain shower head with an oversized face. It features both “drenching rain” and “concentrated PowerSpray” for quick rinsing. It’s also a total bargain at just $30 and installs in a matter of minutes.
Bottle Neck
Bearing the words “Open Here” or “Cheers,” depending on which model you buy, this wall-mounted magnetic bottle opener is sure to be a conversation starter or a great gift for the bottle lover in your life. Mount it using its magnetic capabilities or attach it to the wall with the included screws. The magnet at the bottom will hold up to 30 caps instead of them ending up on the floor.
I Have To Hand It To You
Warm your hands and charge your phone in one gadget? Yes, please! This rechargeable and portable hand-warmer-slash-phone-charger is small enough to slip in a pocket and heats rapidly. Once charged, it will warm your hands for four to eight hours and provide enough juice for your phone to charge it twice. This is a perfect stocking stuffer for that friend who is always cold (I’m talking about me).
100 Date Night Ideas
It doesn’t take long once you get into a relationship to feel like things might be a wee bit stale. This scratch-off poster is an idea generator, providing you with 100 different date night solutions that include things you might not have thought of like going to a speakeasy or staying at a bed and breakfast. Once a date has been completed, scratch off the circle and keep going until your poster is complete.