Beyond the basics of food, water and shelter, we all have our list of daily essentials that create a happy life. Sure, we could live without them, but these products make our days easier and more enjoyable.
Here’s a partial list of my essentials for daily life. There’s the everyday comfy cute maxi dress and the sleek multitasking backpack purse. There’s the pillow tablet stand that makes it easy to surf the internet from the comfort of my couch. And of course I couldn’t live without a great set of knives to chop up all those vegetables for my daily salad.
Here are 37 of my favorites daily use products on Amazon.
This backpack purse is lightweight, durable and cute — and has an anti-theft design
As a woman on the go, a backpack purse is one of my everyday essentials. This one comes in more than 25 fashionable colors, some shiny and some matte. Made of faux leather, the main storage compartment is tall enough to fit a standard-size notebook (8.5×11 inches), along with all your other essentials, like phone, keys, wallet, umbrella and more. There’s a front zipper pocket and two side pockets. The main zipper compartment is located on the back, close to the body for theft prevention. Inside, there’s another zipper pocket and a slot pocket. Plus, you get a removable shoulder strap so you can carry the bag as a purse if you like.
These silver shield dangles are the perfect everyday earrings
You can’t go wrong with a pair of silver boho earrings as an everyday staple. These ones have a delicate drop fan shape with little silver beads along the side. At two inches long (including the hook), they’re lightweight and would look great with jeans or a dress. Handmade in Seoul, Korea, these beauties are composed of rhodium-plated brass that is nickel- and lead-free. And they come in a pretty pink box, making them great for gifting, too.
This pretty leather wallet has lots of storage and RFID protection
An important everyday essential on my list is a good wallet. This baby is made of genuine leather and comes in 21 beautiful colors. It’s got a whopping 24 card slots, two ID windows, four receipt slots, two cash compartments and one zipper pocket. Plus, it has RFID protection, meaning your cards are protected against electronic theft while they’re safely inside your wallet. It comes with a handy wrist strap in case you want to secure it inside your bag or carry it separately as its own stand-alone purse.
These popular tummy-control yoga pants have the perfect fit and feel
Whether you do yoga or not (I don’t), a good pair of yoga pants is one of the most comfortable and versatile things you can own. These tummy-control bootleg pants have a classic look and fit. They’re soft, stretchy, durable and breathable, making them ideal for both workouts and for lounging around the house. There’s also a mini hidden waistband pocket where you can stash your keys or other small items. Choose from several cute colors.
These cotton mesh shopping bags are cute, lightweight and super strong
I don’t know about you, but I can never have enough reusable shopping bags. Especially since I seem to be constantly misplacing them. This four-pack of cotton mesh shopping bags are special because they’re made of an all-natural sustainable material, and can expand and hold up to 40 pounds (more than a typical grocery bag). They’re lightweight and compact, making them perfect to fold up and store in your car’s glove box, or to take on vacation for storage. And unlike lots of other shopping bags, these can be tossed in the washing machine to keep them clean.
This bug catcher wand lets you trap and release those hard-to-reach critters
We’ve all been there. A giant creepy crawly is scrambling up the bedroom wall and we’re freaking out over visions of it falling on our face while we sleep. Maybe it’s too high up to reach without a ladder. Maybe we’re traumatized at the thought of killing it. (I tend to issue a torrent of apologies whenever I break down and clobber one.) Now our problems are solved! My Critter Catcher has a 26-inch-long handle that gives you plenty of reach, and at the end are soft bristles that scoop the bug up and form a cage around it. Then, you just take that little guy for a walk to his new home outside.
These oven gloves are designed for better fit, with a non-slip grip and more arm coverage
Tired of getting the perfect sear on your meat and your hand? These oven gloves have more coverage than traditional oven mitts, extending six inches beyond the wrist. Specifically designed for women’s hands, they’re a little bit smaller than most one-size-fits-all oven mitts, and are stretchy, allowing for the perfect fit. They’re made with three layers of synthetic kevlar and are heat resistant up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, which should cover you for almost any cooking, baking, grilling or frying. And the hands are covered with silicone spots that act as a non-slip grip.
Stretch and strengthen your body with this giant exercise ball
Available in three sizes (55, 65 or 75cm), this thick exercise ball is great for strengthening the core muscles, improving balance and stretching the entire body. Plus, it makes a great office chair, allowing you to engage your core and improve your posture while you work. Made of anti-burst PVC material, it has an anti-slip matte surface for a secure grip, and it’s rated to support up to 1,100 pounds. Comes with a pump for easy inflation and a six-page guidebook to help you use it effectively.
This journal has all the best features: thick pages, lay-flat design and compact size
Whether you want to plan and organize or simply scrawl out your thoughts, this bullet journal has you covered. There are 150+ numbered pages that are thick (160gsm) and buttery smooth, making them a dream to write on. Instead of lines, the pages feature small grey dots spaced 5mm apart, which provide structure without boxing you in. There’s a page for you to create a color-coded key, a page to test pens on (to be sure they don’t bleed through), three index pages, two colored bookmarks, an elastic closure, a pen loop and a cute vegan leather cover. It’s everything you need to make journaling fun!
Stylish, handy and eco-friendly: This to-go coffee cup has it all
Made from organic bamboo fiber that’s biodegradable, this travel coffee cup is an environmentally friendly option that’s also super cute. Choose from seven colors and three sizes, each with a sleeve, lid and spill-stopper made of food-grade silicone. Use your cup daily at home, at the office and on-the-go. Just pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
This comfy maxi dress is pretty enough for a fancy party and cozy enough for everyday errands
A lot of people think of jeans as comfy-wear, but I’m all about the soft, flowy dress. Dresses give you freedom to move about without restriction — no chafing seams or tight waistline to hold you back. This maxi dress comes in 35 adorable colors and patterns! It’s soft and stretchy, and flattering to all different body types (sizes XS to XXL). It has a cute racerback design, plus pockets! More than 10,000 Amazon buyers have rated it 4+ stars — some wearing it around the house and others wearing it places as fancy as their bridal shower. It’s a truly versatile gem.
This colorfully backlit portable keyboard is handy and stylish
It’s easy to see all the keys when they’re backlit in colorful red, blue, green, purple and cyan. This portable keyboard is ultra-thin and lightweight, making it perfect to toss in your bag for use at a cafe. It has a long-lasting battery that recharges by USB. And it can be used with almost any operating system you have, including iOS, Android, Mac and Windows.
This LED desk lamp is gentle on the eyes and has lots of settings, plus a USB port
There’s something special about a desk lamp that gets a 4.8-star rating from more than 14,000 Amazon buyers. This little beauty comes in four styles: black, white, black with wood grain and white with wood grain. It’s got five color modes and seven brightness levels, all with flicker-free light that’s easy on the eyes. The head tilts 135 degrees and swivels 90 degrees, while the base tilts to 150 degrees and swivels 45 degrees, allowing you to cast the light exactly where you need it. There’s a USB port on the base so you can charge your phone easily, and the energy-efficient LED light can help reduce your electricity usage by up to 75% over other lamps.
This children’s sleep trainer is as effective as it is adorable
This super cute little hippo (Mella) uses colors and facial expressions to teach your kids when it’s time for bed and when it’s time to wake up. Half an hour before wake-up time, MELLA glows yellow, signaling it’s almost time to start the day. When MELLA turns green, it’s time to wake up. The device also has three sleep sound options and five nightlight colors, plus three alarm sounds. This brilliant gadget is designed to keep your kid in bed longer, and give you more sleep.
This cute retro-style backpack combines function and fashion
This vintage-style waterproof backpack is super cute and large enough to fit a laptop and so much more. Made of 90% nylon and 10% leather, it’s lightweight and sturdy. The main compartment with double-zip closure can fit a laptop up to 13 inches in size. There are several small pockets inside and two side pockets outside, plus a front zipper pocket with a flap (large enough for an iPad mini). And if you want to carry it as a handbag instead of a backpack, there are handles on top. Choose from more than two dozen colors and styles!
Stop throwing away cupcake liners. These silicone baking cups are colorful, reusable and easy to peel off
Silicone really is a miracle in the kitchen. From oven mitts to cooking utensils to these nonstick baking cups, it’s a material that stands up to heat and cold, and is a breeze to clean up. Instead of using cooking spray on your cupcake pan or buying those disposable paper liners that are bad for the environment, grab yourself a set of these rainbow colored baking cups. Made of food-grade silicone, the cups resist stains and odors, and can be popped in the dishwasher to clean. You get 12 in a pack — two each of pink, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. There’s a reason nearly 12,000 Amazon buyers have rated them an average 4.7 stars!
Keep your boots organized and upright with these boot shaper inserts
I’ve got a lot of boots, and they’re hard to store neatly. Without intervention, they tend to want to flop willy-nilly wherever you set them, spilling over into areas you’d rather keep bootless. These boot shaper forms are an affordable way to keep your boots standing upright so you can neatly line them up in their designated spot. You get eight pairs (16 sheets) of PVC inserts that are 16 inches tall. Just cut them down to size if you want to use them for shorter boots.
Get the cafe experience in your own home with Lavazza Super Crema coffee
Though these coffee beans are best used with an espresso machine, you can also use them with a traditional coffee machine. Enjoy a mild and creamy medium espresso roast with notes of hazelnuts and brown sugar. Delicious! These beans have an aroma level of 4 out of 5, with honey, almonds, and dried fruit notes. Blended and roasted in Italy, these beans are a mix of arabica varieties from Brazil, Colombia, and India, and robustas from Indonesia and Vietnam.
This cute little fan keeps you cool at home, in the office or anywhere you go
Tiny and portable, this cute fan packs a punch. It uses vortex air circulation to keep you cool. With two speeds, an adjustable head and several colors to choose from, this little fan just might be your new best friend. And when you’re not using it, you can fold it down to conceal the grill, leaving nothing to look at but the sleek glossy finish.
These buyer-fave bluetooth headphones are great for music and phone calls
Get immersive hi-fi sound with the closed-back design, CSR chip and 40mm driver of these bluetooth headphones. Built for comfort, the memory-protein ear cushion simulates the texture of human skin. In wireless mode, you can run for 20 hours on a single batter charge. A 10-minute charge gives you two hours of playtime. Or, you can use these with the included audio cable for endless sound. When you’re not using these to listen to music or podcasts, the microphone makes these a great hands-free option for chatting on the phone.
This is the hand tool we should all have on our keychain
Navigate the germy world safely with this simple little hand tool. KeySmart attaches to your keychain (or to the free retractable carabiner) and gives you multiple ways to touch things without using your fingertips. You can use this little metal wonder to push elevator and ATM buttons, enter info on a touchscreen or hook and pull a door handle. Eliminate the need to touch some of the most germ-ridden public surfaces and increase your peace of mind — all for less than $20.
Notetaking never looked better than with these double-ended highlighters in gorgeous soft colors
With a 4.8-star rating, these highlighters are a definite buyer fave! Great for notetaking, bullet journaling and more. They’re double-ended, with a broad chisel tip and a fine bullet tip. The ink is water resistant and quick-drying, and the highlighters come in 15 soft colors: brown, vermilion, gold, magenta, smoke blue, red, violet, gray, dark blue, green, blue, blue green, yellow, orange and pink.
Gorgeous and affordable, NYX is your perfect everyday lipgloss
This gem is called Butter Gloss for a reason: It’s buttery smooth. Choose from an array of colors in sheer to medium coverage (my fave is Devil’s Food Cake). Silky and decadent, this gloss won’t get sticky or feather. Best of all, there are lots of colors to choose from, at prices ranging from just $3-$5.
Maximize your closet space with these space-saving hangers
If you’re running out of closet space, try hanging items vertically with these magic cascading hangers. Each hanger has five slots in it. Slip a single traditional hanger into each slot and the magic hanger with display the items vertically rather than side-by-side along the rod. This works great for shorter items like skirts and shirts.
Sleep like a baby with the help of this white noise machine
This classic white noise machine has been loved by users for nearly 60 years. It produces a soothing natural fan sound (without the disturbance of rushing air). There are two speed options and adjustable tone and volume so you can set it just right for your needs. Whether you’re using it to sleep, to block out the noise of a busy office or to help the kids concentrate on their homework, the Dohm Classic has you covered.
Use your tablet from the comfort of the couch or bed with this pillow tablet stand
I’m not the kind of person to sit at a desk to use my iPad. I like to be lounging on the couch or in bed. That’s where a pillow tablet stand like this comes in handy. Rather than trying to prop your tablet up on a stack of throw pillows or draining the blood from your arms as you hold it at eye level, just set it snugly in this sturdy-but-soft holder and you’re all set. It’ll hold the tablet vertically or horizontally, giving you just the right angle and support to answer emails, check social media or play games.
These luxury gel pillows are fantastically comfortable
A good pillow is a delicious thing. These gel pillows are dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic — and they’re machine washable! They have a 100% cotton cover and are filled with super plush gel fiber that has a down-like feel. Amazon buyers rave about these pillows, giving them 4.5 stars on more than 18,000 ratings.
These colorful erasable gel ink pens are so fun to use!
It’s amazing the quality of erasable pens you can buy these days. Pilot Frixion are some of the best. These ColorStix have a fine point (0.7mm) and colorful erasable gel ink. They have a streamlined barrel and an ergonomic design that prevents them from rolling in your hand. Use them to bullet journal, draw, take notes or anything that can use a little flair.
This sterling silver spinner ring is both beautiful and calming
Do you fidget with your rings? Then this ring is for you. It’s meant to be fidgeted with! This spinner ring is beautiful and comfortable, made of sterling silver and embossed with a flower design. There are are three spinning bands that you can spin to your heart’s content, providing stress-relief in a gorgeous package. And if you’re not a ring fidgeter, no worries, this baby looks great all on its own.
These high-waist workout shorts are cozy and flattering
These beautiful workout shorts fit like a glove, with tummy control and an extended leg length that provides ample coverage while bending and stretching. The fabric, which comes in lots of different colors and patterns, is non see-through and has four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch. Plus, there are sleek side pockets to hold essentials when you wear them on-the-go.
Eliminate drafts and lower your electrical bill with socket sealers
You may never have thought about it, but air can leak in and out of the house through the small spaces around your electrical outlets and light switches. They look well sealed because there’s a plate over them, but behind that plate there’s often more space than you realize, and drafts can leak through. That means less energy efficiency and higher electrical bills. There’s an easy fix for this: socket sealers. Just remove the face plate and stick a sealer on the wall behind it, covering up the hidden opening. Then plop the cover back on and you have a more efficient home! You get 16 outlet sealers, 6 switch plate sealers and 2 decorative GFI switch plate covers.
Get that Jackie O look with these polarized sunglasses
Sunglasses are an everyday essential for at least part of the year (or year-round if you live somewhere hot, like me). These polarized Jackie O-style sunglasses are a stylish way to block those rays. Large but lightweight, they offer maximum sun protection and comfort. Choose from several cute colors and patterns, like white, pink, black and leopard print.
These adorable tights are comfy and durable
On those cool days, a good pair of tights can be a woman’s best friend. These soft semi-opaque tights offer full color and comfort. Made of 84% nylon and 16 percent spandex, they’re stretchy and resilient. Choose from 17 colors, from playful (fuchsia, orange or yellow) to everyday attractive (black, beige, grey).
Book lovers, unite! This cute T-shirt celebrates the love of lit
I’m not big on slogan tees, but this one steals my heart with its celebration of books. It’s also totally cute, has a flattering v-neck, is pre-shrunk, and is made of a silky smooth blend of cotton, polyester and rayon. It’s got a vintage feathered look and a tearaway tag. (No aggravating tag! How great is that?!) These tees are made in the USA using vibrant, durable inks that are resistant to fading and cracking.
This compact waist belt is great for running, hiking or traveling
There are times when you want to hit the road carrying as little as possible, like when you’re going out for a jog. This waist pack is perfect for storing the bare essentials without adding weight or bulkiness to your body. (Now that I think about it, this would sure come in handy when you’re out dancing at a nightclub, if you could find a way to make it work with your outfit.) It’s small and body-hugging, with enough space to fit a phone, keys, cash and other small items. Made of neoprene, it stands up to the weather, and the adjustable waistband lets you tighten it so it won’t bounce as you run.
Add flavor and electrolytes to your water with this fruit infuser water bottle
These 32-ounce sports bottles come in 10 attractive colors and feature a full-length infuser basket that you can fill with your favorite fruit to zest up your water. This is a great way to add flavor and healthy nutrients to your water, and avoid the added sugar in traditional sports drinks. The bottle design has comfort grips on the side and a flip-top lid for easy drinking. You also get a recipe book with 27 fruit-infused water recipes.
These black titanium-plated stainless steel kitchen knives are great for everyday use
I love the look of these black knives with white handles! Made of hard stainless steel, these knives should not bend or break. The natural black titanium metal on the blades will not scrape or chip off like a spray-on coating would. This set comes with six knives — chef, santoku, carving, bread, utility and paring — and a protective sleeve for each.