It’s my favourite time of year again: pumpkin spice lattes, karaoke, and the softest, coziest, Sherpa-lined blankets almost vibrating with the anticipation of being snuggled up into. Which, in the case of the electric weighted blanket below, is literally true. Autumn rolling in with the cool winds and light drizzle also means we’re flipping our wardrobes. Not only that, we’re bringing out gadgets and gear that see their peak usage when the leaves begin to fall. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of my fave products that enhances the good aspects of the fall season, while simultaneously making the tougher transitions easier to handle. The alarm clock lamp, for instance, that wakes you up in a guided way and helps with those Daylight Savings blues. Another useful one is the wearable light, great for runners and cyclists whose workouts are being cast in darkness much earlier these days. I’ve also made sure to include some commonly-see products that you might even have lying around already (maybe it’s time for an upgrade?) These are your personal space heaters, touchscreen gloves, and fleece blankets. That being said, the ones on this list do kick things up a notch: you’ve got heat and weight on that blanket as well as the softness, and those gloves are not only supportive of your techy lifestyle but mindful of your style game as well. And lastly, you’re sure to find goodies that are versatile year-round (a soothing eye mask, reusable silicone liners, and an at-home teeth whitening kit). Take a look and see if anything catches your eye!
Cool Tiles to Keep Track of Your Keys, Phone, Glasses, Kids…
I’m legit always losing my … well, everything. Even when I swear I’ve just placed it down on the counter, thirty minutes of searching shows it’s somehow ended up in the fridge. After a close call of finding my keys in the garbage, I decided it was time to try these tracker tiles. You can put them on your keys and your phone, even your glasses case. Now I can find something just by asking Alexa.
Smart Plugs are a Great Addition to a Tech-Savvy Household
I’ve been using these smart plugs to set timers for devices such as my lamps and humidifier. Now that the nights are getting colder, I’ve also hooked up a space heater and fan near my computer. The plugs are able to connect to both Alexa and Google Assistant, and your techy teens are sure to get used to them in no time. Maybe too used to them.
Wearable Running Lights Makes for Safer Jogging in the Dark
The colder season means less daylight. While fall is spectacular for its colours and spiced-everything-nice, it getting darker way earlier does put a bit of a damper on things. It’s especially annoying if you’re a runner or cyclist; not only is outdoor exercise more unpleasant because 0f the cold, it can actually be more dangerous. That’s why you should get one of these rechargeable, wearable running lights. It will let cars know you’re coming so you can get your steps in without risking your life (you know, more than you normally would).
Reusable Baking Cups Are Super Environmentally Friendly
Autumn is, in my experience, the perfect time of year to bake in batches. With community cupcake sales and Thanksgiving dinners to attend, you’ll want to get your apron and hat on. Of course, we should be mindful of the Earth while we all this, and muffin wrappers can really add to those landfill piles. These reusable bad boys, therefore, are superb alternatives to their paper counterparts. They don’t stick to the baked goodies and are easy to wash. The planet will thank you for making the swap.
Pumpkin Carving Kit for Halloween Contests
This pumpkin carving kit is just the thing you need for All Hallow’s Eve. With four different tools for various shapes and expressions, it’ll be way easier to get the look you’re going for than if you were to use household tools. They’re also fairly safe for children as long as they’re properly supervised.
Faerie Lights Shaped Like Little Acorns Are #FallVibes
Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only thing I love to feed my inner basic B; string lights are up there, too. This set is adorned with little acorn bulbs, the perfect complement to the reds, oranges, and yellows your maple trees have donned. String them around your yard as well as inside for beautiful autumnal vibes in time for Thanksgiving.
Hot Water Dispenser Keep the Hot Beverages Super Convenient
I love tea, I really do. What I hate is boiling water because I always forget about it. By the time I’ve realized that the kettle has gone dry, I don’t even have the heart to make a cuppa anymore. Getting this hot water dispenser was one of the best decisions of my life. It’s essentially a giant thermos but it also boils your water. It’s great having during the colder months when sore throats run rampant; lemon-honey water is available in a jiff.
Electric Candles Are Still Safe If They ‘Fall’ Over
Back when I lived with a roommate, they made sure we had renter’s insurance before I was allowed to light any real candles. It didn’t really matter in the end, as I was primarily using these flameless candles. They’re great products for households with small children and/or spacially-challenged individuals, let’s call it.
Waterproof Cases Are the Key to Superb Adventure Pics
For those who love to be in the outdoors doing … whatever it is y’all do out there, a frustrating issue to run into must be how to keep your phones safe. I’m looking at you, joggers in the dewy, fall morning fog. Besides the holy grail that is glass screen protectors, you’ll want something that can withstand the wet season. These touch-receptive, waterproof phone cases might be just what you need. They come in a pack of two, so you and your boo can both have peace of mind when you’re out on those white water rafts. (Protip: Less adventurous folk, these are actually great for using at restaurants, especially ones that serve finger foods).
Task Timers Are Totally Helpful For Those With Attention Disorders
Like many people, both grown-up and less so, I have massively disruptive ADHD. One of the things that helps me is this task timer, developed with the attention-deficient brain in mind. The visual cues are way more helpful than a traditional timer on your smartphone and you can get it in different time intervals/colours to suit you. Even if you don’t have the condition, you can still use this to motivate yourself to do tasks. With kids back in school, now is the perfect time to try it out.
Deerskin Gloves are the Perfect Fashion Accessory For Fall Temps
Gone are the days where you have to either freeze your fingertips off so as to access your phone, or just not use your phone until you get to wherever you’re going. Canadian winters are so brutal, and even a few seconds of exposure to the elements make my appendages shrink away in fear. I dreaded getting touchscreen-compatible gloves, because I hated the way they looked (all bulky and shapeless), until I stumbled across these elegant, deerskin leather gloves with touchscreen fingertips. I love being able to look good and function at the same time.
My Personal Favorite is this Insulated Vacuum Tumbler
It’s fall which means countering the cold with pumpkin spice lattes so hot you could poach an egg in it. An insulated tumbler like this one is perfect for a steaming hot cup of cocoa or spiced cider on the porch My favourite part of this one, and the reason I’m so partial to it, is that it has a built-in straw that stays put. It’s also leak-proof, like actually leak-proof and comes in gorgeous colors.
Compact Space Heater is Perfect For Keeping Any Space Toasty
If you’ve never had a personal space heater before, you have got to change that ASAP. Even I, who spends the majority of my time confined to one room in my house, have fallen in love with this little heater. It keeps my ever-frozen feet toasty, the dogs happy, and is super light and moveable.
Get the Best Sleep With This Bluetooth Speaker Headband
I’ve been listening to ambient music to help me sleep lately and it’s been really nice. Unfortunately, because I’m a side sleeper, having earbuds in isn’t very comfortable. I decided to get this headband and double it up as a way to keep my hair out of my face. It’s super comfy and the battery lasts a really long time.
Temp-Controlled Steaming Pitchers Make the Perfect Lattes
I’ve been loving this milk pitcher to make my lattes with. It has a temperature gauge that lets you know exactly how hot your milk is getting. You won’t have to guess or risk burning your fingers on the side of the pitcher just to get the perfect cup’a homemade PSL.
Jack-o-Lanterns Will Be a Breeze With This Electric Carver
While this may look like something out of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this handy tool is actually an electric carving knife. From Black+Decker, it features a comfort grip handle that provides solid control during carving while remaining ergonomic. You can also remove parts to throw in the dishwasher, which I find super convenient. And don’t be worried about any runaway blade work- a safety lock button prevents the knife from turning on while it’s plugged in (there’s a release button for when you’re ready to go nuts on those pumpkins).
Perfect Makeup or Selfies With this LED Ring Light
Being in front of a camera every day really throws into sharp, digital relief all of your flaws; or, at least, the flaws in your room’s lighting with its single bulb and occasional candlelight flicker. It also means you have to keep your socials up-to-date, and constantly walking around rooms to find the best angle of natural light was getting to be tiring. I sprang for this selfie light with a phone holder. It has different modes and my phone pics have never looked better.
Forget Manual, Check This Electric Can Opener
I’m so glad that I made the switch to electric when it comes to can openers. While opening cans by hand isn’t the biggest deal, I do find that when I’ve been typing all day, my wrists tend to hurt by dinner time. So, I imagine this would be a great option for people with arthritis and other ailments that could affect the joints. I really like this one from Cuisinart. It has an automatic stop, sturdy base that prevents slipping or tipping, and features a removable activation lever for easy cleaning.
A Must Buy Gadget for the Coffee Art Lover
With the colder weather coming in, I’ve swapped from iced coffees and cold brews to oat-milk lattes and cappuccinos. Thing is, these are significantly pricier than their cold cousins. If you’re the type to frequent Starbucks, you’ll know what I mean when I say those extra 80 cents to get non-Dairy milk really add up. So, how do you get your fix without breaking the bank? Simple: this milk frother. Just stick it into a cup of your milk of choice and let the machine do its thing. You can even use it to whip matcha and smoothies, if you want!
Heated Sherpa Weighted Blanket Will Carry You Through Til April
I am a huge proponent for ever-more popular weighted blanket. Even if we weren’t in the midst of a global pandemic, just the stresses of daily life is enough to make you want a long, comforting hug to get you through the anxious moments. This one is a reversible fleece-and-sherpa blanket that has both the weight and the extra luxurious softness that we all love in the winter. It makes for the perfect couch companion (other than our pets, of course).
If You Suffer From Dry Skin This Humidifier is the Solution
I have really, really dry skin and eczema flare-ups from stress all the time. This combination makes any room that’s drier than an indoor swimming pool problematic for me. Since I found these compact humidifiers, my skin has been much happier. It’s in a contemporary design that blends seamlessly with any style of decor and has a convenient remote for easy access.
No Bath? No Problem With This Inflatable Bathtub
I don’t have a bathtub in my current apartment, which is very sad for both me and my far-too-large collection of bath bombs. After shopping around, I found this great solution with high ratings and positive reviews. Until I move to a place with a built-in tub, this will serve me well. Also a great option if you love camping or soaking fun for the kids in the backyard.
Make Craft Projects a Breeze With This Iron-On Adhesive
After years of stubbornly refusing to try adhesives, I finally let go of my weird obsession with doing everything the most difficult way possible. Kind of. Anyway, I’m glad I did in this case, because it’s saved me a plethora of time and effort that I could be otherwise putting towards other tasks and projects. These iron-ons are great for tailoring clothes or linens, as well as fixing rips and other sewing needs in a fraction of the time it takes to do them in the traditional way.
Best for At-Home Karaoke Mic is This 4-in-1 Bluetooth One
I love me some rose gold and I love to sing. What with the pandemic, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten to go to a karaoke bar or room. This microphone allows me to do that from the comfort of my living room, while looking chic af in a gorgeous copper. It has several modes to change up your voice or add effects (e.g., echo) and can be connected via bluetooth or USB. It doubles as a speaker when your voice tires out.
Smart LED-Strip Lights Can Be Synced with the Latest Tunes
These lights really took my music system up way more notches than I expected them to. They’re totally syncable and linkable. It was fun to create a design that worked with my space, and I get a lot of joy watching the strips pulse to the beat of my Spotify. Go ahead and add these to your cart for full-color self-expression.
Create Happy Days With This Light Therapy Lamp
If you want to up your bedroom decor game while appealing to your insatiable need for multi-functional products, then this Wireless Charging Lamp is the perfect combination. I love the sleek, contemporary design and it’s been nice not having wires around my bed. You can also move it to their desk if they need to, as it’s so light and portable.
No More Matches With This Rechargeable Flameless Lighter
These lighters are great, convenient and safer alternatives to the traditional butane ones. This one, for example, is designed to last for 60 uses on a single charge. Made of zinc-alloy and quick to cool down after use, it’s a stylish way to light your candles while keeping you and your family safe by way of its safety lock protection feature.
No More Cold Morning Joe’s With This Electric Beverage Warmer
Before I had a mug that basically had this feature built in, for years I used one of these electric warming plates. It’s super simple, you just plug it in and your tea won’t ever go cold on you when you forget to drink it in time.
Store Food Safely On-the-Go With This Electric Lunchbox
I’m personally not a fan of sandwich lunches, as I grew up with rice and stir-fry dishes. This electric lunchbox is one of my favourite things. It lets me either bring dinner leftovers for lunch or use it as a mini slow cooker that I can make food in in the morning, so that it will be ready by lunchtime. With the time of year making us want slow-roasted and stewed stuff, this appliance is perfect.
LED Smart Lights Help You Regulate Your Circadian Rhythm
This cute little lamp is actually a helpful critter that creates a personalized sleep-and-wake routine for you. It contributes to better-quality sleep with its gentle, pulsating light and sunrise alarm sounds that supports healthy cortisol levels. I like that you can control it by touch and app both, and that it comes with a library of soothing sounds; great for pre-bed meditation.
Get Natural Migraine Relief With a Weighted Mask
I work in front of the computer daily, and when I’m not typing away at my screen, I’m looking at my phone or watching Netflix. If this sounds like you, then you’ll want to consider popping a weighted eye mask into your shopping cart. All of these activities strain the eyes heavily and the cold-or-hot mask is here to remedy that. It doesn’t have eye-holes, which is actually good because it makes sure you actually rest your oglers. You just pop it into the freezer or microwave for 15-20 minutes and then place it on your eyes.
Winter Must Have This Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Hand warmers are amazing and kind of underrated (in my experience, at least). The only bad part about them is that they’re mostly one-time-use. This doesn’t bode well for the environment, especially if you’re trying to live a sustainable lifestyle. Therefore, I picked up one of these cool rechargeable hand warmers. You simply plug it in via USB-C and it heats right up for a long while. It even charges your phone. And for someone like me, whose extremities already get way colder than they should for whatever temperature the room is, something like this is exactly what I need.
Easy Use Hand Mixer Works With Soups to Hummus to Smoothies
This handy dandy hand mixer is the perfect thing for soup season. My current favourite is pumpkin soup, which is so delicious after a cold walk along a leaf-strewn path. You just plug it in and turn it on; super easy-peasy. Afterwards, my trick is to just stick it in a bowl of hot water and let it clean itself.
Side Sleeper Pillows Improve Neck and Back Pain
I genuinely cannot fall asleep unless I’m on my side. And while regular pillows are just fine for that, I never really knew what I was missing out on until I tried this memory foam one that was made for the side sleeper. It’s designed to support the neck better, as you’re putting more pressure on it. This becomes even more important in the colder months when my joints and muscles tend to be sorer.
WiFi Controlled Mug Keeps Your PSL the Perfect Temp
I can’t drink my coffee unless it’s absolutely, desecratingly scorching-hot. My body is a temple until you come at me with that tepid cappuccino, and then all bets are off. With this smart temperature-controlled mug set, I can use my phone to keep Joe at the perfect temp for my preference. This is a godsend in the pumpkin spice-and-peppermint mocha months.
Outdoor Smart Plug Simplifies Seasonal Decor
Smart plugs are no longer limited to the inside of our homes. These outdoor plugs are able to adjust brightness levels of outdoor lights, create customized scheduled lighting with sunset and sunrise settings- all from your fingertips (provided you have a smartphone, of course). If your home has an Alexa device, you can even use your voice to tell the lights to go on and off. You can get that chic, dazzling globe light decor going and switch seamlessly from Halloween glow-in-the-dark to Christmas lights come December.