It’s easy to get distracted by things that are shiny and fun on the internet. Trust me: the number of times I’ve bought something only to think later “I absolutely did not need this” is overwhelming. But the internet also has treasure troves of practical options out there, and those are the purchases that you’ll love for years to come. However, I am super practical and I like to invest in items which are going to give me some value for money. I love to have a gadget or a new item in the house but it has to earn it’s place before I hit cart. As I write for a living, I wanted to share with you a list of the items I have found most practical and I’ve scoured Amazon and picked our favorite purchases that really get a job done. These are the items that are really going to make a difference to your daily routine and you will be super glad you came across this article. Wait no more… check them out!
Transport Your Soup in this Microwave Mug
I own a couple of these microwaveable soup mugs and, let me tell you, they are as handy as a pocket on a shirt. Here’s why: First, they’re great for warming things in the microwave. That’s their primary purpose, of course. Second, they have a locking lid, which means you can transport soup, oatmeal and more without making a mess. The lid also has a built-in steam release vent so you can pop it in the microwave as is.
These Reusable Silicone Stretch Lids Keep Your Food Fresh for Longer
I never like to throw away food and store leftovers but dislike foil and cling film. A better solution are these silicone stretch lids that fit over the top of jars, bowls, and other containers without having to use disposable coverings. You get a set of six various sizes to cover everything from a cup to a watermelon half! And since they’re air-tight, they’ll seal in any odors so your fridge won’t smell.
Soothe Itchy or Dry Skin with this Curél Hydra Therapy Moisturizer
Dry, itchy, sensitive skin needs extra care, but the wrong products, such as scented lotions, can sometimes make things worse. A safer bet is Curél Itch Defense Wet-Skin Moisturizer, which is specifically formulated to soothe troubled skin. Apply when the skin is wet from the bath or shower; the oatmeal and Vitamin E formula is activated by moisture to provide deep, repairing relief and prevent itching.
Keep Your Drawers In Order with this Lid Organizer
Stop searching for the right lid with this organizer. I recently bought this after I opened my Tupperware cabinet and got hit in the face with an avalanche of plastic. I love how neat and tidy it makes my cabinets look. In fact, since I bought this thing, I almost feel like I have my life together!
Snack Away and Watch Your Phone Handsfree
This snack bowl that doubles as a phone holder is really quite ingenious. It works with 99 percent of smartphones, according to the description, and has not only a place for a treat, but also a “trash” compartment for scraps. Now I’m good to “Netflix and snack” for hours.
This Muscle Recovery Bath Soak Will Rejuvenate Sore Muscles
Sometimes we all feel like we need a whole-body rejuvenation treatment, and this is my go-to remedy. This Muscle Recovery Bath Soak contains natural magnesium for muscle relief and soothes the joints with 21 minerals and oils. Plus, it has Dead Sea Salt, which improves circulation and will make your skin feel silky smooth. If you’re feeling sore and stressed, this is absolutely what you need to get back on your feet.
This Cutting Board Transfers Your Ingredients with No Spills
Anytime I drop something off my cutting board, I wind up just eating it off the floor — what? At least I’m honest. This foldable chopping board creates a funnel that reduces spillage while transferring ingredients to your stovetop, plus the non-slip feet help prevent it from sliding around as you chop. Grab it in three different sizes, as well as rich colors like red, yellow, green, and more.
This Dog Water Bottle Will Keep Your Pup Hydrated on the Go
My dog loves going on adventures with me. And although she has short legs, she can keep up with the rest of us. Anytime we go hiking, I bring this dog water bottle. It’s slim (so it fits in backpacks), has a lock feature to prevent it from spilling, and unwanted water goes back in the bottle. Now my pup can stay hydrated too! It’s heaven-sent, believe me.
Say Goodbye to Acne With Differin Gel
Calling all cystic acne suffers. Stop spending money on other acne products and get this Differin gel instead! If you are patient enough, this gel can drastically change your skin for the better, permanently removing blemishes, clogged pores, and inflammation. Your skin will quite literally thank you.
This Mini Lighter is as Small as the Tip of a Finger
The minute I saw this mini lighter, I was shocked at how small it was. It’s literally the size of a tip of a finger. Oh, and did I mention that it also has a mini knife attached to it too?! It takes up virtually no space, so it’s definitely a must. You won’t even remember it’s there. But it will absolutely make its presence known when you you’re wondering who has a lighter and remember: oh yeah, it’s me!
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.
This Silicone Cleansing Brush Takes Your Cleansing Routine to the Next Level
While there is nothing wrong with cleansing with your hands, why not get a deeper clean with this cleansing brush? Made of 100% silicone, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin yet powerful enough to get the dirt that is missed when we use our hands. Pair it with your favorite cleanser for the ultimate cleansing experience.
These SK-II Sheet Masks are Adored by the Celebs
American television personality Whitney Port swears by these foil-packed facial treatment masks from SK-II. At roughly $10 a mask, it’s way cheaper than going to the esthetician and leaves your skin with the same results: moisturized, radiant, refreshed and comforted. Toss one in your bag when you’re traveling to wipe off the funk of terminals, airports and gas stations along your way.
This Non-Skid Cabinet Turntable Will Transform Your Tiny Storage Spaces
Under my sink is where cleaning products go to host a rave party. I found this non-stick turntable which not only organized the cabinet under the sink – and possibly prevented some kind of life threatening incident – but it also stopped me from knocking over all the products every time I reached for something. Not only did it maximize space in a tiny space but the best part is that it comes in 9″, 12″, and 18″. I may or may not have also used it to serve snacks at least once.
This Dust Cleaning Gel Gets Into the Places that You Can’t
Every time I get in the car I’m annoyed at how much dust is in the vents. I try to clean it all out with my finger but that never quite works. What I need is this cleaning gel which conforms to every nook and crevice to get all the dust and grime out. I’d also use it on my keyboard which tbh is pretty gnarly right now. This stuff is great for any tiny spaces.
This Camille Rose Natural Conditioner Will Restore Your Locks to Luscious
Our scalps are dry. That’s a problem. Solution? This natural conditioner that has natural ingredients like coconut milk and aloe vera that are packed full of moisturizing goodness. Especially if you’ve bleached or colored your hair recently, you know you want some extra hydration on your locks. Bonus: it works on all hair types!
This Retinol Moisturizer Cream is the Path for Improving Your Skin
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by skincare products. I prefer a simpler solution, like this Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream. Even if all you do is wash your face once a day and slap on a layer of this cream. The Vitamin E in retinol will ensure your skin will definitely improve. This product is also loaded up with additional nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, activated charcoal, and tea tree oil.
There’s Nothing Corny About This One
Steam your ears easily with this corn steamer. I can’t tell you how much time this would save from running water into a pot and then waiting for it to boil to drop your corn in. You can use it to steam other things, too, like carrots or hotdogs. I love how quick and easy it is, plus simple cleanup afterwards.
This Power Strip Tower With 10 Outlets for Charging Your Devices
Most of us have multiple devices to charge, from desktop monitors to laptops and smartphones, which is why this power strip tower with 10 outlets is so convenient. I first spotted it on @bymichellelei ‘s TikTok and then bought this version online, ranked as an Amazon’s Choice product. It’s made my life a lot easier because I can charge everything at once. Since it’s rounded, large chargers don’t run into other outlet spaces, which is a huge bonus!
This Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Never Stops the Music
The days of having to jump out of the shower cold and naked when your internet radio station decides to play Never Gonna Give You Up are officially over. This waterproof speaker lets you control the music from the comforts of the warm running water. It has excellent sound quality for such a small, affordable device and it connects to your phone lightning-quick. Now you can jam no matter where you are.
This Bamboo Drawer Organizer Expands To Fit Your Space
If you don’t have a kitchen drawer organizer, I’d suggest you remedy that since you need a place to store flatware and various kitchen tools. We’ve got one that holds just the silverware and another to keep the “junk” drawer semi-organized. I like this one since it expands to fit your drawer space, because not all drawers are created equal.
These Mug Stackers Double Your Cabinet Space
I’ve never seen these mug stackers before, but they’re so smart! They let you easily and securely stack mugs on top of each other to effectively double your cabinet or counter storage space. This gadget gets a lot of love from people in small apartments for its space-saving superpower. I love them because I can simply never have too many mugs, but my kitchen cabinets tell me otherwise.
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. That’s just as small sampling of the tasks it’ll perform in a TSA-compliant design that’s small enough to fit in your palm. It doesn’t get more practical than that.
Give Yourself More Outlets with this Socket Shelf
Sometimes a room simply does not have enough outlets, and in this day and age that’s basically a crime. My bathroom is one of those rooms. 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.
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.
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.
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, but keeps your phone upright and out of the way of spills or mess.
This Beauty Blender that Looks Like An Adorable “Lazy” Egg
Sure, your regular Beauty Blender is perfectly functional, but is it fun? If you want to add a little entertainment to your beauty routine, a fun, new blender can be a good way to go. This blender is shaped like Gudetama, a cartoon character from the Japanese brand Sanrio. Gudetama is a “lazy egg” that’s always lacking energy – which is pretty relatable for anyone of us who’s had to do makeup early in the morning. Cute AND functional.
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.
This Cooling Eye Stick Brightens You Up
This adorable little bear-shaped eye stick is more than cute: it’s also uber effective. Use it when you wake up in the morning to get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles so that you’ll look rejuvenated and bright throughout the day. It all lives in a compact little tube that’s easy to bring with you if you need a pick me up.
This Blanket that Helps You Stay Cool in the Humidity and Heat
Just this morning, I woke up in a puddle of sweat, which, let me tell you, is not fun. That’s why I literally added this cooling blanket to my cart a few seconds ago (I’ve been eyeing it for months at this point.) It’s made from a blend of natural cotton and special Japanese cooling fibers that help pull heat away from your body. Choose from five colors, including blue, green, pink, grey, and more.
This Exercise Ball is a Multi-Purpose Core and Back Saviour
Stay fit and alert while navigating that endless Zoom call by sitting on this balance ball that keeps your core engaged. While focusing on the call, you can wiggle and sway to further strengthen core muscles and stay on top of your game. When the call finally ends, lay back over the ball and have a much-deserved stretch. You’ll need it!
These Double Glide Shower Curtain Hooks are So Convenient
Know how you have to painstakingly remove the shower curtain and liner both when really, you just want to wash the curtain? No more with these shower curtain hooks! Now you can remove just the liner or just the curtain when it’s time to wash, which is a billion times more convenient. These are on the way to my hot little hands as we speak, and I cannot wait for the delivery man to show up!
Cure the Car Cold with a Plug-In Blanket
I live in Minnesota, which means that getting into my car when it’s cold out is an experience of pain and freezing. But I’m so glad I discovered there’s a heat-up option that’s designed to be used in the car. If you don’t have heated seats, this is a dream come true. Simply plug it into any car, truck, SUV, or RV cigarette lighter. It heats up quickly and stays warm until you unplug it (or reach your destination). It’s available in four plaid varieties and a solid blue.
This Hydration Pack Holds Two Liters of Water
When a water bottle doesn’t hack it, this Hydration Pack is the solution! Designed with comfort in mind, this adjustable pack includes a two-liter bladder and sipping tube with a bite valve. It’s earning top reviews from customers, who appreciate that it’s lightweight and not bulky.
These Gallon Water Bottles Are So Motivating
If you need the motivation to drink water, try these gallon-sized water bottles that have a built-in cheerleader to keep you going all day long. You won’t have to refill your bottle multiple times throughout the day since it’s an actual gallon you’ll be drinking. And it comes in a bunch of pretty colors, so you’ll love seeing it on your desk or counter to keep you company throughout the day and evening.
Get Creative with these Wire Hangers for Mason Jars
Mason jars versatile. They are a great way to add a rustic chic feel to your decor. You can fill them with office supplies, kitchen goods or candles and add a bit of flare to your room, or just use them as storage. These wire hangers give you the ability to take things one step further by hanging the jars in your home or yard. I particularly like the look of mason jars filled with strands of light and hung from the trees in the garden.