Do you carry a large bag? (Mostly talking to the ladies here, fellas, but good on ya if you carry one, too.) I’m talking about those bottomless pit bags that hold everything, those bags that would make a perfect accompaniment to the game show “Let’s Make A Deal, where you can win money for the most obscure items you carry with you. Fair warning: After you read this, you’re going to need a bigger bag. Yes, even bigger than the one you’re currently carrying. Strengthen those arm muscles, ladies! This list is all about practical gadgets you’ll want to have on you every single day, those things that are so good you couldn’t imagine not having them at the ready when the right moment presents itself. I found a portable fan that’ll cool you off on the go, the best multipurpose kitchen tool ever and a product dubbed “the world’s most portable speaker.” Get ready to empty out your bag, your drawers and your kitchen cabinets to make room for these goodies.
Can’t Finish A Soda? Don’t Sweat With This Can Lid Cover
If you or your kiddos can’t finish your sodas, you need these can covers. They keep carbonated beverages fresh for 58% longer than if you were to put an opened can in the fridge. They also prevent drinks from spilling should they get knocked over. Genius!
These Spray Bottles Have Unlimited Uses
Okay, so I know that these spray bottles aren’t the most exciting product you’ve ever seen, but trust me on this one, you need them. I bought this set after I decided to start started mixing up my own all-natural cleaner and have since found about a billion uses for the rest. I might even buy another set!
Keep Your Beer Frosty Cold
You never hear anyone bragging about drinking a warm beer. Keep it frosty in this vacuum-insulated beer chiller that accommodates both bottles and can. Forget the mug that is no longer cold 15 minutes after pouring your brew. This stainless steel cooler is where it’s at. It even has a built-in bottle opener on the lid and comes in nine different colors and patterns.
Flashlight at Your Fingertips
If you’ve ever been working on a home project and wished for an extra set of hands, these flashlight gloves are the next best thing. (You didn’t think Amazon sold extra sets of hands, did you?) Light up dark spaces while you’re working or use them for better vision while running, hiking or camping. At the very least, you won’t have to yell, “No, hold the flashlight over here!” ever again.
An 8-in-1 Bottle
I love space-saving kitchen gadgets like this eight-in-one bottle. It’s colorful enough to blend with any decor and has functionality for days. You’ll get a funnel, juicer, grater, egg cracker, shredder, can opener, egg separator and measuring cup in one stackable gadget that resembles a wine bottle when fully put together. This would make a really fun and interesting wedding or housewarming gift, too.
Get a Flawless Finish That Lasts
Random hairs are a thing as you get older. (See what you have to look forward to?) You can zap them away easily with this lipstick-sized painless hair remover from Finishing Touch. Stylish enough to leave on your bathroom vanity and discreet enough to throw in your bag, this hair remover just does its job — with no irritation or redness. While you’re shopping, you might as well grab two.
Smartwatch for a Smart Price
I’m not judging you if you paid $400 for an Apple Watch. I have one myself. But, I wish I had known about this smartwatch deal on Amazon that’s literally less than 10 percent of the cost of the Apple version. This one does all the things you’d expect: Tracks your fitness activity, monitors your heart rate, analyzes your sleep, delivers your notifications and lets you take or end phone calls. (Phone calls? What are those?) It’s available in black or pink and looks just like its more expensive cousin.
Not Your Biggest Fan
This won’t be the biggest fan you own, but it might become your favorite. I carry this handheld mini-fan in my purse, having upgraded from a different model that didn’t fold neatly down into a lipstick-sized package. This fan is lightweight and has two wind speeds. But, wait! There’s more! It also has a built-in flashlight and a built-in battery so it can charge your phone in an emergency.
Cuts With Care
Raise your hand if you made it through the past 18 months without cutting your own bangs? My hand is up, but it was touch-and-go a few times. This hair-cutting guide might just save you from yourself. Just clip it on, slide it in place and give yourself the best trim you can manage from the comfort of your own home. Hey, you can even extend your services to your kids and significant others!
Let There Be Light
There’s not much I enjoy more than minimalist design; I’ve discovered that as I get older. This multi-functional LED desk lamp has minimalism down to a science in a sleek package that boasts five lighting modes and five levels of brightness. If that’s not enough, it also has a built-in wireless charger for your smartphone and an integrated USB charging port on the back.
A New Kind of Weed Whacker
I had to snicker when I saw the name of this nose and ear hair trimmer: It’s called the Weed Whacker. Hysterical, right? It’s also a painless precision tool that can be used wet or dry and features a rechargeable battery and a hypoallergenic stainless steel replacement blade. And, let’s be honest: You (or your man) are going to enjoy staying clean and trimmed a lot more with a tool called the Weed Whacker.
Sleep to the Sound of Music
Why wear a simple sleep mask when you can wear a sleep mask that has built-in headphones? This guy does double-duty, creating a dark environment ideal for catching the best ZZZs and giving you a comfortable way to listen to your favorite tunes or podcast as you drift off to sleep. A single charge will give you nine hours of playback time and if the battery depletes, you won’t get any beeps that might disrupt your sweet dreams.
The World’s Most Portable Speaker
I’m really eyeing the BoomBand — the “world’s most portable speaker” — for my regular trips to the beach. I always forget my portable Bluetooth speaker (or forget to charge it) and music coming from my smartphone is just not loud enough. This wristband speaker is two times louder than a typical phone, but comes in a small package while it plays your tunes for up to 10 hours at a time.
Cool Off With This Ice Roller
If I could convey how magical just one of the products on this list of 37 is, this is the one. This ice roller is a personal favorite of mine for numerous reasons. First, it’s majorly soothing on your face, helping de-puff, calm and revitalize your skin. But, think of the other uses: Sunburn relief, migraine relief, treatment of minor injuries. For $10, you can’t afford not to have one. Pro tip: Keep it in the freezer for maximum enjoyment.
The Key Cable Won’t Fray
Are you hard on your charging cables? To be honest, you don’t have to be doing anything crazy for them to split, fray and fall apart. This Native Union key cable comes with a key fob and is designed to be ultra-strong and durable, and it’s completely portable so you’ll never find yourself out without a charging cable ever again. You can grab it in black, blue, pink or a black-and-white zebra design.
Measure Up
Things I can never get too much of: Idris Elba … and measuring cups. Odd combo, I know. Since you can’t buy Idris on Amazon (drat!), let’s talk about measuring cups, specifically this stacking measuring cup set in the sweetest floral pattern. Made from stoneware, the set includes 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup options and is microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
You Pop and You Don’t Stop
There’s never a wrong time for popcorn. Repeat after me: There’s never a wrong time for popcorn. Breakfast? Sure. Lunch? Why not. Dinner? You’re a grown-up, go for it. This collapsible microwave popcorn popper makes popcorn anytime a true reality. You can make 15 cups of the stuff in just a few minutes and then fold it up and store it in a space-saving design. Please tell me you add salt and butter. You do, right?
An Apple Pencil Knock-Off
I swear this is not an anti-Apple list because I’m a big fan. But, I’m also a big fan of bargains and this stylus pen — an Apple Pencil knock-off — is just as good as the original. This stylus is compatible with most newer versions of the iPad and also features a magnetic attachment so you won’t lose it. Palm rejection, a tilt function, and precise point control, just like you’d get with the Apple version, are all included.
A Lipstick-Sized Charger
This is — hands down — my favorite portable charger. No, it doesn’t have the power of some of the larger brick-style batteries, but this one will give you enough extra juice to send that text or plot our your directions so you can get to your standard wall charger. My favorite feature is the built-in lightning cable that stores under the cap for a thoughtful, all-in-one design.
I Spy With This Mini-Spy Cam
Whether you watch a lot of CSI or you just want to keep an eye on a babysitter, a pet or a business, this mini-spy camera will get the job done. This camera has both HD daytime clarity and night vision up to 16 feet, and it also works on motion activation. Add a 32GB microSD card and it can also record on a loop. All of this in a package no bigger than the fidget cubes that were hot a few year back.
Diffuse On Your Drive
I’m not here to sign you up to sell essential oils. I’m not even here to convince you of the uses and benefits of essential oils. All I’m here to do is tell you how you can use your essential oils on the go with the help of this cool-mist humidifier and diffuser that plugs into your car. If you spend much time on the road, this is a lifesaver. The charger also has USB ports so you never have to choose between operating your diffuser and charging your phone.
Bug Zap Attack
No one wants to … *smack* … sit outside … *swat* … and have to … *slap* … fight bugs and flying critters the entire time. This bug zapper works both outside and in to attract bugs, mosquitoes and flies in an up to 1,500 square foot radius so you can relax in peace and quiet. Have little ones? No worries, the zapper part of this gadget is covered in ABS housing to keep kids and pets safe.
Your Bedside Buddy
Call me a “meemaw,” I don’t care. I bought one of these bedside storage organizers, which slides conveniently between my mattress and boxspring, to help clear off my bedside table … and I love it. I can stash my Kindle, remotes, a magazine, water bottle and more within arm’s reach without cluttering my nightstand. With the wide variety of colors available, you can likely snag one that blends in with your bedroom decor.
Add a Smart Display to Your Dash
I’m always on the hunt for cool car accessories, which brought me to this universal smart HUD display. It features plug-and-play technology; just pop it into your cigarette lighter and position the display on the dash. Easy to read day or not, the display includes information like your current rate of speed, distance, trip and local time and more. Many reviewers rave about the incorporated GPS compass, too.
Take a (Cell) Stand
You don’t have to stop watching your latest Netflix obsession just because you have to do adult things like prepare dinner or fold the laundry. Just grab one of these cell phone stands to keep the party going. It is compatible with iPhones and iPads as well as Samsung devices. The stand features an adjustable viewing angle and also has a built-in speaker so you won’t miss a thing.
Baby, You’re a TENS
The first time I tried a TENS unit, I was at a physical therapy appointment and I was equal parts amazed and revulsed. It’s hard to describe what it feels like except to say it hurts so good. (O.K., it doesn’t hurt that bad.) This TENS unit features 24 modes that you can use in the privacy of your own home to help reduce pain and muscle spasms. Thanks to its pocket size, you can use this guy literally anywhere.
An All-Occasion Lighter
It’s not often you see a picture of a lighter submerged in water and then discover, yes, it does still work. This dual-arc lighter has loads of impressive features like that; it’s also windproof, flameless and USB rechargeable. But, you know what I like best? It looks a bit like a grenade. There, I said it. That feature alone should impress your friends and family … or maybe scare them, whatevs.
Floss On ‘Em
I never realized how expensive those Waterpik machines are until my dentist recommended I buy one and I started contemplating a second mortgage to finance it. Well, maybe not that bad, but still. You can enjoy all the benefits of a Waterpik without the price tag using this cordless water flosser. It comes with multiple attachments and a rechargeable battery for less than $35.
Portable Car Clean-Up
The only thing that stops most people from keeping a sparkling clean car is the amount of preparation and set-up necessary to make it happen. Stop the excuses and buy this portable car vacuum cleaner. It comes with all the tools you need to clean your car’s nooks and crannies, with a 16-ft. power cord that can plug right into your car’s existing lighter port. See? I told you it was easy.
Pot, Meet Kettle
Until I bought a coffeemaker that has a specialty tea function, the only way I could enjoy a cup of tea was to microwave water in a mug. The first — or 30th — time you burn your mouth on too-hot water, you’ll quit doing that and buy this electric kettle with “speedboil technology.” It reaches a boil quickly and then shuts itself off to avoid potential hazards. It’s completely cordless when off the base, which is a handy feature.
Power Scrub With Purpose
I don’t know anyone who looks as pleased to clean a shower as the woman in this photo, but maybe it’s because she has a Rubbermaid power scrubber. Reminiscent of an electric toothbrush, this scrubber has an oscillating head that scrubs 60 times per second, making it an ideal cleaning tool for bathrooms, grills, grout and more. Buy the basic kit to get started and then add refills.
Supersize Your Screen
If you’re like most people, your smartphone performs a lot of tasks, from responding to emails to doubling as a screen to watch your favorite shows and movies. This 12-in. screen magnifier turns your tiny device into a larger viewing surface, which is great for reducing eye strain and fatigue. This gadget is designed to work with most smartphones and is conveniently portable; have phone, will travel!
This Water Bottle is Always the Right Size
This collapsible water bottle is one of the more genius inventions I’ve encountered on Amazon. Fully expanded, it holds 22 oz. of liquid in a leakproof design with a travel loop and sport cover on the spout. When not in use, roll it up for compact travel and secure it with the same loop so you can stuff it in a bag or attach it to a backpack. You can add ice or fruit through the wide opening and use it for hot or cold drinks.
Girl, Brush Your Face
The number of facial gadgets on Amazon must number into the hundreds of thousands so it can be hard to pinpoint the right one for you. There are no real gambles with this silicone sonic vibrating cleaning brush since it’s only $24 and has thousands of satisfied reviewers, including this one: “I am so impressed with this little gadget! It’s soft and has different speeds so you can adjust it to your comfort level. This product blew me away and I absolutely recommend it to everyone. You will not be disappointed!”
Check Out These Guns
There’s nothing quite like a massage, is there? But, sometimes you just don’t have the time — or funds — to make it happen. This muscle massage gun is less than $40 (well less than the cost of an actual massage, too) and packs a ton of features. It has 30 speed modes, 10 replacement massage heads and is both cordless and rechargeable. It’s the perfect choice for regular massages or to work out muscle pains.
Single Cup Delight
If you’re someone who enjoys a cup of coffee just about anywhere, you need this single-cup coffee maker. For less than $20, you can tote this highly portable gadget with you whether you’re at the office or camping for the weekend. Add water in the reservoir and warm, pop in a K-cup and — voila! — one fresh cup of coffee. The ability to use K-cups really sets this one apart, and it can be used for tea also.
Flavor It With Fruit
Fruit infuser water bottles are a genius idea because you get all the flavor of the fruit without any of the pulp or seeds. Oh, you like pulp? Well, skip ahead then. This one is for those of us who struggle to stay appropriately hydrated and appreciate some flavor in our water, but shun water drops that have loads of chemicals or are packed with sugar. It’s a good-sized bottle, too, at 32 oz.