Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I curl up with my laptop and peruse housing listings I’ll probably never be able to afford. Once I tire of marble countertops and subterranean movie theaters, I pop over to Amazon to enjoy the comfort of things I can actually afford. Some items are practical while others just look wildly cool. Take a stroll through my mind and discover a few eye-catching products that you might enjoy as well!
This Ceramic Travel Mug
Let’s face it, travel mugs aren’t the prettiest cups to drink out of today. Ello’s trying to change that with their line of colorful ceramic mugs. Six different colored bases and lids add some personality to these grooved thermoses. The sliding lid is comfortable to drink from and you can remove it to have a traditional drinking experience at work or home.
These Marble Bowls
Black and white makes up most of my wardrobe and I’ve considered letting it bleed into my décor. These porcelain bowls seem like a great way to do that without getting stuck with boring block colors or stripes. They’re dishwasher and microwave-safe and I like that they’re on the smaller side for more bougie ice cream eating.
This Cute Lunch Bag
Though I haven’t worked in an office in a while, I can always appreciate the value of a cute lunch bag. This tote sits between a box and the floppier lunch bags out there. You don’t have to turn wider containers on their side and you get a little give for oddly shaped objects. If black and white everything isn’t for you, there are a few other pattern options to choose from.
This Rustic Backpack
While we’re talking about bags, I’d be remiss to not include this sturdy canvas backpack. As I consider picking up skateboarding again, I know I’d feel more comfortable balancing and having free hands. It’s big enough to fit my laptop but small enough to not radically alter my balance. Plus, there’s a special laptop pocket, so it remains upright. I know, I know, the color scheme is off brand, but out of the dozens of options, this one just feels right.
This Paper Organizer
I definitely need this geometric elephant for my mail, but you could also use it to organize papers on your desk. The steel organizer can stand on a desktop or be fitted to a wall if you’re looking for a by-the-door mail catcher. You can also organize your paper goods with a bear version of this holder if you’re more into that.
This Night Projector
Okay, I already have a smart bulb that I can cycle colors through, but it’ll never look as cool as this. This little projector is supposed to create a magical nighttime nursery experience for kids, but us adults deserve a little magic. In addition to a Northern Lights-esque rotation, the projector can also just show red, blue, or green light. There’s also built-in speaker so you can play lullabies, whale sounds, or EDM bangers from your phone.
This Ice Cream Scoop
This ice cream scoop, like many of my exes, promises a lot of things. Nearly 1,6000 5-star reviews say it delivers. The silicone grip also comes in blue, green, and red and is comfortable to hold. The sharp scoop edges slice through the hardest ice cream so dessert can go in those pretty bowl right now. No special thermal liquids inside that might leak, just excellent construction.
This Black Utensil Set
Newsflash: silverware doesn’t have to be silver! Are you sensing a theme here with the color palette? This black, 20-piece flatware set has a reflective finish so it’s not a jarring departure from silver utensils while looking striking on a dinner table. You get four full standard place settings: a dinner fork, spoon, and knife as well as a salad/dessert fork and a teaspoon.
This Carafe Does It All
Who doesn’t love a multifunctional pitcher? This carafe can handle hot and cold liquids so coffee won’t break it. The cool stainless steel lid makes it easy to pour without dripping everywhere. The absolute best part about it? You can use it as a decanter! From morning to night, this dishwasher-safe carafe has your beverages covered.
This Toilet Paper Storage Box
YAMAZAKI home is one of my favorite minimalist brands. This narrow toilet paper stocker brings us to the white portion of the color scheme. I hate when extra toilet rolls get dusty sitting around on one of those racks or just keeping the plastic packaging around. This holder hides the toilet paper away, giving you access to one at a time as they tumble to the bottom. It also provides some extra counter space for a little plant or air freshener.
This Fun Water Bottle
Pretty, functional water bottles can be hard to come by. The Corkcicle Canteen comes in several different colors and capacities, but it’s not style over substance. The triple-insulated bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 25 hours and hot drinks stay hot for 12 hours. These are pretty standard numbers in the super-insulated water bottle game, but none of those look like these!
This Fun Cereal Bowl
The other bowls might be too small for cereal, but this one is just right. You might also be picking up on me not caring about buying products meant for children. The silicone material is meant to keep clumsy kids from breaking the bowl and I’m happy to benefit from this in my pre-coffee discoordination. The playful milk splash at the rim of this bowl might actually get me onboard with the whole “breakfast is important” campaign.
This Pour-Over Cofee Maker
I’ve slowly transitioned from a French press person to a pour over person and I appreciate this one-stop shop, coffee maker. You get the glass carafe and a permanent stainless steel mesh filter. Say goodbye to those paper filters that remove rich oils and hello to this eco-friendly substitute. Metal filters tend to require a slower process, but the resulting coffee is worth the wait.
This Essential Nameplate
Some days, work really gets you down and you just want to enjoy your morning coffee without dealing with some catastrophe. This beautiful nameplate reminds you of the dedication of Beyoncé and challenges you to put yourself into one of her 8 million pairs of Adidas shoes. Winners don’t quit on themselves. Bey never has and neither should you. Enjoy that meeting that should’ve been an email.
These Plane Push Pins
Instead of boring old thumbtacks, reminisce about your youth with these paper plane push pins (say that five times fast). These little pins can hold up notes and photos with a little flair. Some users say the plane end can bend if you push it too hard, but I think that adds to the realism of the worn paper planes of yesteryear.
This Brilliant Makeup Accessory
As someone who goes between four shades of foundation as the seasons change, blending on your hand sucks. This little palette slides onto your hand so you can mix makeup to the perfect shade. Adventurous beauty gurus could take special advantage of this easy-to-clean tool for dramatic or even theatrical looks.
This Milk Container
For breakfast in bed or a leisurely coffee with a loved one, it’s always nice to have a little cream pitcher around. This porcelain milk carton replica piqued my interest and tugged at my nostalgia. The opening has no lid, so it’s really for table use only, but it certainly makes an impression. You can also toss it in the microwave for a quick froth, but be careful. As my cousin* used to say, it’ll be feeling hot, hot, hot!
*Arrow, not Buster Poindexter.
This Unicorn Lipstick
If Brie Larson can get a whole unicorn, I’ll settle for unicorn lips. Since this shade is called Unicorn Tears, I can only hope that no unicorns were harmed in the making of this product. The iridescent lipstick is very moisturizing and has a generally blue tint that shifts in the light. It’s bold and the perfect pop of color for someone wearing black and white clothes all the time.
This Storm Tube
Unfortunately, this is not Halle Berry in a display case. It is, however, a pretty neat weather instrument. The crystals within the glass chamber react to atmospheric pressure fluctuations. They float freely throughout during fair weather and markings further down tell you what kind of inclement weather is in store. The solid beechwood base could easily be stained to match your decor as a wonderful coffee table addition.
These Pasta Pinchers
Straining pasta is always a bit dangerous, but I love pasta and danger too much to stop making it. I actually use dish towels as my main heat-safety barrier (see: loves danger), but they tend to get wet when I strain my noodles. These cute pasta mitts just pinch at the pot handles so I can invert it safely. Yay pasta and I guess yay to no more scalds!
This Perfect Lunch Utensil
Bringing your lunch with you means one of two things: toting around actual silverware or plastic utensils. Find the middle ground with this two-sided utensil. I like the spoon side of this in particular because it’s actually deep enough to realistically eat soup. With a few different color options, you can find a nylon spork that matches your lunch bag.
These Artistic Stone Coasters
About a year ago, I became obsessed with Frank Lloyd Wright. I had always been a casual fan of his architecture, but a deeper dive into his life revealed scandals, fires, and more delicious drama. Now, whenever I see his glass designs in the wild, I have to check them out. These stone coasters have some heft to them and absorb condensation without sticking to the glass. Don’t worry, the stone won’t scratch wood or glass; there’s a cork backing to protect your furniture from the coaster itself.
This Cool Lamp
This lamp gives me Pixar vibes while still being modern and chic. The blend of metal, wood, and exposed wire give it an industrial feeling that still has some warmth to it. The various angles can be adjusted to highlight the perfect area on your desk or in your living room. Of course, I chose it in black, but there are a few other options for you to choose from!
This D&D Pin
This isn’t an actual three-dimensional die, so there aren’t actually 20 sides. Those in the know, however, will know. Surprised? Yes, this chic minimalist has a nerd flag that’s flying more and more proudly by the day. I like the sophistication of this pin because it shows my interest without impacting my style.
This Pretty Pill Case
Sometimes I just toss a whole bottle of Aleve in my bag when it’s that time of the month, but I hate the rattling sound it makes. This little case can go on your keychain or a necklace for an attractive way to keep medicine around. If you’re someone who needs to take medicine throughout the day, this is a great way to keep it on you without always needing a bag nearby.
This Ceramic New York Mug
Though I’ve been wooed away by sunny California, make no mistake: I’m a born and raised New Yorker. The paper version of this cup has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and an NYC staple for decades. I’d love to have a bit of home with me via this iconic cup in a lasting, ceramic version. It holds 8 ounces of coffee (a “short” at Starbucks), but that only seems small because mugs have gotten so large since 1963.
These Bottle Lights
If you’ve even accidentally checked out Pinterest, you’ve seen old alcohol bottles stripped of their labels and filled with string lights. Get more creative with your bottle art with these light corks. The LED light in the bottom illuminates the bottle which you can leave empty or fill with various knick-knacks from a craft store. Pop off the cork top and light reveals that it’s chargeable via USB.
This LEGO Storage Brick
By now, you’re starting to get that I’m a minimalist weirdo who nurtures their inner child. This little LEGO brick can hold onto your pens and other office supplies. You can leave them out or hide them away (recommended for when you’re away from your desk and want to protect your scissors). Naturally, I like the white one, but you have so many colors to choose from.
This Guava Lip Butter
If you Googled who the singer Arrow was a few scrolls ago, you’ve probably guessed that I have a Caribbean background. As such, I dream about guavas. There aren’t enough words to describe to you how much I love guava beyond showing you that I want the taste on my lips all the time. This moisturizing lip butter is the end of any lip balm products I own and thought I loved.
This Paper Towel Holder
What are you gonna do? Just leave your paper towels on the counter? Put them on a boring chrome pole? Those trees deserve better than that. This cute holder features an ornately designed turtle that keeps the sheets in place. Okay, okay, I’ll say it: I like turtles.
These Gold Under Eye Masks
In addition to being a sign of affluence, gold is also pretty great for your skin. It can help draw out toxins and increase circulation. These 24 karat masks also use collagen and natural oils to rejuvenate your skin, reducing wrinkles and puffiness under your eyes. You’ll feel like a million bucks with these affordable masks on your eyes.
These Whiskey Stones
Sometimes I want a cold glass of whiskey, but I don’t want to water it down. Whiskey stones are a great solution that you can just keep in the freezer. These grabbed my attention because they’re little pucks instead of cubes. The round edges keep them from scratching up your glassware and they’re heavy enough for you to drink without one hitting your teeth.
These Groovy Glasses
If you’re an adult who enjoys legal mind-altering substances, these glasses could be a fun purchase. The glass lenses create a kaleidoscopic effect when you look through them. It’s not really practical for walking around, but you will look like an influencer when you wear them. They’re also a huge hit at fireworks displays!
These Silly-Chic Coasters
Look, I just really like protecting furniture, okay? These whimsical coasters from artists Naoki Ono and Yuuki Yamamoto are better at being trivets for warm drinks. Despite being large doodles, they look stunning on a table and would be a great conversation piece.
This Bag Hook
This is touted as a more masculine approach to the bejeweled hooks for purses, but anyone can take advantage of this discreet hanger. It holds up to an impressive 33 pounds and just looks like a bangle when not in use. While the other hooks a pretty much just for tables, this can also help you when you walk into a bathroom stall that doesn’t have a hook. There are a few metallic finishes to choose from that will look sleek hooked to your bag handle.
These Double-Walled Glasses
As much as I enjoy coasters, it’s nice when the glass does the work for you. This set of two, glass tumblers has two layers for insulation. Your drinks stay cool or hot for a longer period of time and the glass doesn’t drip condensation anywhere. The added layer also keeps your hot drinks cool enough to touch. I’ve always preferred drinking coffee out of a clear cup or mug, so I’m glad I don’t have to handle the heat anymore.
These Really Luxurious Playing Cards
Add some elegance to your poker game or just play some classy solitaire with these cards. This deck features mythical creatures from Egyptian, East Asian, Greek, and Norse lore. The cards are made of a plastic that has a shuffling learning curve but allows for smoother fans when you’re showing off. The gold foil on the box makes sure you’re already making a statement as soon as you pull them out. Shuffle up and deal!