One of the byproducts of writing these lists are the questions I get from family and friends on the regular: “What’s the best thing you’ve bought on Amazon lately?” “If you had to pick your top three favorite Amazon buys, what would they be?” And, honestly, it’s hard to know sometimes whether the lists came first — or my Amazon addiction came first. It’s venturing into “chicken-and-the-egg” land, as in “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
I’ve no doubt stumbled upon some great gadgets and gizmos in my research for these pieces, but for this one, I didn’t have to go any further than my own, ahem, elaborate order history to turn up 37 of my favorites that I recommend to everyone. Take No. 2, for example. I liked it so much, I bought one for myself and another as a gift. No. 3 is so good I bought one and then immediately bought two more. No. 20 has forever changed my hair for the better. And, No. 30, well, there are no words. It’s a bit pricier than most of my list, but worth every penny.
This Detangling Brush Glides Through Hair
Dread the pain and frustration of trying to brush out your unruly locks? This magical brush is the solution you’ve been searching for.
Here’s one 5-star review: “I’m a single dad of a 6-year-old girl, and combing her hair is the hardest part of taking care of her. She gets really bad knots in her hair. This brush is the only thing that has ever worked. She even likes to comb her own hair now.”
This Dog Collar is Cool Pup-Approved
Your pooch deserves to look and feel their best just like you do, so why not upgrade their boring collar to this one from Embark? It comes in a variety of stylish colors and patterns to choose from and is made from durable nylon with embossed leather details.
These Reusable Towels Clean with Just Water
If you’re looking to avoid harsh chemicals but still want to deep-clean the surfaces of your home, this unique towel from Life Miracle is the perfect solution. The nanolon fiber cloth scrubs away dirt and grime while polishing surfaces using only water. It’s also a great reusable replacement for disposable paper towels.
This Silicone Mat is a Must-Have for At-Home Bakers
Are you a serious baker or do you have an aspiring baker in your house? This non-stick silicone baking mat is a must-have for kneading, shaping, and rolling while keeping sticky messes contained. The measurements on the mats will keep you precise and the food-grade silicone is heat-resistant so you can go from the freezer straight to the oven without any damage.
Whip Your Utensils Into Shape
Kitchen utensils are like bunnies. First, you have one. Then, you have a second. Then, you have a million and don’t know where they all came from. This find won’t solve that problem (might I suggest a quick run to Goodwill?), but it will at least get the ones you do have under control. This one is a good size (translation: it’ll hold a lot) and comes in both white and gray.
This Cocktail Kit is My New Favorite Thing
Just add vodka! This compact, travel-sized cocktail kit contains everything else you need to stir up three delicious Moscow Mule cocktails. Perfect for plane travel or hotel rooms (or, I dunno, Tuesdays).
This Wool Wire Scrubber is a Game-Changer
What I’m about to say may sound crazy, but hear me out: this wool wire scrubber from Brenium actually makes me look forward to doing the dishes. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to maneuver, and the stainless steel construction busts through stuck-on food. Try it for yourself and you’ll never look at dirty dishes the same way again.
These Non-Slip Socks Keep My Tot from Falling
Socks keep little feet warm, but they can also be a tripping hazard. This set of six crew socks from LA Active features non-slip grippers on the bottoms so your tot can crawl, walk, or boogie to their heart’s delight without you having to worry about a nasty fall.
He’s Steaming Mad
I’ve found myself using my Instant Pot more and more lately, but there’s always that one pesky issue: What to do about the steam. Without this SteamMates attachment, all of the steam releases right into your kitchen cabinets. With it, you can divert the steam away from stuff you don’t want it to hit. I liked it so myself that I stuck one in a stocking at Christmas. Plus? It’s just funny to look at.
Try This Milk And Honey Cuti-cle
Cuticle oil is my saving grace. I do my own manis almost weekly and my cuticles often pay the price. And, hey, can I just say that you don’t realize how much abuse your cuticles take until you start really paying attention to them? This cuticle oil from Cuccio is beloved among Amazon shoppers, has delicious fragrance options, and comes in multiple sizes.
This Peeler Fits Perfectly In Your Hand
Ever thought a vegetable peeler could be cool? This one from Brenium is so sleek and well-designed that you might just want to keep it on your counter for guests to admire. The ergonomic shape makes it easy to get a good grip while peeling your favorite fruits and veggies.
Feed Your Plants Dinner
Happy dirt, happy plants? This all-purpose plant food and fertilizer from Joyful Dirt proclaims it right on the bottle. I’ve never been much of one to have a green thumb, but I’ve been known to grow tomatoes and herbs both indoors and out. This blend has the right amount of nutrients for both indoor and outdoor plants and can be sprinkled on dirt or incorporating into your watering routine.
Keep Your Keys In The Clouds
I’m a big fan of “the cloud.” Being able to access your documents and photos across multiple devices; how convenient is that? Oh, wait, wrong cloud. I’m still digging on this cloud, which is a clever magnetic key holder that you can install anywhere to keep your keys always within reach. You should buy a couple to make your own little cloud family for everyone’s keys.
A Wireless Charging Wonder
I recently upgraded my iPhone, which was totally unnecessary, but I did it anyway. And, you know what comes with that: New phone cases, new screen protectors and a new wireless charging station. I love the compact style of this one and its three-in-one functionality. I can charge my phone, AirPods and Apple Watch in one spot without taking up a bunch of nightstand space.
You’ll Be Thankful For This Panko
Sometimes you just want comfort food and for me, that usually involves something breaded and fried. And, that translates to self-loathing and regret the next day. This pork panko works just as well as the regular carb-y stuff without, um, all the carbs. Completely carb-free, it contains only pork skin and rock salt and can be used for all your favorite breaded dishes.
Prop Your iPad On This Pillow
I could not survive without this tablet pillow. O.K., maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but I do love it for its versatility. Obviously, you can use it like the picture shows above, but I get the most use out of it in bed at night when I’m reading. Not only does it have multiple viewing angles, but also a metal support bracket and a built-in pocket where you can stash your phone.
Do or Do-nut, There Is No Try
I know what you’re thinking: “Protein” and “donuts” don’t really go together. But, it totally can, and these WOW! Donuts are a pretty good substitute for the real, albeit more decadent and loaded with regret. The chocolate variation of these donuts get rave reviews from Amazon shoppers (including me): “Delicious and macro-friendly donut!” And, really, what more could you ask for?
These Spice Labels Are Nice
No joke, these minimalist spice jar labels inspired me to completely reorganize my pantry. This set of 94 labels come pre-printed and ready for you to affix to the jars or bottles of your choice (although you can’t go wrong with the jars pictured). It has all of the traditional spice names, including some lesser-known options — all in a waterproof and removable design. Genius!
Vacuum While You Work
Right now, you’re looking at the picture above, trying to figure out which product is the one featured here, aren’t you? It’s that little orange box, which actually isn’t a box at all, but a desktop vacuum cleaner to keep your work area tidy. (Pause for shock and awe.) This little guy won’t pick up wads of paper, but it will help eliminate dust, debris, pet hair, and small scraps of paper that are otherwise tricky to grab.
Your Own Tooth Fairy
Have you ever priced professional teeth whitening treatments? Holy moly, I hope none of your kids plan to go to college because it’s just about that expensive. This teeth whitening kit uses the same ingredients the pros do, at a fraction of the cost. Apply the strips and then use the included rechargeable light to supercharge your results. Reviewers cite how easy it is to use and its speedy results.
Super Sonic Contouring Has Arrived
I’ve tried just about every type of makeup brush on the market: Small ones, big ones, flat ones, full ones, ones that look like a toothbrush, and now this one, which uses 24,000 micromovements per minute to turn your makeup into tiny micro-sized particles that blend quickly for flawless application. I love all of Spa Sciences’ products, but this sonic makeup brush might be my new fave.
Plug And Play
Who’s guilty of plugging in all the things to a single outlet and then holding their breath that nothing catches fire? My hand is up. I feel a bit better about safety measures with this surge protector strip from Aduro. It has nine outlets (so plenty of space for my computer, fan, lamp, Echo Show and much more. I’m especially fond of the USB ports at the top of the unit, which don’t get in the way of the outlets themselves.
Don’t Forget The Tall Can Organizer
I love me some refrigerator organization so you know I have a few containers like those pictured on-hand to keep the eggs in line and the lunch meat from fraternizing with the cheese. I have an organizer for soda cans but was stumped when it came to odd sizes of cans, like energy drinks and cold brews. This tall can bin is designed to accommodate those cans that won’t readily fit in more traditional-sized can dispensers.
A Turkish Towel To Tote Anywhere
There are beach towels and then there are Turkish towels and, I have to be honest, they are not at all equal. Beach towels are plush, which is ordinarily great until it soaks up all the water and sand and won’t leave. Turkish towels are thinner but still absorbent. The biggest difference is that they dry quickly and repel sand. I love this one in particular because it comes with a convenient travel bag.
The Perfect Skinny Storage
Tell me I’m not alone: Small space, but there’s storage needed. Unfortunately, nothing quite fits … until now. I found this 10-tier narrow organizer quite by accident, but it has been a very happy surprise. It fits perfectly where I needed it to and can even be reduced in size by simply leaving off a tier or two (in case it’s too tall). And, no, I don’t use it for shoes, although I certainly have enough pairs to justify one of these.
Wonder Water That Lives Up To Its Name
I found out about this product from a Facebook group I’m in and it is hands down, my best purchase of 2021 (and maybe 2020). Dubbed 8-Second Wonder Water for its water-like consistency and wondrous results, this rinse-out product from L’oreal transforms your hair from tangled to sleek in eight seconds. (No lie.) It uses something called lamellar water technology, which means nothing to me except perfectly silky strands.
Peel And Stick Wallpaper That Transforms Any Space
I live in an apartment; it’s a nice apartment, but it’s an apartment nonetheless. That means I can’t do anything crazy like painting the walls or wallpaper my ceilings. (Hey, I wouldn’t really do that.) This peel-and-stick wallpaper is a happy medium between full customization and getting my security deposit back. It comes in white/silver and black/gold, which gives me all of “The Great Gatsby” vibes.
A Magic Cream Years In The Making
If you’re looking for the prettiest packaged product on this list, keep scrolling. But, if you’re looking for a world-renowned cream with magical properties, stick with me here for a second. Egyptian Magic just works, whether you’re applying it as a low-cost face cream, soothing a burn, or trying to get rid of chapped lips. The 1 oz. size is perfect for taking on the go, while the 4 oz. size definitely deserves a spot on your bathroom vanity.
Build Your Own Skin Barrier
​I almost didn’t include this product on the list because — to be honest — it has a long and confusing name and a list of ingredients I don’t understand (but not in a bad way). The Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum is no-frills packaging, but big on results, especially if you struggle with facial redness. One reviewer said it best: “This is better than Dr. Jart’s Tiger Grass Serum for me. Keeping my skin clear, redness is diminished and it also is shrinking the milia around my eyes.”
Cake, Batter Batter
If you’ve made it this far in my list of Amazon favorites, you deserve a snack. (No, really, go grab a snack; I’ll wait.) I’m plugging my favorite protein donuts again, but this time in the cake batter variety. With 11 grams of protein and only 10 to 13 net carbs, how can you go wrong? I’m still partial to the chocolate, but sometimes cake batter just hits the spot. Variety is the spice of life, right?
One-Handed Wireless Charging
Would you think I’m ridiculous if I told you I only upgraded my iPhone so I could grab one of these magnetic wireless chargers? You would? In that case, pretend I didn’t mention it. This magnetic portable charger is pretty sweet, though, allowing you to attach it directly to your phone for one-handed charging on the go. It comes in black or grey and is only specified for the iPhone 12.
Forget The Unibrow, Try The Unitool
I love kitchen gadgets that do more than one task. This uni-tool (think unibrow, but more helpful) from Joseph Joseph could replace up to five of your existing kitchen helpers because it handles five different tasks. It’s a slotted spoon, solid spoon, spatula, turner, and cutting tool in one. Add spices or sauces to dishes, flip burgers, spread frosting … you’re only limited by your own imagination.
Give Your Pup A Lick Croix
I can’t leave this list without including something for man’s best friend. I got a kick out of this “Lick Croix” stuffed can and gifted it to my parents’ dog at Christmas. It looks almost identical to the La Croix can in the Pamplemousse flavor (that’s grapefruit, for all you non-La Croix drinkers). Fittingly, this is embroidered with the words “Pamplemutt flavored” and is certain to become Fido’s favorite fizzy, er, fuzzy treat.
Your Pot And Pans Savers
What are these weird asterisk-shaped doodads? I’m glad you asked. These may not look like much, but these will save your existing pots and pans from scratches, dings, and damage. Stacking pan protectors come in three sizes and are easy to use by just placing one between each pan as you stack. At less than $5 for six, it’s a good investment in safeguarding your larger purchase of quality cookware.
Perfect Meat — Every Time
Usually, we try to keep these products to $35 or less because A. We know you work hard for your money and B. So hard for it, honey. (Shout out to disco queen Donna Summer.) This one breaks that rule just a bit, but once you check it out you’ll see why. I literally recommend this to anyone who’ll listen — from family to strangers. The MEATER wireless smart thermometer will give you a perfect cook on meat — from steak to chicken to pork — every time. The accompanying smartphone app is also genius.
A Replacement Strap To Dress Up Your Bags
If you’ve been looking for a way to refresh or jazz up an existing handbag, look no further than this strap replacement from CLOUDMUSIC. I love the leopard one pictured, but it comes in more colors and patterns than you can shake a stick at. It attaches easily with the gold buckles, is adjustable in length, and wide enough not to dig into your shoulder. The hardest decision you’ll make is which one to buy.
Ice, Ice, Baby
The beauty of summer in Florida isn’t the sunshine or the (oppressive) heat or the beach, although that one is pretty good. The true beauty of summer is in shaved ice. Snoballs. Italian ice. Whatever you choose to call it. With this ice shaver and snow cone machine you can crank out icy cold treats any time of the year. It has a pretty small footprint, too, so when it’s time to put it away, it won’t take up a ton of space.