If I had a dollar for every gadget I’ve discovered on Amazon over the past year or two, I’d have … a mountain of debt, that’s what I’d have because I need them all — stat. Seriously, what did we do before Amazon? Schlep to the door like a regular person and hope they have just one of the things we need in stock? ((Shudder)) What an awful way to live your life! Fine, fine, I’m kidding, but Amazon certainly makes things simpler with its easy “Add To Cart” and even easier (and quick) Prime shipping.
It has made snagging some real lifesavers simpler than ever and, let me tell you, I’ve discovered some items I wish I’d bought sooner. I don’t run unless I’m being chased, but the running belt below is perfect for stashing your essentials when you’re out on a walk; the Pilates poster gives you a series of exercises you can do right at home; and, I’ve never had hangers as great as the rubberized ones on this list. You won’t be sorry perusing these greats — you’ll only be sorry you didn’t find them a long time ago!
Get Your Mitts On These Oven Mitts
Put these silicone oven mitts and pot holders on your wish list, your Christmas list, really just any list because that’s how good they are. This set of four will run you less than $17 while protecting your hands and kitchen surfaces. When they get grungy, pop them in the washing machine and they’ll be good as new in no time.
Don’t Get Mat, Get Even
We spend a lot of time standing in our homes — honestly, probably much more than you realize until you consider the kitchen. This anti-fatigue mat is padded for the ultimate support whether you’re at the sink or at a standing desk. The ergonomic design also helps with other things like improving your posture and reducing lower back pain. With 10 colors and patterns and various sizes to choose from, you don’t have a reason not to buy this.
Sock It To Me, Baby
Everything is cuter in teeny-tiny sizes including these cozy knee-high socks for the up to 12-months-old set. Available in three different sets, including an all-white offering, these socks will keep their tootsies (and up to their knees) warm and adorable. Check out each set for unique patterns on the bottom, too. If you don’t have any little ones, these make a perfect baby shower add-on.
Keep Your Napkins Neat
I like a place for everything and everything in its place, which is why this farmhouse-style napkin holder speaks to me. This napkin dispenser looks great sitting on a kitchen counter or dining table while also being functional to keep napkins within reach. Made of stainless steel and rust-resistant, this is part of the Home Acres collection on Amazon which has tons of other coordinating pieces.
Brush It Off
Don’t pay big bucks for electric toothbrush replacement heads when you can snag this set of four for less than $6. These brush heads are compatible with all Oral-B toothbrushes and have different colored rings so no one gets confused and uses someone else in the family’s toothbrush. Blue bristles serve as indicators so you know when it’s time to replace them.
Do Double Desk Duty
If you love the idea of a standing desk, but don’t want to go all-in and eliminate a traditional seated option, this standing desk converter is screaming your name. Go from seated to standing in a matter of seconds by squeezing the table riser handles while still having all the space you need to accommodate a monitor, keyboard, mouse and more.
Get Waisted
So, you want to go for a run, do you? O.K., smart guy, what are you going to do with your phone and your earbuds and your house keys? This neoprene waist belt gives you a place to stash all the important stuff while also keeping your hands free and your pockets blissfully un-weighed-down. It comes in a host of colors and is sized to universally fit your smartphone. It also has tons of pockets to securely tote your important stuff.
Compression Obsession
The weird thing about aching feet is, you’d think more pressure would hurt, but in fact, it hurts so good. These compression socks provide just the gentlest amount of pressure to relieve pain and discomfort. They’re also thin enough that you can wear them under socks or rock them solo if you’re just hanging around your house. These are also a perfect accompaniment to your workouts or even sleeping.
A Basketball Glow-up
When I was a kid, we had a basketball hoop in our driveway, and I was awful, but I still enjoyed shooting my shot. This light-up LED rim kit offers a unique spin on a childhood favorite with an included basketball that has an impact-activated design that glows when in use and shuts off when not. Now you don’t have to go inside when it gets darks because the fun just continues.
Brush It Off
I don’t do a lot of painting projects, but it never fails that when I need to I don’t have a single brush handy. Where do they go? I’m guessing the same place that single socks disappear off to. These foam paint brushes don’t take up much room and ensure you always have a brush when you need one. And, because they’re so inexpensive, you won’t feel guilty for using one and then chucking it.
Cable Ties
At first blush, this looks like a recommendation for guitars. And, while I highly recommend learning some type of instrument, this product is actually a braided audio cable that will give you the best audio quality without dropping big bucks. This cable comes in lengths from six to 20 feet and is braided, which eliminates fraying, twisting and tangles.
Just Brew It
Coffee should always be within arm’s reach, amirite? Now you can store it (or other things like matcha, loose-leaf tea or even flour) in a stainless steel canister that offers date-tracking (so you know when it’s at its freshest) and a measuring scoop. The rubber seal preserves flavor and shelf life, but let’s be honest, how long is that coffee going to last? I’m guessing not very long.
Your Pilates Companion
If you’ve been thinking about getting fit or adding some exercises into your daily flow, but you don’t want to join a gym or start a pricy subscription, this Pilates poster is the perfect, low-cost alternative. It depicts dozens of exercises to tone your core, arms, shoulders, back, glutes and legs — all from the comfort of your home. Other posters are available including barbell and body weight workouts.
Try The Gripper Slippers
Hate having to choose between warm feet and traction? These cable slipper socks offer the best of both worlds, with a fuzzy fleece-lined interior and non-slip rubber sole so you don’t have to worry about losing your footing on slippery floors. These socks fit women with shoe sizes from six to 10 and come in three different color choices.
Oh, How Cuticle
You probably have nail clippers stashed in various places in your home, but you haven’t lived until you’ve added a pair of cuticle trimmers to your nail arsenal. These scissor-like cutters are great for precision work and stay sharp for a really long time. This purchase also includes bonus nail tools including a cuticle pusher and cuticle cutter for less than six bucks, so you can basically say you “nailed” this deal.
Get In Your Greens
I’ve never fancied myself as having much of a green thumb, but I do enjoy having fresh herbs and greens at the ready for whatever recipe I’m tackling. This microgreens garden grow kit works indoors or out, giving you access to a variety of plants including arugula, basil, beets and Swiss chard. There are other options, too, including a tomato kit, one for herbal tea and another for exotic veggies.
Perfectly Pastie
Ahem. Sometimes, you just have to let the girls loose, but whoa, not all the way loose, O.K.? These waterproof self-adhesive pasties will keep you from embarrassing yourself with a wardrobe malfunction while adding just a hint of ‘tude. These are breathable and promise a secure, wrinkle-free fit. One reviewer said she used them under a swimsuit and that they stayed in place the entire time she was wearing them.
This Bedding Is The Sheet
Bedtime is serious business … and only gets more serious as you get older. The right mattress, the perfect pillow and — oh, yeah — don’t forget the awesome sheets. These bamboo bed sheets have a 1,600 thread count, which is awesome if you’re not up on your bed sheet lingo, and have deep pockets to fit any mattress. You’ll look like a whole adult with a complete matching set, too, including flat and fitted sheets and two pillowcases.
It Has A Nice Ring To It
So, you say you missed your calling as a gymnast? Put your money where your mouth is and invest in these gymnastics rings. Called the “ultimate bodyweight workout” for good reason, these rings will help develop upper body muscles, strengthen your core and improve mobility and flexibility. The textured grips help eliminate hold issues due to sweaty hands and the extra-long straps make it a cinch to install anywhere.
Don’t Skirt The Question
It’s time to have a grown-up conversation: You need a bed skirt. I know, I know, you just got used to sleeping on a mattress and boxspring and you even bought a headboard. Now, it’s time to complete the look with this tailored wrinkle- and fade-resistant dust ruffle. It comes in a dozen color choices and sizes that will accommodate a twin bed all the way up to a king bed. (Baby steps, O.K.?)
Pencil Me In
I may be in my 40s now, but I’ve never lost the appreciation for school supplies. (I blame my school teacher mother.) Anyway, these colored pencils aren’t just for kids. You’ll have 50 bright, bold drawing pencils to choose from whether you’re creating a bullet journal or relaxing with a bit of coloring. These pencils come pre-sharpened so they’re ready to go right out of the box.
C’mon Ride The Train
There’s just something magical about a train set; I don’t care if you’re male or female, young or old. This 18-piece wood train connector and adapter set will let you create new configurations limited only to your imagination. This set offers three different sizes in one and is made of solid premium hardwood. Choo-choose this set to make a train lover in your life extra happy.
You Knee-d This Compression Sleeve
Don’t let aches and pains get you down when it’s time to be active. This knee compression sleeve will give you easier movement whether you’re playing basketball with the guys or walking the dog. The targeted compression helps encourage blood circulation with a snug fit and breathable, washable material. Check the helpful knee sizing chart for your perfect fit.
You’ll Get A Charge Out Of This
If there’s one thing that most of us have in common these days, it’s having too many gadgets and not enough places to charge them. This charging station has room for up to six devices, from smartphones to tablets, and gives you a battery boost up to 58 percent faster than other devices. The adjustable dividers give you just the right amount of space for, say, a smartphone in a chunky case.
Just Hanging Around
The one thing most hangers have in common is their undisputed ability to cause all of your clothes to fall off and land on the floor — until these rubber-coated hangers. This 20-pack features ultra-thin hangers with multifunctional features for tight collars, a scarf and tie bar, two strap hooks, a 360-degree swivel rod hook and a non-slip shoulder and pant bar. In short, these are the hangers you’ve been waiting for.
Lay Your Head On These Pillows
I have an obsession with pillows and honestly? I’ll spend just about any amount of money to find the ones that’ll make my time in bed that much comfier. These soft, cooling, luxury gel pillows are filled with a soft down alternative and offer breathability that’ll keep you cool all night long. If you’re looking for five-star sleep, you’ve found it.
Turn Your Bed Into Underbed Storage
One of the most overlooked places for storage is under your bed. These underbed storage organizers offer a large storage capacity with a zippered closure to keep the contents free of dust and are easy to retrieve thanks to the built-in handles. These make the perfect place to store out-of-season clothing, blankets, shoes and more.
Chalk It Up To These Liquid Markers
If you (or your kids) love chalk, but you (definitely not your kids) hate the mess, give liquid chalk markers a try. This set of 13 markers are erasable when used on surfaces like chalkboards, glass, whiteboards and car windows. (Just don’t let them use them on concrete unless you want their drawings to stay there permanently.) Full of vibrant colors, these markers have reversible tips for round or chisel designs.
Drive With This Charger
You’ll be totally charged up to try this fast charge dual power adapter that slides effortlessly into your car’s existing outlet. Housed in a metal design with a handy LED backlight, this charger accommodates both a traditional USB port and the newer USB-C port in one unit. You’ll get faster charge times, too, according to the manufacturer. Reviewers call it a nice charger that charges quickly.
Don’t Get Angry — Get Angry Orange
Pet odors are a pain, aren’t they? You love your little furball, but not so much the traces they leave behind. Reviewers are in love with this Angry Orange pet odor eliminator, to the tune of nearly 50,000 reviews. This commercial-grade citrus solution can be added to water to create up to a gallon of cleaner that can be used on cat odor in litter boxes or pet odor in the yard or kennel.
Clear Your Cache
Raise your hand if you’ve had this happen: You brake abruptly and the contents of your bag or purse scatter to the four corners of your vehicle. It’s a total pain-in-the-butt moment that the car cache seeks to eliminate. This purse or bag holder attaches between the seats, keeping the contents of your bag upright and in its place. It also makes a handy barrier between the front and back seats for kids and pets.
Vac Attack
I don’t always have time to go to the car wash or bring my vacuum attachments downstairs to tend to messes in my car. That’s why I invested in one of these handheld car vacs, so I can leave it in the trunk to grab whenever I need it. This vac is compact and lightweight with a long cord and three attachments that get dust and debris out of the way — no matter where it is.
Throw On A Beard Bib
Have you ever been in a bathroom after a man has “trimmed” his beard? Hair, hair everywhere. This beard bib eliminates the mess by attaching on one end to the bathroom mirror and fitting around the neck on the other end. The best news is it works with any trimmer and has a self-contained pouch that makes it perfectly portable for on-the-go trims.
Pad Your Mattress With This Cover
You don’t plan for spills to happen on your mattress, but once they do, there’s really not much you can do about it. Using a waterproof mattress protector is a proactive step to protecting one of your home’s largest investments. This protector safeguards against allergens, dust mites, perspiration, urine and other fluids in a cool, breathable and noiseless option. Just put it on and then proceed with your mattress pad and sheets.
Bees (And Other Bugs) In The Trap
When I was a kid, my neighbors had one of those old-school bug zappers that made a wicked sound every time a bug met his untimely demise. We’ve come a long way since then, with an indoor insect trap that relies on the power of suction and sticky glue boards to rid your space of pests. It also features a refined look that you won’t mind having around.
String It Along
II bought this cell phone lanyard a few months back when I started walking more with my neighbor and, I’ll admit I had low expectations, but it has more than lived up to the manufacturer’s claims. Made with lightweight, but strong silicone, it’s the ideal solution for keeping your phone nearby whether you’re walking the dog or attending a festival. It works universally on a variety of phones, too.
Nice To Meat You
I was today years old before I discovered that a meat thermometer can make all the difference in your cooking and before you judge me, I don’t know why it took me this long to figure it out, O.K.? This guy will read your food temps in as little as 2-3 seconds and has unlimited uses beyond just testing the temperature of meat. The built-in bottle opener is a nice added feature.