You know the thing. The thing you bought once (or maybe twice) and don’t know how you managed without it. The thing you tell your friends, co-workers, and neighbors about. The thing they finally buy and later tell you, “I don’t know why I waited so long to make that purchase.” That’s a good feeling. A great production recommendation is worth its weight in gold.
So, consider this the Fort Knox of Amazon recommendations. Which, I might add, is no small feat because I love everything on Amazon. And, that’s not just hyperbole. If I can find it on Amazon, it’s click-add-buy-at-my-door-in-two-days. These products, however, are the crème de la crème of my online faves.
Make Your Own Ice, Ice Baby
Are you a fan of the “good ice?” I mean, who’s not, am I right? I find myself literally dreaming about the drinks at Sonic. Le sigh. This home ice cube maker will get you as close as possible without having to actually put on pants and leave the house. Hey, I have my standards. The silicone material makes it easy to freeze and squeeze your way to crunchy goodness.
These Premium Bath Towels That Include Natural Bamboo
I’m all about indulging in small luxuries these days, and these bath towels are my newest way to treat myself without dropping a ton of cash. They’re woven with 30% natural bamboo and 70% natural cotton for the perfect mix of softness, durability, and absorbency.
This Hair Tool That Gives You The Perfect Waves
My hair is stick straight with zero curls whatsoever. This Bed Head Swerve hair tool is the only product I’ve found that makes my hair look naturally wavy. I can switch my ‘do up between tousled curls and beachy waves with the same device. Plus, the ceramic plates reduce frizz.
This Ring Video Doorbell Has Your Back
I’ll admit it: I’m nosey. I like to know what’s going on in my neighborhood, and if someone is approaching my property, I want to know who it is and for what reason. This Ring video doorbell is my newest obsession. It allows me to see, hear, and speak to whoever is at my front door even when I’m not home.
This Reusable Planner Will Be The Last One You Ever Buy
I know, I know, 2020 kind of went off the rails, and planners weren’t really a thing. But, I’m calling it now: Planners return in a big way in 2021, starting with this reusable one from Rocketbook. If you’re not familiar with Rocketbook, it functions as an erasable tool that requires a specific pen (included) and a compatible smartphone app. It may be the last planner you ever have to buy.
This Makeup Sponge Washing Machine That’s Ridiculously Cute
Here’s a little tidbit about me: I love tiny versions of things. And I can never remember to wash my makeup sponges. Okay, so that’s technically two tidbits about me, but who’s counting? This mini washing machine for makeup sponges was basically invented for me. I now wash my sponges regularly because I just love using it!
Make Sundae Everyday With A Dash Ice Cream Maker
The Dash brand of kitchen gadgets never fails to intrigue me, and this pint-sized (literally!) electric ice cream maker is no different. I already had the Dash mini waffle maker and was lusting over the pie maker when I spotted this gadget that creates ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt right in your own kitchen. Sundae? Every day.
Girl, You Better Get This Stove Top Grill
Loving to grill is a problem if you live in an apartment complex like mine that frowns on residents having their own grills. So, you make do with the next best thing: A smokeless indoor grill that sits right on your stovetop. The non-stick surface is great for both meat and vegetables, and the whole thing can be thrown in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Hydrate Better With The HydroMATE Half-Gallon Jug
It’s not even the New Year yet, and I’m already making resolutions to drink more water. Look at me go! You know you need to do it, too, and I find it easiest to manage with a giant half-gallon jug like the HydroMATE. It even has built-in motivation along the way, like “Keep Drinking!” and time markings to keep you on track.
Belgian Waffles? Stuff It With This Stuffed Waffle Maker
What’s better than Belgian waffles? If you answered “stuffed Belgian waffles,” you might be a foodie … or my best friend … or the genius who found this stuffed waffle maker on Amazon before I did. Forget traditional waffle toppings. With this machine, you can cook your waffle with the toppings stuffed inside. Now wouldn’t that be a nice breakfast surprise?
Prep And Store With This Glass Set With Lids
In full disclosure, I bought this glass prep bowl set in a fit of envy over my mom’s much-more-expensive set from a brand that shall remain unnamed. I was prepared for utter disappointment. To my surprise, this set has not let me down. It includes four 10-oz. bowls and accompanying lids, both perfect for prep or leftover storage.
A BluApple A Day Keeps The Mold Away
My produce goes bad almost before I get it out of the grocery bags. I don’t know if it’s the Florida humidity or if my home hates cucumbers and zucchini. Whatever it was, I struggled to find some solution that would prolong my veggies’ life. The BluApple system is simple and easy: Just replace the packet inside the plastic “apple” every three months, and the ethylene gas that prematurely destroys your produce will be nipped in the bud.
Add Voice Control To Your Outlets With These Amazon Smart Plugs
I originally bought these smart plugs for my Christmas tree … before I figured out (again) how to use my pre-existing plug-in timer. Then, I felt guilty. So, I added one to a living room lamp, and I’m patiently awaiting the right moment to add the other. These smart plugs don’t require a hub to be used, but they do work with Alexa, Amazon Echo, and Google Hub.
These Mini Jars Have Unlimited Potential
Can I just say: So. Many. Uses. I was looking for tiny jars that were just the right size to fit into acrylic organizers in my bathroom. This 12-piece mini-glass jar set from Kate Aspen worked perfectly. While mine were for use in the bathroom, these would function well as spice jars or even as favors for parties or weddings.
A Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush That Outperforms Its More Expensive Competitors
I only bought into the facial cleansing brush idea in early 2020, but as is usually my luck, the one I bought was discontinued, so replacement brush heads were no longer available for purchase. I found this gem on Amazon and have been so pleased. This sonic facial cleansing brush from Spa Sciences operates on an included charging base and comes in three colors.
Pack It Up In This Convertible Backpack
Purses are a tricky thing to buy online and, yes, I readily admit that even as I recommend this one. The trick is this: Find a convertible bag to be used in a variety of situations. Oh, and find one that has nearly 8,000 five-star reviews. This convertible backpack/purse is soft (like cozy joggers-soft) and comes in more colors than you have days in a month.
Roll Your Own Sushi At Home With This Sushi Maker Roller
When quarantine lock-down closed the restaurants around me in Florida, naturally, I had a ginormous craving for sushi. I was already making my own ahi poke bowls at home, so I figured, “How hard can it be?” Fast-forward about three days, and I can tell you that it was hard without this sushi roller. This roller, though, made my homemade sushi dreams come true for less than $12.
This Mobile Charger Is Ridiculously Convenient
Fellas, don’t be put off by the description of this charger as “lipstick”-like. You’ll be perfectly happy with it when it slides easily in your pocket and is available as your smartphone creeps toward the dreaded 1%. The best feature isn’t its slim packaging, but rather the incorporated lightning cable that tucks out of the way inside the charger’s cap.
Organize That Messy Bag With This Felt Fabric Purse Insert
I’m a bag lady – specifically, a big bag lady. I like having everything I need with me at all times. I like – substantially less – digging around in the bottom of the bag to find things. This felt fabric purse insert is an organizer’s dream. I use the XL size in a Louis Vuitton Neverfull, but it comes in five different sizes and more than a dozen colors.
Drink Straight From The Pot With This Coffee-Pot Shaped Mug
Have you ever felt like drinking your coffee straight from the pot? (No judgment from me if you actually have.) This coffee pot-shaped coffee mug will be the delight of the office. Of course, it’s not just for coffee. Hot cocoa, tea, and even cold coffee will be perfectly at home in this humorous mug. Of course, it only holds 20 ounces of any beverage so you may need a refill.
Take Your Tablet To Bed With This Multi-Angle Pillow Pad
I read every night for as long as my eyes will stay open. The problem became the weird angle I had to assume to be both comfortable and view my Kindle. This multi-angle pillow pad solved several problems for me; namely, it brought the Kindle up to nearly eye level, eliminating awful neck strain. I bought it in gray, but they all work well for less than $23.
Heat Yo Feet With Microwaveable Slippers
Does it get more luxurious than microwaveable slippers? (That’s a rhetorical question, of course, it doesn’t.) I bought a pair of these about a year ago and have gifted them several times since. These heated insoles can be warmed to your desired temperature to alleviate cold feet (which most people know me would tell you is 29 days out of 30). They’re available in five different colors.
Let These Lid Lifters Do The Dirty Work
Have you ever wanted six (silent) men to help you out in the kitchen? If so, you’re going to love these silicone lid lifters, which have one purpose: To hold a lid off a boiling pot and keep it from bubbling over, thus creating a colossal mess on your stovetop. You’ll get a pack of six in assorted colors and plenty of laughs from your family and friends.
Create Your Own White Noise With This Plug-In Noise Machine
You know those people: It’s 30 degrees outside and they’re sleeping with a fan … and a million covers. Yes, O.K., I’m one of those people. But, when I’m traveling, toting a full-sized fan with me is seldom possible. This plug-in white noise machine not only plays fan and white noises but an assortment of classic tunes and lullabies, making it a perfect gadget for getting the baby to sleep as well.
Stick It To Acne With These Hydrocolloid Patches
I had serious doubts about these hydrocolloid patches for acne. Like, serious doubts. And, then I saw that the company that manufactures them calls themselves Mighty Patch. A bit presumptuous, no? Except, they’re totally mighty, and these patches are the bomb. Pop one on at night, and your pimple will be gone by morning – no messy creams, gels, or potions required.
Give Your Best Bud His Own Lick Croix
Just admit it: You drink the fancy sparkling waters. But, why should you have all the fun? Fido might enjoy his own “natural barkling water” in the form of this plush “Lick Croix” toy. It comes in various flavors including “pamplemutt,” and even alcoholic versions like “KennelOne Vodka,” in case – you know – your pup has a drinking problem.
Add Some Nature To The Indoors With This Bonsai Tree Kit
I like all manner of green things … money … and um, plants. But, even though I have two thumbs, neither of them is even almost green. I decided to try my hand at this bonsai tree kit because why not? It has certainly brightened up my office space at home and I’m excited to see what they grow into. Watch out, Karate Kid!
Clean Your Cord Clutter With Magnetic Cable Organizers
No fewer than 12 cords are running every which way on this desk that I’m using at my parents. If I were home, I would have pulled out one (or more) of these magnetic cable organizers and gotten to work wrangling these cables into shape. The magnetic ends make it easy to gather loose ends and keep them securely – and neatly – tucked away. They’re also great for wired headphones or simply attaching something important to the fridge.
Mind Your Mask With A Lightweight Lanyard
Masks. Love ’em or hate ’em, they’ve become an everyday part of life … at least for now. This metal mask lanyard will help keep your mask of choice nearby, so you’re not rummaging around for one when you have 15 stops to make. It’s available in various colors and materials, including rose gold, glitter, stainless steel, and bamboo.
Exercise Your Back With This Multi-Level Lumbar Stretcher
A lot of sitting equals a lot of back pain, at least for me. I’d tried it all: A new chair, mesh support, new pillows, Tylenol. The one thing that really works well for me is this back-stretching device. It has multiple levels that range from a small stretch to a bigger one. Usually, one good stretch with this device and my back is good as new.
Confirmed: This Manatee Coffee Does Not Taste Like Manatees
This gourmet coffee from Manatee tastes like the tropics (not like a manatee, I promise) with flavors of coconut, hazelnut, and caramel. In my opinion, the best part is the organization your purchase supports: The Save The Manatee Club. You can buy it ground or whole bean, with beans that are imported from Brazil, Columbia, and Sumatra.
This Charcoal-Infused Toothbrush Does Double Duty
Here’s the problem (and maybe you’ve had it, too): You love charcoal toothpaste (or powder), but you add it to your existing toothbrush, and it turns the bright white bristles to a dirty gray. It would help if you had a black toothbrush. Better yet, it would help if you had a charcoal-infused whitening toothbrush like this one from Oral-B. Kill two birds with one stone … or at least keep your toothbrush in like-new condition.
Color, Cleanse And Condition With This One-Step Product
This is not only my favorite product on this list but my current favorite product overall. Why? I’m glad you asked. After wearing my hair a shade of lavender most of the summer, I returned to brown (which promptly faded to a light brown/gold). I purchased this color-depositing cleanser/conditioner in merlot, and in 30 minutes, that bronde was a rich red/wine. I don’t know how easy it’ll be to remove when I’m ready for something else, but I’m officially a fan.
Bake An Individual Treat With This Cast-Iron Cookie
What’s your definition of an “individual cookie?” It might be this option in its own mini-cast iron skillet (included!). I first stumbled onto this product at a local dollar store, but I was pleased to find it available on Amazon with two-day Prime shipping. I’ve gifted these, purchased as a “thinking of you” item, and yes, eaten one (or more) myself. It includes the cookie mix, too.
A Fidget Cube To Keep Your Fingers Busy
I know fidget spinners and fidget cubes are soooo 2016 but hear me out. Spending a lot of time on Zoom calls lately? If you’re not, consider yourself fortunate. If you are, you likely know you spend a good deal of time listening and trying to stay alert. I keep a fidget cube on my desk to keep my hands (and mind) busy in Zoom situations or anytime I feel … fidgety? Too obvious? This one comes in cool colors and patterns.
Marry Your Socks With A SockDock
I’m confident that somewhere, perhaps over the rainbow, are all of the single socks that go into the dryer but never come out. This SockDock eliminates disappearing socks by pairing them throughout the washing and drying processes. Because you can match the mates, you’ll never spend extra time trying to figure out where that rogue sock got off to.
Give Your Health A Boost With Immuneti
I’m not here to give you medical advice, but I am here to give you Amazon advice, and I love this Immuneti brand blend of vitamins C and D3, zinc, elderberries, garlic bulb, and echinacea. You’ve probably seen celebrities touting its benefits all over social media, but trust the real-life testimonials on Amazon that rate is nearly five stars from 4,800-plus reviewers.