When someone asks what my favorite pastimes are, is answering with, “Oh, you know, reading, walking on the beach, and scouring Amazon for the latest gadgets,” the wrong thing to say? I mean, it’s true. It was true long before I started putting together these lists so this work? Feels a whole lot like non-work; in fact, it feels like I get paid to shop. And, isn’t that the dream?
This is a gadget list on steroids, filled with products you’ve perhaps seen and scrolled by but that deserve a second (or third or fourth) look. Why? Because I said so. Kidding! Because they’re going to take some task you’re doing now and make it infinitely easier. Why scrub your microwave when Angry Mama will do it for you? (You’re convinced already, aren’t you?) Tired of buying store-bought produce? Stop. Whether you’re zapping pet hair, separating eggs or trying to keep from touching things in public (eww), this list is for you.
Get Angry Mama, Get Clean Microwave
Cleaning your own microwave is so last year. Cue Angry Mama, an all-in-one steam cleaner that tackles the job with very little elbow grease on your part. Simply fill her with vinegar and water, toss her in the microwave, and watch her work. When she’s finished, just wipe your microwave clean. Now if I could just buy a full-sized version for my oven, washing machine, bathtub, toilet …
Smooth As Silkworm
When I saw “organic silkwork finger rubs,” it took me a few minutes to figure out what it was. Finger cots? Cotton balls? Marshmallows? I’m still not entirely sure but I’m intrigued nonetheless. Turns out, these are actually for your skin, cleaning, exfoliating and reducing wrinkles. They’re also known to help keep skin firm. When reviewers ask, “Where have these been all my life?!?”, it’s time to sit up and take notice.
As Free As A Bird
Even though I live in an apartment, I found a way to entertain myself with wildlife and it looks a whole lot like this bird feeder with attached camera. This bird-friendly design has a 1.5-liter food container, a decent stand and a camera that won’t get in the way of feeding. A corresponding smartphone app lets you check in up close on your feathered friends.
Any Way You Slice It
I never know how to cut into a watermelon. From the top? Down the middle? This watermelon knife eliminates the confusion and gives you multiple ways to cut, slice and ball everyone’s favorite summertime fruit. The coolest part is the perfectly-sized cubes that come out with very little effort. I’m snagging one of these now for when watermelons reach peak ripeness.
The Yolk‘s On You
If you watch chefs separate egg whites from yolks on TV, you’ll have yourself convinced you, too, can do it using only your hands. If you prefer to not make a mess, grab one of these egg separators. The yolk remover leaves the whites in the bowl so you can transfer your yolks to another dish. And, whatever you do, don’t toss the part you don’t need. Have you seen the price of eggs?!
Can’t Touch This
I would not — at all — consider myself a germaphobe. But, since COVID, I’ve found myself paying more attention to things like touching keypads and shaking hands. This no-touch keychain has both a soft-touch grip and a hard-touch grip as well as a door hook (for those nasty public bathrooms). It’s all packed into one tool that attaches easily to your key ring.
A Perfect Tens
Make no mistake, a TENS unit feels a little uncomfortable. It’s not painful but it’s just … weird. Regardless, it’s a great tool for managing pain and now you can do it at home with this rechargeable unit. Adjust the intensity on the large screen, apply the electrode pads to your body and get ready for relief. The rechargeable battery gives you up to 10 hours of consecutive use.
Your Not-So-Secret Garden
One of my top purchases over the past few years has to be this hydroponic grow system, where I’ve been able to grow rosemary, dill, cilantro and basil (so much basil) on demand. This comes with everything you need to get started growing (minus the seeds), whether you want to do herbs, veggies, fruits or even flowers. Fresh produce on demand? Well worth the $49 price tag.
A Cut Above
I don’t know what planet the rest of you are living on where you have to slice your own bagels but it’s apparently a thing. This bagel guillotine is one Henry the 8th himself would approve of (Google it), effortlessly slicing bagels in half. It transcends bagels, too, apparently, approved to use on muffins, buns and rolls of all sizes.
Take Your Pick
Is a bloody Mary even a bloody Mary if it doesn’t have a million garnishes? This gourmet cocktail pick is more than eight inches tall with a tree-inspired shape so you can “branch out” with your garnish choices. You could also use this for mimosas with a bunch of fruit or milkshakes with all the fixins’. It’s a perfect gift, too, for those who treat brunch like an Olympic sport.
Open For Business
Have you reached that age yet? You know, the age when you twist a jar and nothing happens? This jar key is dubbed the “world’s easiest jar opener,” breaking that stubborn seal with a simple flick of the wrist. It’s compact for storing and actually endorsed by arthritis associations worldwide for helping people with aching hands. Not a bad kitchen addition for $10.
I’m All Ears
I love corn on the cobs. I don’t love removing the kernels from said cobs. This corn prep peeler is a compact, comfortable, Y-shaped peeler that’s easy to maneuver, with sharp blades that shear the kernels off the cob in just a moment. When you’re finished using it, toss it in the dishwasher for extra easy clean-up.
This One’s A Good Egg
I’ve never quite gotten the hang of peeling hardboiled eggs. Yes, I’ve tried all the tricks and yes, I still struggle. This boiled egg peeler promises to easily remove eggshells with just a quarter-cup of water and a few healthy shakes. This method sounds like a lot more fun when I’m barely awake in the morning than getting each itty-bitty shell straggler removed.
Clear The Air
Have you ever been in a room and wished you had your humidifier? It’s usually not possible to travel with a regular-sized version, but nothing will be off-limits with this mini portable humidifier, which could go with you from the office to a hotel room. Battery-operated, it has a maximum run time of seven hours with ultra-quiet delivery and an automatic shut-off.
Milk The Situation
No, this isn’t a weird, dysfunctional banana. It’s TONYMOLY’s banana hand milk stuck inside an adorable banana-shaped container. If you enjoy the smell of freshly-baked banana bread, this one is for you along with delivering intense hydration, protection and quick absorption. Plus, let’s be serious, it would be hilarious to pull a whole banana out of your purse. That’s worth $10 alone.
Fits Like A Glove
It’s weird confession time and here’s mine: I hate getting my hands wet in the kitchen. I have no discernible reason why this bothers me but it does, so I’m in love with these cleaning sponge gloves that not only protect my hands but also let me scrub-a-dub-dub without any extra tools. Lather up and start cleaning. It’s only too bad you couldn’t use these in the shower.
Whichever Way You Slice It
I’ve seen all the hacks over the years for quickly and easily slicing annoying fruits and vegetables like tiny tomatoes, grapes and strawberries. This rapid slicer lives up to the hype by letting you put a pile of stuff between the two plates and then cutting through seamlessly. It can also work for slicing chicken extra thin or for draining frozen veggies.
All Bottled Up
I always stress over getting every last drop out of a bottle (thanks, Mom!) but this bottle emptying kit ensures I’m not wasting a bit. Dubbed “Flip-It!”, this kit works on everything from salad dressing to shampoo and anything in between. (Just use different stands, O.K.?) You can buy singles or packs of up to six if you have a lot of bottle emptying to do.
Brush It Off
There are facial brushes and there are two-in-one exfoliating brushes like this beauty from Almost Famous. Equipped with microfiber bristles, this tool helps clear clogged pores while gently sloughing away dead skin. But, let’s talk about the elephant in the room — that gorgeous iridescent purple finish. I want to carry it around for that reason alone. It also comes in orange and turquoise.
Push My Buttons
Have you tried getting a kid out of a car seat lately? It’s like trying to get Houdini out of a box — hard. The UnbuckleMe tool is a Shark Tank discovery that makes it as simple to open a car seat as pushing a button. Whether you have longer nails, arthritis or kids who are old enough to unbuckle themselves, it’s a win-win.
This Zaps Hair Fur Real
If your furry friends are leaving too much of themselves behind, stop the shed with FurZapper, a reusable gadget that works by being tossed in the washing machine. FurZapper removes fur, hair, dander, lint and more from clothing, bedding or even your dog bed. These are skin-safe and fragrance-free with a flexible, tacky surface that grab onto pet hair and doesn’t let go.
Batter Up
I love pancakes but I hate making them. Does that make sense? The prep is so messy and requires so many gadgets. This batter dispenser lets you mix and dispense batter for pancakes, cupcakes, brownies, you name it, right inside the easy-grip container. With a large capacity and the ability to draw patterns with your batter, you’re going to be craving pancakes every morning.
Step Into A Stem Gem
Eating one strawberry is no big deal, but if you need a bunch for a recipe or a party, you’re going to want one of these Stem Gem hullers. You’re about to de-stem strawberries (and other soft fruits and veggies) at lightning speed with this guy, which honestly is kind of fun to use. Your fingers will be protected, too, from errant knife work.
Seal The Deal
If you buy this sandwich sealer, you’ll never again have to hear, “But, I hate crusts!” Make them for home or pack them in lunches, this cut-and-seal sandwich maker works well for everything from peanut butter and jelly to ham and cheese. Plus, these make cool shapes that’ll impress your kids’ friends. Just say no … to crust!
Wipe Out
I liked this whisk wiper so much (after writing about it a few times) that I decided to buy one and I’m so glad I did. Sure, it eliminates that whole “licking the beaters” thing but it also ensures you get the best bang for your buck when you’re cooking or baking. Slide this over your 11-in. whisk and it practically cleans itself.
Have Your Bread Buttered
I live in the South, where bread happens at every meal and butter is its own food group. So, it stands to reason that I’d want a dedicated butter spreader like this handy three-in-one option that creates small curls that won’t tear up your bread when applied. Oh, and I suppose you could use this for anything that needs butter but bread is always the right answer.
A Basket Case
I never have the right colander for whatever I’m doing, either it’s too small for pasta or too large for rinsing fruit. This over-the-sink colander expands and contracts with a simple sliding function so it’s always the right size. Heck, you can even expand it to hook over your sink for a totally hands-free situation. Choose from a variety of colors.
Seal The Deal
Step away from the disposable baggies! This mini bag sealer uses heat to re-seal bags to keep things fresh, eliminating costly baggies that are not great for the environment. Simply clamp the bag’s opening with this sealer and slide slowly and evenly to achieve a factory-like closure. This gadget has a cutter and a magnet built-in for the ultimate in convenience.
You’re On A Roll
I’ve always wanted to try making sushi at home but I just know I’d make a mess. This sushi making kit makes light work of creating your own rolls at home, giving you the opportunity to add the ingredients of your choice. Reviewers rave about this gadget being easy to use. Now you no longer have an excuse to DoorDash sushi rolls.