Can we talk about everyday tasks? They’re important! They’re essential! They’re … monotonous! I’m leaning mostly toward that last one: Whether it’s cleaning the fish tank or mopping the floor, these are chores that have to be done but holy wow, are they boring, tedious, and hugely uninteresting. Regardless, they have to be done or your kids/spouse/in-laws/pets/neighbors/co-workers will be really disappointed. (How’s that for a guilt trip?)
This list is designed to take those everyday tasks and make them simpler — 1000 times easier if you will. Not because you’re incapable of doing an adequate job as-is but because we should live by the motto, “Work smarter, not harder.” So, I threw 37 gadgets in here that I think will do just that. Want your clothes to stay on the hanger after you put them there? (Novel concept, I know.) Solved. Looking for the best way to get your car squeaky clean? I’ve got it. Removing pet hair from any and everywhere? It’s covered. I even have products that’ll keep your hair blonde, let you exercise while sitting at the computer and throw a gender reveal party with just a few clicks. You’ll slay the everyday with these buys.
Teach a Man to Fish
You know what they say, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him how to clean a fish tank and you’ll never have to do it again.” This deep mesh scooper has a telescoping handle so you can get into all the nooks and crannies and a rust-resistant stainless steel rod. Catch and transfer even the smallest creatures with the sizable mesh net.
Just Hanging Around
The worst part of putting laundry away is hanging stuff up. It seems like I never have enough hangers or the hangers I do have don’t accommodate slippery clothes. This 50-pack of velvet hangers means you’ll have plenty of hangers on-hand and the velvety texture means that everything will stay put and off the closet floor. These have 360-degree swivel hooks and can safely hold up to 10 pounds.
Dinner Is Served
Serving a crowd or just looking for a better presentation? This rustic olive wood cheese and serving board is versatile to use as a cheese board, serving board or charcuterie tray and features a raw bark edge for a natural look. It’s decently sized at 20 inches by 10 inches, so it’s perfect for casual dinners at home or larger dinner parties.
A Balancing Act
You might not think of “sitting” at an everyday task but can you remember the last time you went a day without doing it? … That’s what I thought. This balance disc doubles as a comfy office chair cushion as well as a wobble seat that’ll help improve your abdominal strength, posture and coordination. You can stand on it or sit on it; with a 13-inch diameter, it fits perfectly on most standard-sized sets.
The Clean Sweep
I still have PTSD from a childhood of vacuuming with a two-piece system and a bulky attachment that connected the two. We’ve come a long way, baby, and now we have cordless lightweight stick vacs like this one. It has three power modes and strong suction power but, more than that, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver on carpets and hardwood. Use a short attachment for quick pick-ups, too.
E.T., Foam Home
Nobody ever tells you all of the work having a car will involve: Regular maintenance, insurance, cleaning, and detailing. This foam cannon for a pressure washer levels up your car cleaning, creating that thick, sudsy carwash experience at home. Whether you have a gas or electric power washer, this detailing kit should work and comes with five nozzles, a soft scrub sponge, microfiber towels, spray cannon attachment, and spray bottle with adjustable pressure knob.
Blanket Statement
Fine, trips to the beach and picnics in the park may not be an everyday task for some but others are out and about enough for it to be a realistic possibility. This large beach blanket is durable, has a waterproof backing, and features an awesome built-in strap for convenient carrying. The striped design is classic and once unfolded, can accommodate up to six adults.
No Blonde Jokes Here
You spend a lot of money for the perfect highlights or balayage, don’t wreck it by failing at the proper care at home. This purple conditioner for blondes and those with gray or silver hair remove brassy and yellow tones while detangling, moisturizing, reducing frizz, and repairing split ends. It’s the best way to extend the life of your salon visit for less than the cost of a salon visit.
Main Stash
Raise your hand if you could use more storage options. My hand is up. This outdoor storage box is great for patio furniture, cushions, garden tools, toys, and more in a weatherproof sanctuary that has sealed seams and strong metal poles. This is made from UV-protected, industrial-grade tarpaulin that won’t crack, warp, or leak, and assembles in just 15 minutes.
Be a Fur-minator
If cleaning your space of pet hair isn’t part of your daily routine, I want to know your secret. This pet hair remover roller will clean up all kinds of pet hair from numerous surfaces including sofas, beds, blankets, carpeting, and more. Simply roll the device back and forth to pick up hair. After you open the lid, you’ll find a dustbin you can empty. Easy-peasy.
Break the Cycle
I’m not someone who enjoys exercise but I recognize both the health benefits and importance of it. Sneak in some reps with this under-desk cycle that has eight resistance settings. Whether you’re answering emails or sitting through (yet another) Zoom meeting, you’ll be able to burn some calories with a whisper-quiet machine that has a display that shows speed, time and distance.
Drink Up
Do you drink every day? Wait, don’t answer that. Sometimes you just need a glass of wine or cocktail to unwind after a stressful day. This mixology kit has everything you need to create your favorite concoction from a martini to a Manhattan including a two-serving mixing glass, mixing spoon, muddler, strainer, and jigger. It’s a complete bar in one set that’ll make you look like a whole grown-up.
Take a Stand
There’s plenty of research out there that shows that standing at work can have numerous health benefits, from obesity to diabetes to cardiovascular disease. This mobile standing desk is a space-efficient workstation that has adjustable height and tilt so you can alternate between sitting and standing as you see fit. The eco-friendly top supports up to 130-ish pounds and has a safety ledge to guard against falls.
Get This Party Started
If you’re about to throw your own gender reveal party or you’ve been tasked with creating one for a friend or family member, take the ultimate shortcut and grab this pastel balloon garland kit that gives you both pink and blue vibes. This would also be great for a quick and easy unicorn- or macaron-themed birthday party. You’ll get 96 assorted balloons, 14 accessories, and a manual, all packed in a reusable box.
The Dynamic Duo
Two is better than one — two cookies, two massages, two monitors, you get the idea. This dual monitor stand will give you more monitor real estate so you can view essential files on one while typing on another. This monitor boasts articulating gas spring arms to support your monitors, universal fit, and full range motion for just the right positioning.
Rain Check
You can’t avoid the rain. Even if you try, there are still going to be times you’ll be caught out in it. You need this double-layer inverted umbrella that lets you fold the wet layer under the dry layer to keep your car clean and dry. This has a frosted C-shaped hand grip so you can put it over your arm and still keep your hands free.
A Jarring Experience
You take opening jars for granted until you have some weakness or arthritis in your hands and have to ask for help. This jar opener (you’ll actually get a set of two) mounts under your kitchen counters for an out-of-the-way location. Whether a jar is factory sealed, childproof, tamperproof or just “stuck,” a simple twist with this opener will help you out.
Big Shoes to Fill
Shoe horns might be old-school but they’re also really handy to have around when you’re trying to get those booties on that you haven’t worn since last season. These are extra long (more than 16 inches long, in fact) so you can slip into your favorite pair whether you’re sitting or standing. This set of two has comfort grips and metal rods.
Stick with the Plan
When you’re doing all of these daily tasks where better to keep track of them than with a comprehensive, undated planner? This one from Papercode has plenty of space for plans and creative energy plus an inner pocket, ribbon bookmarks, bleed-resistant pages, a pen loop, and stickers (because stickers are awesome, I don’t care how old you are.) This is a great buy for just $20.
A Real Litter Gitter
Cats are on my list … and it’s not a good list. They’re just so messy and needy and yet standoffish at the same time. These cat litter mats will keep them from flinging litter all over the place, putting it in a space you can easily vacuum or pick up and carry outside. It’s super-sized and has an anti-slip, waterproof bottom.
Don’t Miss the Boat
If you’re lucky enough to have a boat, you’re lucky enough but you already know how much work it can be. These boat scuff erasers are the outdoor cousin of the more popularly known Magic Eraser and work just as well to remove scuffs and marks without harsh, corrosive chemicals. You can use these are all types of surfaces including fiberglass, leather, vinyl, plastic, and more.
Belt It Out
Have you ever seen anybody running who looked like they were having a good time? … Yeah, me neither. You can at least simplify that chore with this running belt, which has built-in pockets for your smartphone, credit cards, ID card, cash, keys, and earphones all in one place. Basically, it’s like having a purse with you without the heft. Choose from eight colors, all with adjustable belts.
Your Bread and Butter
Butter makes everything better and if you don’t agree, you’re wrong. Now that we’ve cleared that up, try this unique storage method — this butter bell crock. Modeled after the original French beurrier, the Butter Bell crock by L. Tremain keeps butter fresh and spreadable for weeks without refrigeration, spoilage, or odors. That’s right … no refrigeration, which seems so wrong but feels so right.
Take It to the Mat
Until you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, the poses are pretty simple. It’s only when you get a little more advanced that the poses become trickier. This yoga mat has 70 poses printed right on it so you can enjoy a yoga practice wherever you are without a teacher, app, or video. It’s also a great size and thickness, which is important for floor work.
Try to Blend In
Let me be clear: I love a good blender. I’ve had a KitchenAid, Vitamix, and the Pampered Chef version and they’re all loaded and great for countertops. But, a portable, personal blender is so versatile that it’s worth having as an option. This one comes in five colors, holds 14 ounces of liquid, and includes a free funnel for adding ingredients and a free teeny-tiny ice cube tray.
Clear the Table
Years ago, my grandparents had TV trays they used while … watching TV. Shocking, I know. Today, a TV tray had better be versatile enough to hold a meal and a laptop. This one holds up to 40 pounds and has size height adjustments and three tilt angles so you can use it while seated or even on the bed at night.
Be Plugged In
Whatever the task is and however often you do it, it’s probably going to require electricity. And, in the 20th century, there are never enough outlets. This wall outlet has six rotating AC plugs and two USB outlets, giving you four times as much space for your gadgets as a traditional wall outlet. This also doubles as a surge protector and keeps a low profile so it won’t stick out too far.
Cool Your Jets
If you don’t bake something every day, are you even living? I’m kidding, of course, but when you do bake, having the right tools makes things a lot simpler. These stackable cooling racks don’t take up much space and can be used for cooking when you’re not in a baking mood. When not in use, these fold flat for easy storage.
Just like Riding a Bike
Have you ever heard someone say that a task is “just like riding a bike?” I don’t know what type of bike they meant but most of the bikes I’ve ridden have been super uncomfortable. This extra-wide padded gel bike seat will be a major improvement on your two-wheeled ride, whether you use it for business or pleasure. And, to be clear, you don’t need to have an extra-wide seat to appreciate an extra-wide seat, if you get what I’m saying.
Weight a Minute
What kind of sadist measures their coffee? I thought the only coffee measurement that applied was “more.” Regardless, this coffee scale will let you precisely measure your ingredients for the perfect brew. You can also use it as an all-purpose digital kitchen scale. Its large LCD screen is handy and the non-slip base will keep it from sliding around while you’re measuring things out.
Smell You Later
Removing pet odors and other stubborn smells can take a lot of patience and money. Skip that annoyance stage and head straight for the Angry Orange odor eliminator, which promises to rid even the strongest linger pet smells. The citrus comes from oil found in fresh orange peels and truly smells like what I imagine heaven will be like. This is completely pet-friendly, too, so no worries about making your furry friend ill.
Open, Sesame
When you need to open a bottle of wine, you need it open — right now. This premium wine opener has an ergonomic design, a double-hinged fulcrum for easy removal, and even a built-in serrated foil cutter. This all-in-one option comes in nearly 20 colors and just looks good. One reviewer said, “This performs better than most corkscrews we have used.”
Mattress Undercover
There are all kinds of reasons you might want to protect your mattresses before something awful happens. They’re plenty expensive and a spill of coffee, soda, or, ahem, bodily fluids can ruin them in a hot second. This waterproof mattress protector has a noiseless surface (thank goodness), deep pockets for big mattresses, and breathable material in case you’re a hot sleeper.
Mop the Floors with These
It’s 2022 and you probably can’t live your life effectively without a Swiffer. I honestly don’t know how any of us even did it before they were invented in 1999. Those pad refills can get expensive, though. These multi-surface microfiber pads fit a Swiffer and are reusable, saving you time and money. You’ll get a set of four (or two or eight) that can be used wet or dry.
Put It on My Charge
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve found myself looking for a charger, I’d have a lot of dollars. Honestly? You can never have too many. This car charger adapter has fast-charge technology and dual ports so two people can charge without a fight or that, “How much battery percentage do you have left?” questioning. At $5 and some change, just buy two.
Full Steam Ahead
I’m going to lose a few of you here but try to stay with me. Imagine life without having to iron a shirt and, instead, steaming it. Crazy, right? This steamer will get it done, though, whether you’re working on cotton, linen, silk, or something else. It has a large capacity water reservoir and delivers up to 15 minutes of steam action, which is usually more than enough.
Cut It Out
How many times have you tried cutting small herbs with a kitchen knife? It’s typically an exercise in frustration. These herb scissors will change your life because instead of one cut, you’re effectively getting five at a time thanks to the multiple blades. This set includes a free cleaning kit, which will get all those stuck-on herbs out from between the blades.