Life
27 Genius Things On Amazon For People Who Are Practical AF
For me, the biggest sign of adulthood was a sudden obsession with practical products on Amazon. Instead of asking for gel pens and neon inflatable furniture for my birthday, I started asking for humidifiers, brilliant cooking tools, and innovative belts. If it serves multiple purposes, solves an everyday problem, or recharges using a USB port, I'm all over it. If it shows up on my doorstep within two days of ordering it, I'm even happier.
Experiences, like doing my own laundry, shopping for my own food, cleaning an apartment, packing up a space, and re-packing up a space have all taught me one valuable lesson: less is more when you're trying to adult. The fewer useless glass figurines you have to dust on a Saturday morning, the happier you'll be with your life. When you've got one charger for all your devices, your vacation goes a lot more smoothly. If you can miraculously reseal an open chips bag, your grocery money goes a hell of a lot further.
Basically, a practical purchase means less time doing chores, fewer items collecting dust, and more money in your wallet. If you value practicality like I do, then these genius things on Amazon can make a huge difference in your day to day routine.
1. This Durable Shower Curtain That Has Built-In Mesh Storage Pockets
Maytex Pockets Shower Curtain, $21, Amazon
When you've got limited space in your bathroom, the Maytex pockets shower curtain changes everything. It's made with nine mesh pockets that hold bottles, sponges, razors, or anything else, and they filter out water to reduce mold and mildew.
2. This Brilliant Air Freshener That Uses Charcoal Instead Of Harmful Chemicals
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, $19, Amazon
The Moso air purifying bag doesn't use fragrances, harmful chemicals, or toxins to remove odors in your home. Instead, it uses super absorbent activated charcoal that soaks up smells, allergens, and excess moisture. You can reuse it for up to two years, and it's great in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, cars, and closets.
3. The Water That Cleanses While It Removes Makeup
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Water, $9, Amazon
Finally — a cleanser that effortlessly removes makeup, deep cleans, and protects the fragility of skin. Bioderma Sensibio H2O uses a dermatological micellar water with fatty acid esters, which are really similar to the skin's natural cell membrane. Reviews say it's non-irritating and practically magic: "It takes off every drop of makeup effortlessly (even waterproof!)"
4. This USB Travel Blender That Lets You Make A Smoothie Anywhere
TOWABO USB Juicer Cup, $40, Amazon
Buy fruit on your lunch break and turn it into a delicious smoothie with this portable TOWABO juicer cup. It's powered by USB, can makes juices, shakes, and protein drinks straight into the travel cup — and can even charge your cell phone in an emergency. "I use it twice a day and so far it has not let me down," comments one reviewer. "I've been using frozen cherries, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, papayas, berries, almonds, cashews and it has not given me any troubles."
5. These Rechargeable Batteries That Never Run Out Of Juice
Smartoools USB Rechargeable Batteries, $11, Amazon
Almost everything works on USB now, but for the things that don't, these Smartoools rechargeable batteries save you time and money. They come with four AA batteries that you can recharge up to 500 times via USB, so your game controllers, remotes, and wireless mouse will always have their batterie
6. Turn Any Standard Water Bottle Into A Humidifier
Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier, $25, Amazon
This compact and convenient humidifier converts any standard water bottle into a cool-mist water tank. It's cordless, lightweight, and works on batteries or USB, so you can purify and improve your air in the office, in hotels, or on planes. It also has automatic shutoff when the water runs out of the bottle.
7. This Multifunctional Kitchen Tool That Makes Prep Simple
Joseph Joseph Rinse and Chop Cutting Board, $11, Amazon
This three-in-one Joseph Joseph board lets you rinse your vegetables, chop them, and funnel them into your pan or salad bowl without spilling. It's got a non-slip folding design that turns into a convenient colander, and because it's dishwasher safe, clean-up is a breeze.
8. This Gadget That Reseals Open Bags
Willismart Handheld Bag Resealer, $18, Amazon
Keep chips, vegetables, and groceries fresh no matter what with the Willismart handheld bag resealer. It's a USB-rechargeable tool that uses heat to recreate an airtight factory seal. It's also magnetic, so you can store it on your fridge.
9. A Mesh Backpack That Filters Out The Sand
Sand Away Backpack, $19, Amazon
If you spend a lot of time at the beach, this backpack is a brilliant invention. It's made from a lightweight and quick-drying mesh, so all you need to do is load your stuff and shake it, and all the sand comes out. It's also good for gym equipment that needs ventilation, and it comes in three cool colors.
10. This One-Click Butter Cutter That Makes Things Easier
One Click Stick Butter Cutter, $11, Amazon
Slice cool butter in even pats with this easy butter cutter. It's made from plastic and durable stainless steel, is dishwasher safe, and can be stored in the refrigerator. Basically, every time you need to butter bread, corn, or pancakes — click of this tool once and it delivers one teaspoon of butter.
11. The Bulb That Helps You Fall Asleep
Sleep-Ready Light Bulb, $20, Amazon
Unlike regular bulbs that keep you awake with blue light, the Sleep-Ready light bulb uses only a soothing amber glow that emits specific wavelengths. This promotes melatonin production (the sleep hormone), which means that it's easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. One reviewer writes: "I can definitely tell a difference when I start blocking the blue light...I start feeling progressively sleepy beginning about 30 minutes later. If you have issues with insomnia, I definitely recommend you try this bulb!"
12. This Notebook That You Can Reuse
Rocketbook Everlast Smart Notebook, $34, Amazon
If you go through notebooks like nobody's business, the Rocketbook Everlast smart notebook can save you time and money. It's got 36 reusable pages that look and feel like paper, but when you need more space, you can just wipe them clean. In one click, you can blast your notes to Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, OneNote, Slack, iCloud and email, and it even comes with one special Pilot Frixion line pen.
13. The Tabs That Keep Socks Paired Up When You're Washing Them
14. The Travel Pillow That Blocks Out All The Light
Lights Out Travel Pillow, $30, Amazon
This travel pillow doesn't just keep your neck comfortable, it comes with an attached hood for your head and a shield for your eyes to block out any light. Great for people traveling on a bus or train, it has drawstrings attached to create the perfect fit, and the hood can be removed for easy washing.
15. This Futuristic Coffee Mug With A Built-In Coaster
Floating Coffee Mug, $15, Amazon
In addition to looking really cool, this floating coffee mug is the most practical of all coffee mugs. Why? It's microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and never needs a coaster. Condensation and drips collect in the bottom portion, meaning no more rings on your table or desk.
16. Unshrink That Wool Sweater That Accidentally Ended Up In The Dryer
Unshrinkit, $12, Amazon
Don't throw out that now-toddler-sized sweater just yet. Unshrinkit is a hand-safe formula that apparently provides gentle and effective stretching for shrunken wool items that accidentally ended up in the dryer. "Amazing product!" says one reviewer. "I wish I had taken a before and after!"
17. These Bamboo Sheets That Are Insanely Easy To Care For
Zen Bamboo Luxury Bed Sheets, $31, Amazon
Because they're hypoallergenic, super durable, and resistant to wrinkles, dust mites, stains, and bacteria growth, these Zen Bamboo luxury bed sheets have reviewers raving. They're also way softer and more breathable than cotton, and come in tons of different sizes and colors.
18. The Charger That Zaps Away Bacteria And Viruses That Collect On Your Phone
PhoneSoap 2.0 UV Sanitizer, $37, Amazon
As seen on Shark Tank, the PhoneSoap 2.0 uses a UV-C light to kill bacteria, viruses, and germs on the surface of your phone. It now fits larger phones, and even charges your device in the five minutes it takes to disinfects — but you can leave it in there overnight.
19. This Water Bottle That Holds Medication
Daily Pill Box Organizer With Water Bottle, $13, Amazon
Whether you take daily medications or vitamins, this water bottle has a pill organizer attached to the side of it — which will save lots of room for people who travel a lot, or are always on-the-go. Reviewers love that it helps them remember to take their medication, and that the bottle doesn't roll around when on its side.
20. This Wall Mount With Flip Down Hooks
Umbra Flip 8-Hook Wall-Mount Rack, $45, Amazon
This wall rack is great to hang up in your bathroom or living room — it has hooks that will hold towels or jackets — but the hooks flip up to save space and keep things from getting too cluttered. Each hook holds up to five pounds, and reviewers particularly love it for places that don't have a lot of space.
21. The Alarm That Wakes You Up With Vibrations
iLuv Smartshaker 2, $30, Amazon
If you and your partner have different sleeping schedules, or you just have trouble hearing your alarm in the morning, consider the iLuv Smartshaker 2. Simply slip it under your pillow and you'll wake up to vibrations — it's got three strengths, and you can connect it to the mobile app for easy programming.
22. The Candles That You Won't Have To Worry About
Flameless Candles, $18 (Set of 3), Amazon
These flameless candles are made from real wax and have LED lights that flicker just like real flames — making them a more practical, safer alternative to candles. They've also got a timer to set when you'd like to turn them on and off, and a remote control to allow you to place these in more hard-to-reach areas.
23. The Hooks That Help Keep Your Earphones In Your Ears No Matter What
Earhoox 2.0, $10, Amazon
Trouble keeping your Apple earpods or airpods in your ears? Earhoox 2.0 are durable, soft, and comfortable silicone hooks that keep them in your ear during particularly intense workouts or commutes. Each set comes with one large and one small pair, and they're waterproof for the most demanding of activities.
24. The Belt That you Don't Have To Take Off To Pee
FreeBelts (S-L), $26 , Amazon
Stop the buckle bulge, the flap, and the uncomfortable fit with FreeBelts. They're easily adjustable to all sizes, and use snaps on either side of your fly instead of a buckle. That means that once you put it on, you don't have to take it off all day — even to go to the bathroom. They even come in multiple colors, too.
25. This Cleaning Gadget That Washes And Dries Your Brushes
Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner, $50, Amazon
Because makeup brushes are absolutely loaded with bacteria, there's this Luxe makeup brush cleaner to get rid of all that gunk. It uses three levels of agitation to get rid of germs and build-up, it's USB rechargeable so you never have to worry about batteries, and it dries them, too.
26. These Shelves Help You Pack Your Suitcase The Smart Way
Travelon Packable Shelves, $35, Amazon
Hang these Travelon packable shelves on a pole while you load in all your essentials. Then it collapses into your suitcase, and when you reach your destination, you can hang them up again. Not only do the two shelves and one zippered compartment keep everything organized, but they ensure that you don't have to dig through your whole suitcase every time you need something.
27. The Cutting Board Perfect For Small Kitchens
Over-the-Sink Strainer Board, $30, Amazon
This genius over-the-sink strainer board is for the practical person with limited counter space. It turns your sink space into an area for cutting and prepping, and it has a collapsible silicone strainer so you can just push your veggies in, wash them, and let them drain.
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