My Editor Gave Me $100 - Here's What I Bought

I've wanted an air fryer for years, but with a new baby in the house, I just couldn't justify the extra expense. So when I got this assignment, "air fryer" was literally the first thing I typed into the search bar on Amazon. This one seemed like the perfect combination of affordability, multifunctionality, and compact size (my kitchen is pretty small). With all of that and more than 17,000 five-star reviews, this was a clear winner.

I upgraded to a king-sized bed about a year ago, but in that time, I have only managed to buy one set of king-sized sheets. I don't really know how I allowed such a thing to go on for so long, but this assignment gave me the opportunity to change my foolish ways and buy a second set. These sheets have an absurdly high 1800 thread count, and one reviewer said that they "sleep like a baby every night." I happen to have a baby who hates to sleep at night, so I'm hoping that I at least sleep better than she does.

My three-year-old son and I have recently started a tradition of making popcorn and watching movies on Friday nights, so when I stumbled upon this nifty popcorn popper, I knew it would be something we could enjoy together. I love that I can use as much or as little butter and salt as I want, and the glass design means my son can watch the kernels pop. I can't wait to enjoy some homemade popcorn while watching Cars for the millionth time. And now, for the things that didn't make the cut.

I own a 112-year-old house, and the upstairs bathroom needs some help. Okay, it needs a lot of help, but since I won't be completely remodeling it for a few years yet, I considered buying this showerhead to give it a mini upgrade. I was intrigued by the two-head design, and I always appreciate a handheld showerhead that can detach from the wall. And while the price seems suspiciously low, it gets great reviews with one shopper comparing it favorably to an $80 top-name version. A future possibility for sure.

I live in Wisconsin, and during the winter months, my skin becomes incredibly dry and itchy. I've been on the hunt for a new brand of lotion to try since none of the drugstore varieties seem to make a difference. I've used Moroccanoil hair products in the past and loved them, so this lotion was in my cart for a while before I decided against it. Maybe it's my midwestern thriftiness, but the idea of spending $28 on a bottle of lotion seemed a bit much. Plus, I was concerned that the formula would be too greasy, which is a pet peeve of mine. I may still try it out before the winter is done, though. As I write this, I'm currently scratching my dry elbow skin.

This set was actually my first choice for new sheets, but when added up with my other picks, it put me just slightly above my $100 limit. And while I'm sure my editor would have been okay with it, I refused to sacrifice my journalistic integrity - under $100 means under $100! I was drawn to both the organic cotton fabric and 300-thread count of these sheets. I might just buy them anyway, although owning three sets of sheets seems a bit excessive... right? Stick around for 50 more things we love.

A trivet is one of those kitchen items you don't really think about until you need it -- and when you need it, you really need it. Joseph Joseph's recently released my favorite entry into the trivet world with their nesting Spot-On silicone trivets. Not only do they look great (and, I imagine, are very satisfying to nest and pull apart, over and over again), but they're also heat resistant to almost 500 degrees F, and completely dishwasher safe. And you'll pay less than $10 altogether for the pair.

Constantly losing your keys? Same. But these light switch key hangers have made such a difference, because I always know exactly where they are so I can get out the door without a frantic search!

These KAI Europe Kershaw universal nail clippers make clipping even the thickest nails a breeze thanks to the ergonomic design and super sharp blade. They're perfect for hard-to-cut toenails because it gives you just the right angle to see exactly what you're doing. Great for those with bad backs or are pregnant (or both!) or anyone that wants an easier nail care experience.

I own a set of the Beckham hotel pillows and I love them - along with the other 180,000 reviewers. They're the perfect blend of squishy-yet-supportive, filled with a cooling gel down alternative that gives them that heft you get with fine, high-end pillows. At less than $20 per pillow (and often on sale for up to 40% off) they're a complete steal.

I like to steer clear of single-use kitchen gadgets, so Joseph Joseph's clever 5-in-1 Uni-Tool is a major winner in my book. Constructed from heat-resitant nylon, the Uni-Tool packs a slotted spoon, solid spoon, spatula, turner, and cutting tool into one compact, sub-$10 package. It's a certified winner with nearly 5 stars and 5,000+ reviewers.

Keep your pens, highlighters, and ruler organized with this acrylic desk organizer. Not only does it securely hold writing utensils, scissors, sticky notes, and clips, but it comes in five excellent color options, including lavender, blue, black, clear, and pink.

I'm pretty much an athleisure connoisseur at this point since it's all I wear, and I'd rate these best-selling leggings a perfect 10. The flattering high waist smooths and holds you in, and the "peach skin" fabric is beyond comfortable. With over 70,000 glowing reviews and 25 colors to choose from, you know these are going to quickly become your fave leggings.

I feel like everyone should automatically get this anti-aging eye cream on a certain birthday. I recently started using it, and have noticed a huge difference in my fine lines and dark circles. The customer before and afters are pretty fun to see, too!

This eye gel is a perfect addition to any skincare routine. I wear reusable eye masks with this product underneath it to help soak in during the workday (when I'm not on video calls) or in the morning while drinking coffee. Eye gel always keeps my skin feeling hydrated and fresh.

The kids always seem to need papers stapled together, but we always run out of staples and I forget to buy more. This staple-free stapler is so smart because, duh, it doesn't use staples! It simply holds up to five pieces of paper together with a nifty special punch and saves you from buying more office supplies!

If you're tired of letting your sponge sit in its own moisture (ew) for hours and even days on end, this sponge holder is the "why didn't I think of that?" solution. Keep your sponge standing upright to allow all of the water to seep through it to a handy little cup that you can throw in the dishwasher whenever you need to.

Did you know there's a subreddit where people post videos of popping zits and cleaning their ears? It's both horrifying and fascinating, and the tool that's gotten super popular over there is this otoscope. Regardless of the entertainment value, I like that it lets you see exactly what you're doing when deep cleaning your sensitive ears.

More than 3,000 reviewers sing the praises of Chill Bill, this cute penguin that doubles as a fridge deodorizer. Just fill him with baking soda and set him loose in your fridge or freezer. He won't take up much space, but he will absorb all errant odors. He's even dishwasher safe for easy cleaning between fill-ups!

He's called Al Dente, and he's singing for your supper. Just toss this little 1920s Chicago-style gangster in with your pasta, and he'll belt out a song when your noodles have reached perfect done-ness. He's got a four-song repertoire, depending on your noodles (from Ange Hair to Fusilli, That's Amore to the Godfather Theme). Stop burning your fingers trying to test steaming-hot noodles, and let Al Dente do the work for you.

I let my kids have way too much screen time while I'm working, but I think I found a new way to keep them busy for hours with nary an electronic in sight. This smart wooden puzzle is like an escape room in a box, with 72 laser-cut birch wood parts and can be used with one or two players! When they're done, it can be reassembled to play over and over again.

Never let a work meeting or morning chores keep you from enjoying a warm cup of joe again. This coffee warmer will keep your java warm for up to four hours - and it automatically shuts off, so you don't have to worry about forgetting! Choose from three temperature settings, and take a moment to savor the day.

I have a hard time remembering to take my pills. I've got AM pills and PM pills and I've got quite a few and it can just be too much to remember, but keeping them in this adorable pill container helps me remember and makes it easy to pack them away for trips.

I can't tell you how obsessed I am with this cup rinser that makes dirty jobs easy peasy lemon squeezy. The high pressure water flow quickly cleans out smoothie cups with stuck on debris, latte cups, baby bottles, big water bottles, cocktail glasses, mason jars, whatever you got! And it's engineered to let the water drain out at just the right angle. Installation takes seconds and it's such an upgrade!

With almost 205,000 reviews, this car vacuum cleaner is the top of the heap of car-friendly vacuums on Amazon. Equipped with a 106 watt motor that's powered by your car's lighter, this compact vacuum can take care of any crumbs, dirt, or spills, while its purpose-built detailing kit accessories can clean every nook, cranny, and crevice around your car. Say bye-bye to that withered french fry in the abyss between your seat and center console!

For anyone who loves the bold flavor of French press coffee, but hates the cleanup (and the wait), I present the JoGo. Invented by two nature guides who wanted access to high-quality coffee everywhere, this clever straw filters your coffee or loose-leaf tea as you drink it, making it perfect for delicious brews on the go, without the need for - or mess of - a press. The stainless steel JoGo disassembles for easy cleaning, and works just as well as a non-disposable metal straw. I recently got my hands on a sample JoGo, and it's legitimately awesome. Beautifully made, works perfectly, and incredibly easy to clean.

Don't spend tons at the dentist's office to get whiter teeth - do it yourself in the comfort of your home with this affordable teeth whitening kit. It has everything you need for a brighter smile, from the peroxide solution to the whitening trays with fast-acting LED lights. Best of all, all ingredients are organic, vegan, and 100% enamel-safe. The before and after pics from 8,000+ happy reviewers are unbelievable!

We use this meat masher multiple times a week, on Taco Tuesdays and other nights to get perfectly cooked ground pork, beef, turkey, or chicken. The gadget is so much easier to use than a wooden spoon, which can harbor harmful bacteria, since it's easy to clean, non-porous plastic. You can even use it to mash potatoes or stir batter, too!

I never leave home without something to drink, but that's not always convenient. This flat water bottle has been designed for purses and bags with its minimalistic design. It can perfectly fit into any bag that I own. I never have to worry about carrying around a thick and clunky bottle when I'm on-the-go.

Hand washing dishes can be a pain. This soap dispenser that also functions as a sponge holder makes it so much easier and way less messy. Just fill it with soap and keep it next to your sink for the next time you're cleaning up. It's also super easy to fill and holds 12.5 ounces at a time.

One of my favorite things is a clicky pen! There's just something so satisfying about clicking them while I'm thinking. This amazing case turns your Apple pencil into a cool and funky pen in a snap. It's one of the cool gadgets I've found from TikTok and is one of my attempts at being a "cool kid."

I am admittedly a giant nerd when it comes to fancying up my work notes and planner with colorful gel pens, but don't have any spare desk space to store them. Problem solved with these pencil holders that attach right to my monitor screen! They come in a pack of three, perfect for all your paperclips, mini sticky notes, pens, pencils, highlighters and more!

If you've recently gotten into bread baking or have been churning out fresh loaves for a while, you've gotta see this Lekue bread maker. The unique design lets you proof in the bowl, then put the whole thing in the oven for tender bread with a crispy crust. The special design lets air circulate so the bread stays moist and won't dry out.

Ok, this may be getting too personal, but you know how regular toilet paper doesn't really get you clean, but your plumber's sick of getting calls about flushable wipes clogging your toilet? This toilet paper foam creates instant flushable wipes that are actually pipe-friendly and get you so fresh & so clean. It has witch hazel and aloe to cleanse and soothe, plus comes in a sensitive skin version too for us delicate types.

Maybe I listen to too many true crime podcasts, but whenever I travel solo for business, I make sure to pack this Add-a-lock portable door lock. It couldn't be easier to use and provides an extra layer of security that gives me more peace of mind than a chair shoved under the doorknob. Also great for Airbnbs where you find out the property owner's a bit sketch.

To-do lists can be overwhelming. Make them more manageable with this to-do list that helps you break down your goals. This notepad includes 50 sheets and helps you break down tasks from the most important to the least pressing. With its bright colors and feel-good phrases, you'll feel like you have a friend cheering you on all day long.

Fogged up windshields and side mirrors are more than just an annoyance, they're dangerous for visibility when driving. Nix yours with this $5 window defogging sponge that works so much better than your jacket sleeve. It's also great for general cleaning of your windshield, I know for certain mine is filthy most of the time, so I'm really looking forward to getting this package delivered!

It's time to stop fearing pimples with these Dots for Spot that help heal and reduce redness caused by blemishes. When you notice a spot, place one of these hydrocolloid dots on for six or more hours, and be amazed at how well they work to remove gunk and redness. They're also vegan and free of fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and phthalates.

Whether you're a student or working, highlighters are something everyone needs and this Mr. Pen set has every highlighter you could need. The uniquely sleek highlighter pens are perfect for both highlighting as well as writing. This set of 16 pieces comes with eight pastel colors and eight vibrant colors, all with a no-bleed formula that won't smear. What's so unique about these highlighter pens is that they can actually be sharpened for a finer tip!

Umbra has reinvented the sponge holder, doing away with stiff plastic that inevitably fades, and suction cups that inevitably fail. In its place, they've created a flexible, moldable sling that'll keep your sponge and scrub brushes clean, dry, and mildew-free. You can form the sling to your sink, whether you want it straddling the middle or hanging from your faucet. With all this functionality in a single-digit price tag, you can see why nearly 20,000 reviewers are singing its praises.

You probably have your own makeup application routine, but if you're looking for the product that Amazon customers are most excited about, this set of simple sponges is right near the top. The egg shape is ideal for precision and hard to reach areas, and their high density won't absorb much of your foundation. They're also super easy on the skin, and easy to clean even if you use them every day.

Whether you get some occasional dandruff or you just love the feeling of scalp massages, this is the shower accessory for you. The silicone brush has soft bristles that feel amazing while stimulating blood flow, encouraging hair growth, and cleansing your scalp. You can use it either wet or dry, and its high-quality, BPA-free materials will leave your head and hair feeling incredible.

Editor's Note: I haven't found something that cleans my glasses this efficiently in 28 years of wearing them. These little packs work just as well on phone screens and laptop screens. And you get so many, you'll never have to buy another box.

Sometimes, the simplest products that solve the simplest problems are the ones that you love the most. This magnet might fit that category. It's a reversible magnet for your dishwasher. One side says Clean, the other Dirty. So simple, yet it completely solves one of the most frequent minor inconveniences of at-home life.

Powerstone's ultra-popular pumice scrubber is the inexpensive go-to solution for quickly removing calcium deposits, limescale, rust stains, and more. Just check out the seriously satisfying before-and-after photos from more than 23,000 glowing reviews. The Powerstone even comes with its own storage case to keep things clean and tidy when you're done scrubbing.

Exfoliation is a vital step in self-care, and this boar bristle brush and massager is a top pick. This exfoliator includes nodules intermixed with the bristles to provide a soothing massage as you wipe away dry skin. It's also supposed to help with lymphatic drainage and blood circulation.

Armpits deserve self-care, too. Exfoliate and detox your pits with this coconut and charcoal underarm detox scrub. This is great to use if you're just starting your all-natural deodorant journey or when you feel like your pits need a deep cleanse to remove any buildup. It's also vegan and 100% cruelty-free, so you can feel good knowing no animals were harmed making this product.

Finally, the best leggings on Amazon are available in festive patterns! You've probably already read about our love for Satina's one-size-fits-all leggings, and if not, take a look at the 180,000+ reviewers.

Perfect for the morning after tending to a restless baby all night (or just a bit too much wine), Dermora's 24K gold under eye masks help curb the dark circles that pop up when you're over-tired. They also work against puffiness and dry skin, helping you look your best, even if you don't feel it. They only take 10-15 minutes to use, and each pack comes with 20 pairs of masks.

We currently have a handful of inferior nail clippers floating around the house, but none cut half as well as this Harperton nail clipper set. The pro-grade clippers can shear through even the thickest toenails, helping prevent painful ingrown nails. More than 25,000 reviewers tout their heavy construction, precision cut and ergonomic design that gives you an excellent grip. Life's too short for terrible nail clippers!

Whether it's a reusable water bottle, a slim vase, or a mason jar, we all have vessels that are a pain to completely clean out. With this set of five microfiber brushes, you'll have the perfect solution. They're dishwasher-safe and durable, and with the wide variety of sizes, you're sure to find a brush that'll work well for the job at hand.

If you've got dry, itchy skin or feet that could smell fresher, check out this tea tree body wash. The minty tea tree scent refreshes, while aloe vera and coconut ingredients soothe skin. This stuff's so good it has nearly 25,000 rave reviews right now!

Ironically, dishwashers are one of the most annoying things to keep clean. This Duracare dishwasher cleaner takes care of all that, removing limescale and hard water buildup that can limit your dishwasher's functionality, and destroying remnant grease, which can cause that all-too-familiar odor. Just toss it in the bottom of your dishwasher, run it on a hot cycle, and it'll work its magic. Check out the reviews for some satisfying before-and-afters!

I love the deep, rich flavor from meat roasting, but I don't love dealing with the mess of pouring out the juices and waiting for the fat to congeal on top. This fat separator makes it easy in one step since it automatically filters out the fat! Just pour the meat juices, herbs, and spices in through the strainer lid and watch as the magic happens. You're on your way to more flavorful gravy in no time!

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