We're about to get into some real talk here; are you ready? I hate (and I mean Grinch-style hate, hate, hate, double hate, loathe entirely) people who don't do what they say they will. Is it really that hard? If you tell me you're going to send me the file ("Give me five minutes!"), then send it. If you give me the idea that you're going to drop off a dozen doughnuts (and why wouldn't you?), you better show up. If you say, "I'll be there at 5!" Then, for the love of all that is pure and holy, be there at 5 - not 5:15, 5:30 or 5:45. I'll be your biggest fan if you simple do what you say you'll do.
The same goes for products. I hate buying something expecting it to do "ABC" and instead, it does "XYZ." (That's why I've spent half my life reading Amazon reviews. O.K., fine, that may be a slight exaggeration.) But I suspect I'm not alone. We all just want simple, do-what-it-promises buys, don't we? Frothers that actually froth, stain removers that, well, get the stains out, and scrubbers that scrub - and I mean really scrub. So, you'll be pleased to know there's not a stinker in the bunch below; just gadgets and gizmos that really deliver. All you have to do is get them delivered.
Early To Bed, Early To Rise
Is there anyone out there who doesn't want the best night's sleep possible? These luxurious bedsheets are soft, breathable and have deep pockets for even the largest of mattresses. Better yet, they won't break the bank - even the king sets are $30 or cheaper.
Be Your Own Barista
Make 2023 the year you stop paying $7 or more for a cup of coffee. This handy, at-home electric hand blender is perfect for frothing your lattes, matcha teas, hot chocolates and more. And, at just $8 to $11, you're going to save money almost immediately.
Step Into The Light
Has Seasonal Affective Disorder struck in your household yet this winter? This light therapy lamp can deliver vitamin D when you're struggling through another dark and gloomy day. Side effects? Better sleep, more energy and improved focus.
Doggone Good Grooming
Most pets enjoy a good brushing session even if they loathe going to the groomer. This deshedding brush will be their (and your) new BFF. It de-mats and de-sheds, which is good for them, and eliminates shedding hair around your house (good for you).
In The Mix
There are some products that require mixing that you just don't want to use one of your good measuring cups for. These eight-ounce disposable measuring cups are an ideal solution for resin, epoxy and other messy materials.
Go Bananas For These Shoe Deodorizers
Bananas in your shoes might seem a little silly (and messy) at first but when you realize these are long-lasting shoe deodorizers, you're officially in on the joke. Boot bananas work up to 12 months in all types of shoes.
Take Your Temperature
Flu and cold season is upon us, which means you probably need an easy-peasy way to check temperatures of the folks in your household. This no-touch forehead thermometer means you can take temps covertly - even while someone is asleep.
Having A Ball
Soccer but make it hover! These hover soccer balls elevate the typical backyard game to one that can be played anywhere - even indoors. Equipped with foam bumpers, these balls glide and bounce safely off furniture and walls. The light-up function adds a second layer of "cool."
A Flash In The Pan
A flashlight is one of those things you don't think much about ... until you need one and by then it's too late. This two-pack of tactical flashlights is light, durable and compact, able to withstand both drops and water.
Keep It Under Wraps
Whether you're toting garden hoses or extension cables, these storage straps from Wrap-It will not only make it simpler to transport but also easier to keep tidy. Each holds up to 50 pounds and is weatherproof and multipurpose in three sizes.
On Thin Ice
I love a good multipurpose gadget, which you may not readily associate with reusable ice packs until you think about it. It'll tackle coolers at the beach, everyday lunches and even bumps and scraps with ease. These are refillable and lie flat in the freezer.
Just Hanging Around
Sure, you can buy hangers at your local store, but none of them as nice as this 50-pack of velvet hangers. Velvet sounds bougie until you think about how well they "grip" those tops, blouses and dresses, always sliding off traditional hangers. These have 360-degree swivel hooks, too.
Up In The Air (Mattress)
Now that the company is gone for the holidays, it's time to think about how to make their next visit more comfortable. This comfortable air mattress comes with a built-in pump, making it quick and easy to inflate. Choose from four sizes to fit any circumstance.
Table Tennis, Anyone?
Ping-pong became an Olympic sport in the late 1980s so, yes, you can totally call yourself an athlete. This set of paddles and balls comes in a portable case so you can take your game on the road. The flared handle was ergonomically designed for children and adults alike.
Helpful When Cooking With Grease
I'd fry everything if I could ... and it wasn't so darn messy. This splatter shield comes in four sizes for all of your cookware to keep the oil where it belongs - in the pan. Dishwasher safe, the screen itself is made from high-quality stainless steel with an extra-fine mesh that traps oil but lets steam escape.
Rub It In
Is there anyone alive who couldn't benefit from a massage? We've all had a rough couple of months, er, years. This shiatsu massager treats aching shoulders and neck whenever you want. The addition of a heating element makes this one you'll keep handy all the time.
Catch It All
I'll admit, when I'm shampooing, I'll wipe the loose hairs I pull out on the shower wall and forget, then eventually they end up in the drain. This handy shower hair catcher takes care of the stray strands and keeps them from creating clogs that require professional help. The flexible, durable silicone is great at grabbing hair but releases it easily for fast clean-up.
Tame The Junk In Your Trunk
I bought this trunk organizer for my personal vehicle and I could not be more pleased. All of those "things" you need to keep in your car (but have nowhere to stash them) will find a home in this organizer that's bursting with pockets and compartments of all sizes.
Mopping Up
Just say "no" to expensive name-brand products, especially when there are equally great dupes out there for a lot less money. These microfiber mop refills are machine washable and compatible with your Swiffer - for less than $10. These are pet hair-approved, too.
Socket To Me
In full transparency, I have no idea what sockets do or are used for and I don't even have the energy to Google it. Regardless, I'm here to offer this universal socket tool up to you because you're A. Probably smarter than me or B. Might need a gift idea. These have 54 individual pins to fit any project that might come along.
A Bond-Building Hair Mask
I'll never forget the time a stylist basically friend my hair trying to bleach it out. It's under control now, but I went on a local hunt for a hair mask like this one. This bond-building mask nourishes at the molecular level for deeply-conditioned and healthy locks.
Coffee Talk
Cold brew is one of the simplest coffee drinks to not only create but also customize to your liking. This 32-ounce pitcher brews enough to last a while (or two days, if you're like me). You can brew, store and serve right from this handy gadget. The lid gives you an airtight seal.
You're On A Roll
Who doesn't love a self-care tool rolling all over their face? This microneedle derma roller brightens the skin while giving you a healthy glow. Pair it with your favorite serums for even better results.
Good As Gold
All that glitters is gold, especially when it comes to these eye masks that are basically magic. They hydrate, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate puffiness and banish dark circles. You'll look like you slept 12 straight hours even if you only got a solid 40 minutes.
In The Mix
I love nesting bowls, especially in the kitchen where space is usually at a premium, anyway. These stainless steel bowls come in a variety of sizes - from three-quarters to eight quarts so you can mix spices in the smallest one or whip up pancakes for the neighborhood in the large one. The flat bottom helps with stability while you're prepping.
Wok And Roll
Are you ready to wok? I've always wanted a wok pan but just couldn't justify it. This one is stainless steel and comes with a domed lid and bamboo spatula. Of course, it's perfect for stir-fry but it can be used for many dishes, according to one reviewer who said, "My favorite pan that cooks anything."
Make 2023 the year you stop using leftover butter and Cool Whip containers for storage. (Yes, I've been peeking in your windows.) This 24-piece set of glass food storage containers will make you look like a full-fledged grownup with matching lids, good for everything from freezer storage to on-the-go meals.
Get A Leg Up
If you're over the age of 40, something probably hurts - and you have no idea why. This elevation pillow might help with some of it, so long as your issues are below the waist. Elevate your limbs, improve circulation, even relieve pregnancy discomfort with one simple and supportive wedge pillow.
What A Tool
What do you get the person who has everything? The same thing you need to stash in your toolbox or car: This multi-tool that packs everything from a hammer and pliers to wire cutters and a nail file. I love how lightweight and compact this is for those times you don't want to drag out the entire toolbox for a project.
Bathing Beauty
I'm serious about my bath time. I mean, I'm talking, I want total comfort. This inflatable spa cushion (or bath pillow) offers head, neck and back support that attaches simply with the included suction cups. Air-mesh technology ensures your cushion dries thoroughly between uses.
Check Out Your Ear
If you've ever wondered what the inside of your ear looks like (and why wouldn't you), now you can stop wondering. This ear cleaning kit comes with a camera so you can check out what's going on in there and plenty of tools to rid your ears of wax that could be causing you problems. This one has a near-perfect five-star rating on Amazon.
Smell Ya Later
I know there's at least one pair of shoes in your house that would drop a grown man if he were to smell them. (What? I didn't say they were your shoes.) Drop a hint with this shoe deodorizer spray that tackles both smelly shoes and stinky feet. This spray outperforms the others with seven essential oils and 11 beneficial herbs.
Shower Power
Bathing wriggly (and slippery) babies and toddlers is hard enough under the best of circumstances. This elephant-themed water pump and rinser turns anything into a miniature shower - whether they're in an infant tub or sink. You'll appreciate it's one-handed operation most.
Your Best Foot Forward
My desk posture is the worst, but, hey - at least I know it. An ergonomic foot rest that slides under your desk will help by aligning your spine and straightening your posture. A detachable bottom lets you customize to your best fit.
A Royal Stain
They targeted this one toward messy eaters but, let's be honest, it's not just food stains you have to worry about with infants. This non-toxic stain spray earns high marks for removing stains for clothing, carpet and even toys. Just grab that three-pack and thank me later.
Weight For It
O.K., so this blanket doesn't glow in the dark (bummer) but it is weighted just right for smaller bodies to help with soothing anxiety for a better night's sleep. It has a bamboo side for cooling and a minky side for snuggling.
Pop It Like It's Hot
Colanders are the space-sucking vampires of the cooking world. These colanders are collapsible, though, freeing up your cabinet space while still giving you the tools you need to rinse, wash and strain. Snap it down and hide it away when it's not in use.
The Splat's Where It's At
Butter your taste or get the last remnants of peanut butter from the bottom of the jar with this spatula that's perfect for scooping and scraping. And, that's no bill, er, bull.
The Perfect Mask
Do you have blonde or silver hair that needs a little bit of extra help? This purple hair mask is your SOS in a jar. It neutralizes brassiness to keep your extra icy while also intensely hydrating it. Blonde hair, do care? Then, you need to try this one.
Cut The Cords
I loathe cords everywhere so sometimes I just want to whip them into shape. These cable clips (a pack of 28!) let you keep your cords and wires managed in an aesthetically pleasing manner. You'll get four different sizes.
All Bottled Up
Make this the year you stop spending money on throw-away water bottles and invest in this filtered water bottle that'll actually make you want to stay hydrated. This holds 20 ounces and fits perfectly in most cup holders.
Store It All Away
These bins come in a set of two, and can each hold up to 12 pairs of shoes. This is perfect for storing out-of-season foot ware, or any items that you won't need to access immediately.
Make Some White Noise
This is the year you take back your best night's sleep, starting with this white noise machine that'll drown out the snoring right next to you. Enjoy six soothing sounds and an auto-off timer in a package that works with batteries or plugged in.
You Are The Highlight Of My Life
I've been out of school for a hot second, but there's something about school supplies that still revs my engine. These gel highlighters are no-bleed (making them perfect for thin pages) and come in 12 colors in case you're feeling fancy.