Our homes are full of stuff — kitchen stuff, office stuff, laundry stuff, just stuff. (Sometimes too much stuff, amirite?) Some of it's good, some of it's great and some of it — no doubt — makes us wish we had our money back. What's great about this list is that it's packed full of stuff that — honestly? — you should probably keep around the house all the time.
Take the disposable dishes that I promise will look like you spent a pretty penny on, but that you can chuck in the garbage once company leaves, for example. And, don't forget this itty-bitty put-a-sticker-on-everything label maker that syncs seamlessly with a smartphone app. Yep, this list is chock-full o' goodness. If you can't find something you love here, you must already have all the stuff. (And, we both know that's not the case.) Get your "Add To Cart" finger ready!
We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
Nourish Plants by Sprinkling on Some Joyful Dirt
Amazon
I ordered a jar of Joyful Dirt on impulse, and I'm so impressed! It couldn't be any easier; just sprinkle onto the soil around indoor or outdoor plants. The organic formula contains fertilizer and nutrients to encourage growth.
I Have To Level With You
Amazon
Not going to lie: That photo, with this laser level in use requiring no hands, is basically magic. And, I am here for it. It just makes me want to hang things! Thank the geniuses at BLACK+DECKER for its self-leveling laser and a 360-degree rotating wall attachment. Could you use more hands when you're doing home projects? Of course, you could. This level makes that possible.
Hello, Dolly
Amazon
Here's the thing about a hand truck, which I prefer to call a "dolly" because it's just funny: You don't know how much you need one until you have one, and then you'll wonder how you ever lived without one. The personal dolly can hold up to 200 pounds, has beefy wheels, and folds compactly when not in use. This is your perfect companion for gardening projects and even hauling heavy stuff into your house.
Don't Do Dishes — Throw Them Away
Amazon
These disposable plates have the added bonus of being downright pretty, elegant even. For $30, you'll get 60 plates, including both dinner plate size and salad plate size. And, hey, that's 60 plates you don't have to wash. They're perfect making cleanup go quicker after special events.
This Is A Sticky Situation
Amazon
If you want the path of least resistance for hanging photos or attaching your phone in your car, you need this strong and sticky double-sided tape. No hammers and no nails required and I can attest to the strength of its hold. As one reviewer said, "This tape would probably successfully attach a grown man to a wall." ... Excuse me while I go attempt this.
Take Your Temperature
Amazon
Touchless thermometers have been all the rage over the past 18 months and for good reason. They're quick, reliable, and hygienic. And, let's be honest: We all need a thermometer of some type at our homes for those days when we're feeling under the weather and wonder if we're coming down with a bug. This one has internal memory, a big, bright LCD display, and works for babies to adults.
Steel Yourself For This One
Amazon
Love stainless steel appliances but hate fingerprints and splatters on said stainless steel appliances. It's a true love-hate relationship here. Thankfully, Weiman's stainless steel cleaner and polish work wonders. I especially love the wipes for convenience and always have a tub of them under my kitchen sink. If only I could keep people from touching the appliances at all. That won't work, will it?
Keep Your Cool
Amazon
Florida summers are brutal. Sure, they're great if you're lounging on the beach with an umbrella drink in your hand. They're. not so great if you're trying to get home with perishables from the grocery store and have another stop or two to make. Insulated shopping bags are a no-brainer. Throw them in your trunk and pop them out when you need to keep your cool or, um, your groceries cool.
Keep Things Conditioned
Amazon
I know what you're thinking: "I don't have enough leather to warrant buying this." Fine, I hear you, but consider this: Furniture? Shoes? Handbags? Vehicle seats? Yeahhh, you have more leather than you realize. This leather conditioner gets high marks from reviewers (nearly 30,000 and counting). It restores all types and colors of leather and has been (as a family business, no less) for more than 50 years.
Do The Two-Step (Stool)
Amazon
I could not live without one of these two-step folding stools in my house and here's why. I'm short. Well, I'm not that short, but I'm not 6'3" either. I keep one of these in my closet to get to the tippy-top of shelves and another in the laundry room to get to the tippy-top of other spaces, like my kitchen cabinets. It's lightweight, secure, and stable, and folds up when not in use.
Store It Up, Store It Up
Amazon
Some people are addicted to shoes ... or books ... or nail polish. I, myself, am addicted to storage containers. I cannot get enough. And, you know what? I always find a use for them. This six-piece set is everything you need good storage containers to be: Roomy, with handles and uniform size. Imagine the possibilities in places like your pantry or bathroom closets? Are you dreaming? I am.
Open, Sesame
Amazon
If you've ever said, "Hey, can you open this for me?", I have a product you need. Make that three products, actually. This set of lid openers and seal removers has you covered, whether you're popping open a jar of pickles or trying to get into your second (or third) bottle of wine. You'll get a 6-in-1 can opener, 5-in-1 bottle opener, and 4-in-1 jar opener. Heck, you'll be looking for stuff to open just to use these.
It's A Sneaky Snake
Amazon
These aren't pretty, O.K.? Let's get that out of the way. And, quite frankly, that photo is, well, gross. But, if you've ever needed to clear a drain clog in a sink at 11 p.m. at night, you already know that keeping these drain snakes around is essential. Available in a three-pack of lengths from 19 to 25 inches, these work beautifully to remove hair, food, and other obstructions not visible to the naked eye.
It's A Space Race
Amazon
I have a condition. It's called "chronic over-packer-itis." It doesn't matter where I'm going or who I'm with, I promise you I'll have more clothes than I need and definitely more shoes than I need once I get where I'm going. These storage bags make overpacking a thing of the past because they shrink your stuff, all without the use of a vacuum. This set includes eight bags — four large and four medium.
More Space For Coffee
Amazon
Coffee pods are like potato chips — you can't have just one. Flavor, that is. Who wants to drink the same coffee every morning? Sadists! This coffee pod storage drawer means you can have all the flavors you want, neatly organized right under your coffee pot so it doesn't take up extra room. This version accommodates 36 coffee pods, which should get you through to the weekend.
Extend Your Bedside Table With This Caddy
Amazon
I'll be honest: I felt a little silly buying one of these. Actually, no, scratch that. I felt a little grandmotherly buying one of these. But, can I just tell you how unbelievably handy this bedside storage organizer is? I have a very small bedside table and way too many books and gadgets. This caddy freed up some of my table space while keeping things like the remote and my Kindle within arm's reach.
Get A Swiff Of This Deal
Amazon
I hate mopping. Wait, no, I loathe mopping. But, it must be done. It's a little less painful with the Swiffer WetJet, which doesn't require pulling out a mop and bucket and solution and on and on and on. This box includes everything you need to be a mopping superstar, including the mop, pad refills, cleaning solution, and even batteries. Hey, you might even start to love mopping, but I won't hold my breath.
Stack Up These Microfiber Cloths
Amazon
Are you even a grownup if you don't have a stack of microfiber cloths in a closet somewhere? These are soft, absorbent, and lint-free and come in a variety of colors if you're into stuff like color-coding your cleaning. These get all the thumbs up from Amazon reviewers, one of whom said: "I had read about microfiber rags but did not believe they could be so much better than old rags that I don't have to pay for."
Get Your Pans In Order
Amazon
Nothing will change your cooking game like this cabinet pan organizer rack and I know because I have one. I love it because it can be used multiple ways: Stacked vertically or horizontally and either freestanding or mounted. Maybe the best part is that each pan is easy to grab when you're ready to use it and they're separated so nothing is getting scratched or dinged.
Embrace Labels
Labels are bad, m'kay? But, we're not talking about those types of labels. We're talking about honest-to-goodness labels and I'm not lying when I say this label maker is all that and a bag of chips. It syncs easily with your existing smartphone, so no clunky keyboard to try to type on. The labels print quickly and last forever; I've had my label maker for months and I'm still on the first roll.
Four For The Plug
Amazon
It's 2021. Skinny jeans are out and so are side parts, apparently. And, I'm here to tell you that traditional wall plugs are out, too, especially when you can get a four-pack of smart plugs for just 20 bucks. These function flawlessly with Alexa, allowing you to do things like shut off the lights or crank up the coffee maker with just the sound of your voice. These wifi plugs require no hub to work effectively either.
Let's Chop It Up
Amazon
Don't consider this a kitchen tool of laziness; instead, consider this a kitchen tool of efficiency because chopping up onions and potatoes and such is a miserable, time-consuming task. This Nutrichopper takes all the work out of dicing and slicing and even has a storage container to collect the labors of your efforts. You'll get four different types of cuts with one compact little tool.
Yes, You Can
Amazon
I'm not here to judge you for drinking soda, O.K.? We all have our vices ... mine is coffee. You could be a little more organized with it, though. Instead of stacking packs in your garage or laundry room, grab these front-loading beverage dispenser racks that will clean up your storage space and keep cans cool in the refrigerator. This purchase will get you two, perfect for up to 24 cans total.
Be A Steam Queen
Amazon
I may be 40-something, but I still care what my mom thinks, which is why I invested in a handheld clothes steamer like this one. My idea of "ironing" before that was throwing clothes in the dryer and hoping for the best. Then, I discovered that steaming clothes is almost — dare I say? — fun. This one heats up quickly and has a long 9-ft. cord so you can plug it in just about anywhere.
Crush It With This Mortar And Pestle
Amazon
Confession time: This is one thing on the list I don't have, but feel like I need. This mortar and pestle set in granite offers a hidden feature most don't have, though: It's double-sided to give you just the right surface whether you're crushing spices or mixing guac. Mmm, guac. Sorry, got distracted. Anyway, grab this set for less than $30 and you'll get two free gifts, too: A silicone lid/mat and a wooden spoon.
Take It To The Mat
Amazon
Are you a serious baker or do you have an aspiring baker in your house? This three-piece silicone baking mat set is a must-have for kneading, shaping, and rolling while keeping sticky messes contained. The measurements on the mats will keep you precise and the food-grade silicone is heat-resistant so you can go from the freezer straight to the oven without any damage.
Trust Me, You Need These Tongs
Amazon
I don't know where all the tongs go in my house ... probably to the same place that random socks disappear to. As a result, I find myself buying tongs fairly regularly. (Don't make fun of me.) I like this set of tongs in various sizes (and colors) from Popco. You'll get three-, seven- and nine-inch sizes that are great for precision work or keeping your distance – whatever the situation requires.
It's Draining
Amazon
Let's talk about colanders. They're a must-have for active cooks, but they take up so. much. room. in the kitchen. Voila! Here's the answer: Collapsible colanders that will stack neatly away. Each of these colanders holds up to four quarts of your favorite foods, from fruit to pasta and more. Even better? They're completely dishwasher-safe so you can toss them in and forget about them.
This Nifty Nabber Grabs It All
Amazon
Listen, you don't have to be 80 years old to see the benefits of having one of these nifty nabbers at your disposal. If I had a grabber tool, I could retire my yardstick that's only good enough for knocking stuff out of too-high cabinets and making a complete mess ... which I do regularly, thank you for asking. Extend your reach up to 36 inches and experience what it must be like to be an insanely tall NBA player.
You'll Love This Scale
Amazon
A food scale is a total kitchen necessity for me. I use it for everything from getting weights on meats to achieving precise measurements for baking to weighing packages to take to the post office. (Totally not kidding about that last one.) This one is great for the minimalist hiding in all of us. It's sleek and practical, easy to clean, and takes up virtually no room in your cabinets.
These Straws Suck — Pun Intended
Amazon
Straws have taken a good bit of negative rap recently and it's not hard to see why. Traditional plastic straws are among the top contributors to marine debris globally, and most aren't recyclable given their small size. Reusable straws are a great alternative and this set of 10 for less than $9 is a good starting point. Made of food-grade silicone, these straws will work great in your favorite tumblers.
Soothe Your Skin With This Remedy
Amazon
When they named this product "Remedy Soap," they weren't kidding. Made with tea tree oil, mint, and aloe vera, it treats a variety of conditions ranging from skin irritations and flaky scalp to athlete's foot. And, of course, it cleanses and deodorizes as soap is supposed to do. This purchase nets you two big bottles so you can keep your own and share one if you're nice like that.
Put Your Menu On Display
Amazon
I do really well with meal planning for the first half of the week. Then, Thursday hits and it's all Chinese food this and pizza that. Why do the wheels fall off mid-week? Sigh. This magnetic dry erase menu board is just what the doctor chef ordered. Plan your meals for the week in a place where the entire fam can see them, while keeping your grocery list handy, too.
This Apron Has Your Covered
Amazon
If your mind immediately goes to "Dexter" when you see this item, it might be time to lay off the blood-spattered TV shows. Nevertheless, this waterproof rubber vinyl apron is perfect for a host of scenarios, from keeping grease splatters off your clothes to staying (mostly) dry bathing your furry friends. A removable neck strap pad adds additional comfort and the extra-long ties mean you can loop it around your stomach if you like.
Your Grandma Called — She Wants You To Buy This Grease Saver
Amazon
Did you know you can buy bacon grease on Amazon? I kid you not; here's the link. However, if you're a more old-school, hands-on type of bacon grease catcher, this grease container with strainer will be a big hit. Add flavor to your dishes — eggs, popcorn, biscuits, and more — just like mom did. A hidden strainer keeps particles out of your food and the spout keeps things clean when pouring.
Red Paint Cup, I Fill You Up
Amazon
I love painting. There, I said it. I don't know why. Give me all the baseboards to trim or a roller to get the big jobs done — I love it all. This handy paint cup is ideal for stashing away in your house in preparation for those times when you need to do touchups. It has a built-in magnetic brush holder, an ergonomic handle and can hold up to a full pint of paint at any given time. You'll be looking for excuses to use it.
Take White Noise On The Road
Amazon
I'm fully aware that this product says "mybaby" on it and you should know that I absolutely do not care. I don't have a baby and I still like it. Why? Because I need that white noise when I sleep. When I'm at home, a fan does this trick, but a fan is not exactly convenient to lug around when I'm on the road. This portable white noise machine has four sound options (and yes, some for baby) and an auto shut-off feature.