37 Practical Items That May Not Be Flashy But Are Super Important

Searching Amazon for flashy, fun, and exciting products is always a good time. It's about as fun as online shopping gets. But more often than not, we tend to neglect the practical items that make life tick. Sure, it's not the same as browsing tropical vacation destinations, but there is a simplicity in shopping for essentials that is exalting in its own way. This list of 37 practical items might not feature the flashiest products on the planet, but they are functional. You can use them. They don't just sit in your garage collecting dust — these are the real heavy-hitters that do most of the grunt work. Like tool kits and portable chargers. It's only after you follow-through with the purchase that you'll notice often you use these amazingly practical items that should in everyone's home. Go ahead and start browsing this list of 37 super important items that are practical for everyday use. You won't regret it!

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!

This Tool Kit Will Keep You Prepared For Anything

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Some things are just an unspoken must-have for any adult, and a basic tool kit is one of them! This kit contains the tools needed for most small repairs around the house, so in the event that you need to make a quick or emergency fix, you'll have everything you need to do the job with ease.

Portable Chargers That Plug Right Into Your Devices

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With enough juice to power up an iPhone 8 more than once, these portable chargers are great for anyone who keeps forgetting to plug their phone in overnight. To save a little time, you can also charge them at the same time you're charging your phone — and the built-in lightning connector means you don't have to deal with any messy wires.

This Battery Organizer is Total Genius

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You probably don't think much about your battery organization, but trust - you'll want to after seeing this product. This battery organizer holds all your stuff, from AAA to 9 volts so they're not floating randomly around your house. And it includes a battery tester so you're never left with duds - genius!

These Oven Rack Guards Saved My Arms

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I'm not the most careful person around, add in a little klutziness, and that all adds up to getting burned whenever I try to use the oven! But no longer, since I got these oven rack covers that protect my hands, wrists, and arms from getting singed when I get too close by accident. They're silicone, so they can stand the heat up to 450 degrees F with no chance of melting!

This 12" Phone Screen Magnifier Turns Your Phone Into a Tablet

phone magnifier via Amazon

Give your eyes a break from staring at your phone screen and buy this awesome phone screen magnifier. Simply place your phone behind the screen and transform your phone screen into a mini-TV. Perfect for those who watch a lot of content on their phones and are tired of straining their eyes. Give your peepers a break already!

Portable Cordless Handheld Vacuum Clean Up Mess in an Instant

Cordless handheld vacuum via Amazon

Tidy up tight spaces and dusty corners with this cordless handheld vacuum. The perfect accessory to help you keep your domicile clean, spotless, and ready for company. Don't bring out the broom and dustpan for a simple job you can accomplish with a cordless vacuum. And at this price, you simply can't turn it down. Available now on Amazon's secret bargain clearance section.

This Car Phone Holder Works with Androids and iPhones

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There are many car phone holders on the market, but this holder mount is my go-to because it works with both Androids and iPhones. It's an Amazon's Choice product because of its latest improved vent clip that won't break or drop off the car. So, it's easily and securely attached to most air vents.

This Cooling Bandana for Those Super Hot Work Days

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I'm loving this cooling bandana for drives and jogging in the park. It keeps the sweat from pooling into my eyes or neck, depending on the look I'm going for that day. Its evaporative cooling tech makes it even better than a regular bandana; I find my head feels less fuzzy and I don't become woozy in the heat nearly as much. Great for people who work outdoors, as well.

This Weatherproof Outdoor Smart Plug for Voice Controlled Extension Cords

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Heavy-duty extension cords are a must-have for any smart home and these ones not only have a high energy output, but they're also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo, and Google Assistant. They're also weatherproof to handle the outdoors and that's why they're the only ones I trust.

This Portable Retro Boombox is Handy for Work Days

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The 80s child in me flipped out when I saw these retro boomboxes on Amazon, but it's not just an old-school design with accompanying features. These boomboxes come complete with traditional features like a CD player and radio, but more advanced components like built-in Bluetooth and both AUX and USB modes. As my mom always said, "Everything old is new again." Wonder where my circa-1980s boombox disappeared off to?

Cool Yourself Anywhere With This Mini USB Desk Fan

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You'll never hear me complain about summer, but sometimes it can feel like a sauna out there. The solution? Pop this mini fan into your purse, treat yourself to an iced drink, and give yourself the cooldown you need. Your body will be thanking you.

Noise-Canceling Headphones Will Transform the Quality of Your Sleep

sleep headphonesvia Amazon

Sleep in sweet silence and serenity with these noise-canceling sleep headphones. This device also doubles as a pair of Bluetooth headphones, sleep mask, and headband. Listen to your favorite calming music as you relax into bed without the need for additional headphones. A great bedroom addition and priced at a bargain on Amazon's secret clearance section.

A Surge of Power With This Handy Strip

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It's a tricky dance, that "how can I make everything fit into this surge protector" dance. Do you know it? This outlet power strip completely solved that problem for me by giving me nine AC outlets on three sides as well as two USB ports on the top where they're well out of the way. You also have power surge protection with this device, which will protect whatever you have plugged into it.

This Cleaning Putty is So Useful for Keeping Your Car Clean

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I was never very good at keeping my car clean until recently. It always seemed like a hassle to clean, and every time I'd clean, it'd get dirty the very next day. Now I tend to be a little too OCD about how clean it is. Funny how fast you can switch, right? Well, this cleaning putty has been a lifesaver in helping me maintain cleanliness. I use it for my vents, cup holders, and dashboard. It picks up dust and dirt with very little effort and takes two seconds to use. And since it's reusable, you can use it over and over.

This LED Reading Light For e-Readers

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If you're a big eReader like me, you'll love this Kandle LED reading light. It was made specifically for books and eReaders because it attaches to books and magazines and gives out just the right amount of light. So, if your other half is in bed asleep and you want to stay up reading, this is the perfect gadget to help you read in the dark.

This Emergency Battery-Free Flashlight Powers Instantly by Cranking

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I consider this Battery-Free Flashlight to be a double-winner because it's a fun gift for kids *and* useful for emergencies! Six minutes of hand-cranking gives it enough power to stay lit for an hour, and customers appreciate the built-in carabiner clip.

Stand Up and Applaud for this Laptop Stand and Riser

Laptop Stand via Amazon

Working from home can be brutal, especially when you have to sit all day. Well, now you can enter the standing-desk world with this versatile laptop riser that extends up to 17 inches. Pairs perfectly with MacBooks and Microsoft Surface Pros. Give your back and neck a break and stand while your work. Easy to carry around and travel with too. Make this laptop accessory your new office buddy.

This Smart Night Light is Dimmable via Voice Control

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When I tried out this Amazon Smart Night Light, I installed it in just a few seconds because it plugs into the Echo Flex's USB port and is ready to go. Once set up, it works with voice control so you can turn the light on or off of dim it to your preferential mode. It works with six energy efficient LED lights, so it's easy on your electric bill too.

Light Up Your Space With This Pickup LED Light

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​One of my favorite things about this tool pickup LED light is the fact that its neck is telescoping so you can move it around and fit into nooks and crannies. It's also magnetic, so should you drop anything, like nails, you can pick them up without having to strain your back.

This Magnetic Wristband to Hold All Your Must-Have Gadgets

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My boyfriend loves DIY around the house and fixing up his car, so I bought him this magnetic wristband for him to hold his gadgets while he's working. Now he never wants to take it off and is always outside finding new projects to fix. So, if you're looking for gift ideas, this is a super affordable one.

Prop Your iPad On This Tablet Pillow

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I could not survive without this tablet pillow. O.K., maybe that's a bit dramatic, but I do love it for its versatility. Obviously, you can use it like the picture shows above, but I get the most use out of it in bed at night when I'm reading. Not only does it have multiple viewing angles, but also a metal support bracket and a built-in pocket where you can stash your phone.

Keep In Radio Contact With This Pair of Motorola Talkabout Radios

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If mobile phones aren't working, you'll be relieved to know these Motorola Talkabout Radios can reach each other from up to 16 miles away. They earn high ratings, with one Amazon customer praising them for: "Good sound quality, easy to use."

This Backdrop for Seamless Zoom Backgrounds

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You know how you can add your own photo to your Zoom background? This green backdrop will keep it from being glitchy so that maybe, just maybe, your coworkers will think you're really at the beach. Plus, each order comes with clips to help you hang it up wherever you like.

Perfect Profile Pics With This Selfie Ring Light

Selfie Ring Light via Amazon

This dynamite selfie ring light extends from 13" to 47.5" and can be used either on your table or floor. The perfect ring light for Tiktok, Facetiming, Youtube tutorials, or just to snap a few selfies with studio-quality lighting. More bang for your buck and star-power for your shots! Ideal for online classes and zoom-from-home too. Includes attachments for up to two phones!

Turn Your Mixtapes Into MP3s

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Just the sight of this Walkman-esque gadget transports me back to my childhood ... andddd, it makes me feel super old because I know some of you reading this have no idea what I'm talking about. If you still have cassette tapes in a box somewhere, grab this USB-cassette-player-to-MP3-converter and start bringing all of your tunes into the 21st century. PC- and Mac-compatible software are included as a guide.

This Bug Light Brightens Things Up

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My husband falls asleep earlier than I do, and I like to read a little to help myself fall asleep, but I don't want to keep him awake with a bright light. So I found this handy little bug light that can contort into all kinds of positions to add brightness wherever you need it! This would also be really helpful for camping, trying to locate things you dropped underneath the fridge or in the bottom of a messy purse to find what you need fast.

This Alexa Voice Remote to Watch TV Hands Free

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The future of TV is here with this Alexa Voice Remote. You only need to press one button and then ask Alexa what content you're looking for. Your volume control and mute buttons can also be controlled and it has pre-set app buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. A warning though – you'll be glued to your sofa for hours at a time.

Keep Your Phone Securely Locked with this Bike Phone Mount

Nulaxy Bike Phone Mountvia Amazon

Stable, safe, and secure – even when you're speeding down the bike lane like you're racing the Tour de France. Two silica pads keep your cell phone firmly fastened to your bike. Follow GPS or check your phone without fishing in your pocket. A safer way to travel if cycling is your chosen mode of transportation!

A TV Mount So Easy to Install, You Will Wonder Why You Didn't Buy It Sooner

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This TV mount is a great way to save space in your living room, rather than resting your TV on a cabinet set. If you live in an apartment or just don't have much space, then this is a life-changer. You can also reduce the glare of your TV because it enables it to tilt forward up to 8 degrees. It's super-easy to install as well!

Everyone Needs a Mini Fridge Under $20! Cool, Bro!

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This retro Frigidaire mini-fridge does just as good of a job for — get ready for this — as low as $20. I know, I was shocked, too. Stash colas or even brews in there and keep the party at just a fridge-lengths away.

Get a Docking Station for All Your Devices

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Made from sturdy bamboo, this docking station keeps all your gadgets looking tidy while they're charging. The slots on the bottom let you thread charging cables through, which helps prevent them from becoming tangled. Plus, it can even hold a full-sized laptop without tipping over.

Get Charged On Your Commute

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​How many times have you woken up and realized you forgot to charge your phone the night before? Now you have to make it through a busy day on a four percent charge, and we both know that's not happening. This portable charger will give you juice for your phone on the go without adding a lot of bulk to your purse, bag, or pocket. One reviewer said, "it works great and has enough charge to use consistently for days."

This Power Strip is Actually Attractive Decor

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Power strips are a necessary evil, but they're a bit of an eyesore. But I actually found an attractive one! The wood tones are amazing and can coordinate with your existing decor, so they blend in seamlessly.

This Cell Phone Stand is Great for the Tech Gurus in the House

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Made of durable aluminum alloy, this cell phone stand is a great gift option for all tech gurus. Especially if they also happen to work from home or spend their days sitting at a desk. It's great for viewing videos or looking at texts, plus you can keep your device charging while still using it.

A Bluetooth Speaker, Light and Alarm-in-One Ideal for Dark and Small Spaces

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Whether you've got a cramped nightstand or a small vanity, this little light is probably small enough to fit. Despite its compact size, it boasts a powerful Bluetooth speaker you can use to play soothing music — or even just jam out while you're in the shower. The brightness is also adjustable, and you can switch between 48 colors when setting the mood.

Protect Your Digits With These Cut-Resistant Work Gloves

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When you're pruning or trimming, regular garden gloves aren't going to cut it. You'll do much better with these cut-resistant work gloves to protect your fingers from injury. The special fabric protects you up to 10 times better than regular gloves, and the coated PU palm gives you a strong grip to prevent slipping.

These Smart LED Light Bulbs Can Be Voice Activated with Alexa

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The best thing about these smart LED light bulbs is they are more energy efficient than regular lights. This means they save you money on your electricity bill. Not only do they end up being cheaper, they also work with Alexa so that you can set your lighting up to be voice activated for the ambiance you desire.