When you review Amazon products for a living, you invariably end up with a lot of Amazon products — but some are way better than others. Out of the thousands of items I’ve bought and tested, I still reach for a select few clever things all the time. Other people even notice them, resulting in compliments and the inevitable “Where can I get that?” Below, you’ll find some of my go-to Amazon finds as an e-commerce writer, plus dozens of other favorites from Mic editors.
These soft, waterproof slippers I wear every waking minute
BRONAX Cloud Slippers
I wear these cloud slippers every waking minute around the house — and after my boyfriend slipped them on to take out the trash, he wanted a pair, too. Since they’re made from thick EVA foam, they feel like supportive, lightweight pillows. They’re also waterproof, so you can wear them out in the yard and easily rinse them clean.
- Available sizes: 4-5.5 — 15-16
- Available styles: 15
This compact white noise machine that I never turn off
LectroFan Micro2 Non-Looping Sound Machine
I have not turned off the LectroFan Micro2 since I got it three years ago, and everyone who walks into my bedroom asks, “What’s that soothing sound?” This portable white noise machine has 11 non-looping sounds to lull you to sleep, but it also doubles as a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker with a rotating head to direct your music in any which way.
- Available styles: 2
This repair kit that fuses cracked nails back together
Karlash Nail Repair Kit
Whenever anyone compliments my long nails, I send them a link to this nail repair kit. Together, the gel resin and clear dip powder fuse the nail back together to fix chips and cracks, so you can keep growing them out — and it lasts weeks despite moisture, wear, and tear. The set also includes a buffer and nail file.
- Available styles: 2
These ceramic box cutters I keep all around the house
Slice Mini Box Cutter
I keep these mini box cutters all around the house — especially on the fridge thanks to their magnetic design. The ceramic blade slides out to safely open boxes, bags, packages, plastic containers, and more. They’re much more convenient than scissors and way better than damaging my kitchen knives.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 12 Pack
- Available styles: 2
This scraping tool I didn’t know existed but now can’t live without
Scrigit Scraper (2-Pack)
The Scrigit Scraper is one of those things you had no idea existed, but once you try it, you won’t be able to live without it. I reach for mine constantly to remove stickers from glass, scrape off residue, and get gunk out of tight places. Each one is made from durable, scratch-resistant plastic and has a double-sided design for varying tasks.
- Available sizes: 2 Pack — 5 Pack
This pop-up party tray that holds 3 tiers of food
Masirs Collapsible 3-Tier Party Tray
My house is extremely small, but I still love to entertain. This collapsible tray is easy to store granted it twists flat and secures in place with a magnet. That said, when it’s time to party, its pop-up design holds three tiers of snacks, appetizers, and desserts to save space on the table — and my guests always comment on it.
- Available styles: 2
These over-the-door hooks that seriously come in handy
iDesign Over-The-Door Plastic Dual Hook Hanger (3-Pack)
I use these over-the-door hooks to hang towels and air-dry my dresses, bras, and more — especially since each one has two tiers. When my boyfriend’s mom stayed over and didn’t have anywhere to hang her clothes, I simply slipped one off my door and moved it to another. She asked me to send her the Amazon link.
- Available sizes: Set of 1 — Set of 3
- Available styles: 4
These colorful smart bulbs I can control with my voice
SYLVANIA Wi-Fi Smart Light Bulbs (4-Pack)
Every time my guests hear me say “Alexa, turn on the living room lights,” they want to know where I got these smart bulbs. In addition to controlling them with my voice using my Echo Dot, I can also use an app on my phone to set automatic schedules, dim or brighten them, and choose between millions of color options — no hub required.
- Available styles: 4
This sleek rechargeable lamp that doesn’t require an outlet
QiMH Battery Operated Table Lamp
Got a dark, empty corner without any power? “This rechargeable lamp is great for weird spots without access to an outlet,” said Mic editor Lauren Beach. “It looks really nice in person, too.” The battery is designed to last up to 40 hours, the three lighting modes let you adjust the brightness, and the cordless, touch design is sleek and modern.
- Available styles: 5
This light-up compact mirror that’s bright & portable
Kintion Pocket/Purse Mirror
“This little mirror is so bright and I constantly have people asking where I got it,” said Beach about this battery-operated LED compact. It comes in tons of color options and has both one and three-times magnification mirrors, plus it’s pocket-sized for portability.
- Available styles: 13
A tiny Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch
EWA Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker
This mini Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and ultra-portable with a rechargeable battery that lasts hours — all without compromising on sound quality. “I took this speaker on a trip and multiple family members ordered it after hearing how great the sound was,” said Beach.
- Available styles: 4
This mighty little fan that’s portable & rechargeable
Gaiatop Portable Handheld Fan
“I took this fan on a family trip recently, and everyone on the trip asked for the link. It was super hot outside, and this mighty little fan was passed around to keep everyone cool,” said Mic editor Allison Bolt. Its USB-rechargeable battery lasts hours on end while its foldable base triples as a travel case, handle, and stand.
- Available styles: 7
These discreet flying insect traps that “genuinely work”
Zevo Flying Insect Trap
According to Bolt, these flying insect traps “genuinely work, and while guests might not notice them on the walls, they do notice and comment on how gnat-free my house is — even in the months when everyone is battling flying insects.” Just plug one into a free outlet, and the UV light will attract insects to the replaceable sticky cartridge.
- Available styles: 6
This stone sink tray that dries in seconds
Razborci Instant Dry Sink Caddy Kitchen Sink Organizer
“Everyone that comes over compliments this soap tray by my kitchen sink because it dries so quickly and keeps water off of the counter,” said Bolt. Since it’s made from absorbent diatomaceous earth stone, “you can drip water on it when you grab soap and watch it disappear while you're washing your hands,” said Bolt — plus it’s stylish, non-slip, and roomy enough for multiple items.
- Available styles: 3
A cord-free portable phone charger that’s a “game changer”
iWALK USB-C Portable Charger
“This portable charger is so compact and the fact that I don't have to deal with any cords is a game changer,” said Mic editor Anna Anderson. It plugs right into the bottom of compatible USB-C devices, has a 4800mAh battery, and tells you how much power it has left on its digital screen.
- Available styles: 6
These dual-sided sponge scrubbers from Scrub Daddy
Scrub Daddy Sponge Daddy (4-Pack)
“Besides not getting that spongey smell (they dry so fast), these scrubbers actually make doing the dishes easier because they glide just a bit more easily across surfaces,” said Anderson. The dual-sided design has soft foam on one side and Scrub Daddy’s famous temperature-adaptive FlexTexture on the other. Plus, they’re color-coded to prevent cross-contamination.
These glass food containers that elevate your kitchen
ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Canister (4-Pack)
“No matter what you use these storage containers for, they'll make your kitchen look so much nicer,” said Anderson. The sets come in tons of shapes and sizes to organize your whole pantry, and they’re made from glass with airtight wooden lids for style and freshness.
- Available sizes: 20oz — 73oz
This brilliant paper towel holder that’s magnetic
DELITON Magnetic Paper Towel Holder
“Need a place to put your paper towels that isn't on your counter? This magnetic paper towel holder gets them out of the way by putting them on the fridge,” Anderson said. Since it’s made from stainless steel with a sturdy magnet that spans the whole base, you can also mount it to a microwave, workbench, or grill — and it comes in six colors to match your fixtures.
- Available styles: 6
This ceramic pet bowl with a non-slip raised base
DDOXX Raised Cat Bowl
Mic editor Jen Fiegel said: “My cat's collection of ceramic food and water bowls is easily the most complimented-on thing in my house.” This one has a raised base that prevents tipping and makes for more comfortable eating and drinking. It holds 10 ounces and is suitable for cats and small dogs.
Some silicone placemats with plenty of potential uses
Cuddle Campus Silicone Placemats (3-Pack)
These silicone placemats are “cute and dishwasher-safe,” said Fiegel, who uses them “under the cat bowls.” That said, since they’re roomy, heat-resistant, non-toxic, and non-slip with raised edges to prevent runoff, you can also use them for crafts, baking, and messy eaters.
- Available sizes: Medium — Large
- Available styles: 10
These extra-wide steel straws for shakes & frozen drinks
Vinaco Stainless Steel Smoothie Straw (4-Pack)
“Extra-wide straws are a must for frozen drinks and shakes,” said Fiegel, who recommends these ones made from stainless steel. They come in a set of four (both straight and curved), plus they’re dishwasher-safe and include a flexible brush for easy, thorough cleaning.
- Available sizes: .24” Wide — .4” Wide
- Available styles: 4
This mandoline slicer that’s actually safe to use
ONCE FOR ALL Safe Mandoline Slicer
Mandoline slicers are efficient and convenient for food prep, but they’re not the safest of kitchen gadgets. Fortunately, Fiegel found this one, which keeps your fingers far away from the interchangeable blades with a push handle and a plastic tube. It slices, dices, and juliennes, plus it collapses for compact storage.
- Available styles: 6
These iron-on snaps that’ll keep your duvet insert in place one & for all
HX AURIZE Duvet Snaps (16-Pack)
If your duvet insert bunches up into one corner Fiegel recommends these brilliant duvet snaps. They iron onto your bedding and snap into place to prevent the duvet from shifting around inside its cover. Since they come in a pack of 16, you can secure multiple duvets — or your sheets.
This deodorizing spray that “works shockingly well” on tough gym equipment
HEX Performance Deodorizing Spray (2-Pack)
Using a formula that penetrates synthetic fibers to neutralize bacteria, HEX deodorizing spray is designed to eliminate unwanted odors on yoga mats, shoes, activewear, and fabric — without an overpowering fragrance. “This stuff works shockingly well, even on impossible-to-clean gym equipment like boxing gloves,” said Fiegel.
- Available styles: 2
These chargers that split off into 3 different plug types
DISON Multi Charging Cable
These multi-charging cables are another gadget Fiegel reaches for all the time. Each one is 4 feet long and splits off into three plugs: type-C, micro USB, and IP port, so you can charge all types of devices with one cord. They’re also made from aluminum and woven nylon for flexible durability.
- Available styles: 7
These pull chains that are both cute & functional
Ceiling Fan Pull Chain (2-Pack)
Fiegel also recommends these pull chains so you never again have to guess which cord controls the light and which cord controls the fan. One has a frosted glass bulb and the other has metal fan blades, but they’re both extra-long, adjustable in length, and designed to be both cute and functional at the same time.
- Available sizes: Basic 12 inch — Lengthened 24 inch
- Available styles: 4
A wooden coat rack that’s sturdy & size-adjustable
ZOBER Coat Rack
No coat closet? No problem. Fiegel recommends this free-standing coat rack, which is size-adjustable and assembles without tools. It’s made from wood and has six hooks to hold your jackets and accessories, plus it stands on three sturdy legs to prevent tipping.
- Available styles: 5
These wooden hangers that look elegant & prevent wrinkles
ZOBER Wooden Hangers (20-Pack)
“Velvet hangers are great for saving space, but if that's not your primary concern, wooden hangers look so elegant and I find that they're better at reducing wrinkles,” said Fiegel. These come in four color options, all with a metal hook that rotates 360 degrees and deep notches that prevent your clothes from slipping off.
- Available sizes: 10 pack — 30 pack
- Available styles: 4
This travel jewelry organizer that thousands of buyers love
Benevolence LA Travel Jewelry Organizer
Fiegel is one of thousands of Amazon buyers who use and love this travel jewelry organizer. Covered in velvet and lined with felt, it has all types of compartments, rolls, and hooks to organize your necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings — plus a divider flap with a built-in mirror.
- Available styles: 9
These tablets that fertilize your plants without guesswork & measuring
INSTANT BIOLOGICS Houseplant Fertilizer & Indoor Plant Food
“These are so handy and easy to use, especially if you have plants in an office,” Fiegel said about these plant fertilizer tablets. Each one dissolves in water to give your house plants a 4-3-6 (N-P-K) boost of nourishment without mixing or messes. You can also place them inside self-watering pots.
This cute, practical plant holder for propagation
Ivolador Wall Mounted Hanging Plant Holder
Fiegel called this wall-mounted plant holder a “practical and cute solution for propagation.” Each terrarium includes a wooden frame with metal brackets for easy hanging and five glass test tubes to grow your hydroponic plant babies.
- Available sizes: 2 tubes — 5 tubes
- Available styles: 3
This bandage bumper sticker that covers up dings & scratches
Rogue River Tactical Bandage Bumper Sticker
This bandage bumper sticker covers up dents, dings, and scratches with humor and easy-to-remove vinyl. “It’s a little ridiculous but I have some bumper trauma and this makes me feel better about it — people get a chuckle out of it too,” said Mic editor Cassandra Seale.
These embroidered mesh socks that elevate your outfit
Yomutiur Sheer Socks
If you’re sick of choosing between no-show socks that won’t stay put and skipping the socks altogether, this one’s for you: “These are great quality and an easy way to elevate an outfit,” Seale said about these sheer socks. They’re made from stretchy mesh with embroidered designs that look adorable alongside flats, sneakers, and Mary Janes.
- Available styles: 4
This activated charcoal deodorant that smells fantastic
PiperWai Natural Deodorant
This natural deodorant “smells herby/woodsy and fantastic, and I've been told so,” said Seale. It’s aluminum-free and instead uses activated charcoal to neutralize odors — plus it’s clear, stain-resistant, sensitive-skin friendly, and melts in without leaving a residue, according to reviewers.
- Available styles: 4
This rechargeable cat toy that chirps & flaps its wings
Potaroma Flapping Bird Toy
“My foster cat loves this active little birdie!” said Seale. The toy is rechargeable and touch-activated, so when your cat engages, the bird will flap its wings and make chirping noises. (Because of the chirping, however, Seale recommends that you switch it off at night.)
- Available styles: 2
Or this interactive toy that keeps kitties entertained even when you’re not home
ORSDA 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy
Seale counts “compliments from cats as valid,” hence the recommendation for this three-in-one interactive cat toy. With pop-out feathers, rolling balls, bright colors, and sounds, “this toy has enough going on that it truly keeps kitties entertained. You can set it to turn on every three hours which is great for days I'm not home,” said Seale.
- Available styles: 7
This well-designed phone stand that folds up for travel
Lamicall Foldable Phone Stand
“This phone stand genuinely is so cool, and I love folding it down and putting it away on planes and out and about. A bunch of people have asked me where I got it!” said Mic editor Amy Biggart. It has a slip-resistant base, a universal design that fits most phones, and a cut-out to accommodate your charging cord.
This food storage container set that nests neatly, lids & all
Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set (10 Pieces)
According to Biggart, these nesting food storage containers are worth every penny: “They're so great, and I love that the lids nest too!” Each set includes five BPA-free, microwave-safe containers with capacities that range from 1 cup to 12.5 cups, plus the airtight clasps on the lids create a satisfying ombre effect when stacked.
- Available styles: 2
These Japanese pens that you won’t want to lend out
Muji Gel Ink Ball Point Pen (3-Pack)
“These are hands down my favorite pens I've ever used,” said Biggart. “I try not to lend them out too often in case I don't get them back but, when I do, people love them.” They’re Japanese-made with a lightweight body, a ballpoint tip, and water-based ink that flows smoothly and resists smudging.
This digital camera that takes quality photos & videos
AiTechny Digital Camera
“I bought this cheap camera earlier this summer to take pictures without having to pull out my phone. Whenever I use it, people ask me about it,” said Biggart. While its digital design may look retro, it takes high-quality video and photos using a fill light, a 16X zoom, and an anti-shake mechanism.
- Available styles: 4
This waterproof repotting mat that contains the mess
Azureblue Large Plant Repotting Mat
“I can't believe how many years I repotted plants using newspapers instead of this handy mat that better contains the mess,” Mic editor Karen Belz said about this foldable waterproof mat, which snaps at the corners to create raised edges. “All my fellow plant parents can't believe such a simple, yet clever and inexpensive solution was in front of our faces this entire time.”
- Available sizes: Small — Extra Large
An under-shelf drawer that installs without tools
Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Under-Shelf Pull Out Drawer
Belz loves and recommends this under-shelf pull-out drawer, which is ideal for storing small items: “It's added so much space to my spice cabinet and hides all of my condiment packets I can't throw away. A win-win.” Best of all, it slips right onto most shelves that are 0.75 inches thick and secures with adhesive, so you don’t have to worry about tools or drilling.
This tiny desktop vacuum to clean crumbs, dust & eraser shavings
ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
According to Belz, this desktop vacuum is a “great way to zap up crumbs without wasting a paper towel or wipe, and the orange color is so much fun.” It comes in battery-operated and USB-rechargeable options, but both have nylon brushes and enough suction to clean up crumbs, eraser shavings, and dust.
- Available styles: 5
This cute silicone guy who’s a versatile help in the kitchen
Monkey Business Pot Lid Lifters (2-Pack)
Made from heat-resistant, easy-to-clean silicone, Lid Sid functions as a spoon rest and a splatter-free way to let steam escape from your pots. You can also use him to prop up your phone or recipes. “He's cute and a great help in the kitchen — when we have guests over for dinner, he's always a welcomed addition,” said Belz.
This Y2K-inspired purse with a fluffy exterior
YFGBCX Plush Underarm Bag
Mic editor Carolyn Menyes said that this fluffy underarm purse “is so fun and I tend to get compliments on it when I'm carrying it. It gives total Y2K, Limited Too vibes. And don't worry, it is surprisingly roomy.” The plush exterior comes in seven colors and patterns while the zipper keeps your stuff secure despite the slouchy design.
- Available styles: 7
These portable toilet sprays you can take anywhere
Poo-Pourri Before-You-go Toilet Spray
According to Menyes, these portable Poo-Pourri sprays are a must for shared hotel bathrooms. Like the full-size version, they trap odors below the surface of the water so you can flush them away without a trace — but unlike the full-size version, these fit in your pocket or purse. “The travel size takes up no space in my luggage,” said Menyes, who has “since recommended the portable Poo-Pourri to others and have been VERY much thanked.”
This well-designed citrus juicer that gets “every last drop”
Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer
“This is an absolute workhorse in my kitchen. It gets every last drop out of a lemon or other citrus, and it's dishwasher safe,” Mic editor Kate Miller said about this citrus juicer. It uses a dual-gear mechanism and a steel press to extract up to 20% more juice than other options, according to the brand.
- Available styles: 6
This gadget that makes chopping garlic so much easier
NexTrend Garlic Twister
Miller also loves this BPA-free garlic twister, which you can use to grind and chop ginger, herbs, and nuts, as well. “Not an understatement when I say this has changed how I cook. It makes chopping garlic so simple and smell-free that I don't dread the task anymore. Plus, you can mince several cloves at a time,” Miller said.
- Available styles: 2
These fun bandages that are waterproof, flexible & gentle
Welly Bandage Large Refill Pack (160-Count)
“Are these bandages technically for kids? Maybe. But I am obsessed with them,” said Mic editor Danielle Kraese. “In recent years, my skin has gotten more sensitive to the adhesive used by other brands. But these don't cause any irritation for me plus they stay on way better and the fun, colorful designs make me smile whenever I use them.” This pack contains 160 waterproof, flexible bandages in six sizes and 14 patterns, including some that glow in the dark.
- Available sizes: 80 Count — 160 Count
These packing cubes that maximize space & minimize wrinkles
LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes (3-Pack)
Before buying these compression packing cubes, Kraese’s suitcase would look “like an explosion of clothes” — “but now everything stays in its designated cube (and ends up way less wrinkled in the process). I've since gotten them for my parents too by request,” Kraese said. They have double-sided zippers for convenience, mesh panels for visibility, and squared corners for a Tetris-like fit inside your suitcase.
- Available sizes: 1 Piece — 6-Pack
- Available styles: 9
