This isn’t a list of “must-haves" but these are the things I bought that actually turned out to be good. Like, really good. Things that did exactly what they promised—or more.
You may remember the size 26 shorts I bought recently. They were an example of getting more than promised but not in a good way.
One of the items on my list accidentally turned into bug repellent. Another was meant for a cat I don’t own. But the rest? Solid, problem-solving, brilliant items that managed to earn a permanent spot in my life—or at least a drawer I open regularly.
These are the best things I bought on Amazon this year. A very mixed bag of genuinely useful stuff that made it past the return window.
Everything here was purchased with my own money. No one paid me to like these but if you click a link and buy something I will get a commission from Amazon. Also a quick note that you should be able to find some of these things locally.
Let’s begin. Click on CA for Canadian links, US for American
Table of Contents
Gardening Tools & Supplies
Battery-Powered Spray Wand – CA / US
For the moment I'm trying to keep my boxwood hedge alive by spraying it every month or so with BTK. This gadget screws into any jug and turns it into a pump sprayer (that you don't have to pump.) It has batteries and it automatically sprays with the touch of a button.
Birdbath Fountain
What makes this one different than other solar fountains is the fact that it has a tiny battery in it that stores a little bit of solar power. So when it's shaded the fountain will still work. It comes with a lot of nozzle options that give a high, sprinkly effects, or a lower bubbling effects.
I OWN TWO OF THEM.
Strawberry Plant Lifts – CA / US
As soon as a berry touches soil it's doomed. Ready for invasion by ants, slugs or any number of opportunistic soil dwellers. This year I got these stands - enough for half of my strawberry bed to test them out. Several months in and they're all still standing and keeping the plants/berries off of the soil. They come flat packed and you just snap them together.
Kitchen & Food Storage
Non-Scratch Potato Masher – CA / US
It works and does a decent mashing job. I don't want to scratch the 10 year coating I have on my cast iron pans or the non stick pots I have.
Sous Vide Stick – CA / US
I'll tell you the exact and only reason you should buy this (or any other Sous Vide stick like it) over any other Sous Vide stick. You don't need an app to use it.
It is one of very few sous vide sticks that operate on its own without an app. With other sticks you need the app to turn it on, adjust the time and temperature etc. So if the app doesn't work, is no longer up dated, or you happen to be without your phone - you can't use it.
That's complete insanity. So if you want a Sous vide stick I recommend this app-less one.
40 (!!) Glass Jars with Lids – CA / US
I like the size of these for so many things. Pre-prepared morning yogurts, storing seeds, leftover sauce, whatever. I'm using them a lot more than I thought I would.
I have a whole drawer of side dishes that I've frozen in them. Broccoli casserole, mashed rutabaga .... I just grab a jar and let it defrost when I want it. NOT for the canner. They're just storage jars.
Candy Bracelets – CA / US
This is what I gave away last Halloween and they went over REALLY well.
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Personal Care & Grooming
Jean Nate Body Splash – CA / US
I remembered this as a lemony lotion from my childhood. It’s not a lotion. It’s a body splash in a bottle the size of a milk jug with a hole that pours like one too. It smells like mosquito repellent which was obviously disappointing at first. But once it dries down it smells bright and clean. And weirdly, maybe not so weirdly, it seems to actually repel mosquitos. Not scientifically proven. But proven by me, in my backyard, surrounded by vegetation and not bites.
These misting bottles I already owned. I used them to spray magnesium onto the leaves of my seedlings and for other misty jobs around the house. I emptied out the bottle, filled it with Jean Nate, and now I can spray it in a fine mist all over myself.
I got this to replace the other nail lamp I recommended in 2019. The LED lights were finally weakening and it didn't seem to be curing the way that it should. So I got this one. I've only used it three times but so far so good. It worked like the other one did when it was new.
Ear Wax Removal Machine – CA / US
One day I had an itchy ear - so I scratched it the way one does, but putting my pinkie in my ear and scratching furiously. My ear stuck together. I couldn't hear.
I had ear wax. It drove me nuts. Bought this after seeing it being used at an ear clinic (on Youtube). It worked so well I told my nephew about it who has had YEARS of ear wax trouble. It was also a success. I was smart enough to refuse the video of it they sent me afterwards.
But here's how it works, demonstrated in the least offensive, sickening way possible.
Listerine Fresh Breath Strips – CA / US
Ever wake up in the middle of the night only to make yourself sick with your own breath? I do. Sometimes. So one of my habits is to keep these breath strips in my bedside table so if I wake up with yuck mouth I can blindly stick one in my mouth.
At this point in the post I'm aware I sound like a swamp creature—covered in mist, full of wax, breath like rot. But the breath strips help.
Isopropyl Alcohol Pads – CA / US
Once every few years I buy a box of alcohol wipes. I love them. There's no explaining it. I had no idea how often I'd use these and how happy I'd be every time I pulled one out.
For example - when I use my LED nail lamp a few times a year, you have to wipe the polish with isopropyl alcohol after it cures. That's hard to do with tacky fingernails, a cotton ball and a bottle of alcohol. If I scratch myself or get a little cut, I wipe it with one of those. I grab one to clean anything sticky. I dunno. Like I said there's no explaining how this little thing is one of my favourites but it is.
Maybe it's because they smell like having your ears pierced.
Terez & Honor Eyelash Serum – CA / US
Obviously this is one of my favourites. I've talked about it at length. I used the serum on my right eye only (the left as you're looking at me) to test it.
It passed the test.
Home & Organization
Bottle Bubble Packing Sleeves – CA / US
These paper, beehive type sleeves are for protecting wine bottles but I bought them to slide over vases to make them look more interesting.
Bedside Charging Station – CA / US
Up until a few months ago my bedside table had so many cords. I decided this one was the best choice for me because there's room for my phone, air pods and watch. You can tilt and raise it, it has a strong magnet, and because the watch charger flips up, you can charge the kind of watch bands that are one single piece, that cannot be laid flat to charge.
Portable Tripod – CA / US
Most of the time when I use a tripod with my iPhone I just need something small. I take it to the garden, it can fit in almost any bag, you can also use it as a selfie stick (I never have) and it opens and closes quickly. Just a quick little no frills tripod.
The Great American House by Gil Schafer – CA / US
This is a quintessential decorating/design book for traditionalism. I'm going to be sprucing things up around here.
Cat Grooming Helmet – CA / US
I was taking my mom's cat Coco to the vet. She's a bit bitey and I was worried the vet wouldn't be able to look at her so I got this cat muzzle as a preventative. measure.
It's actually pretty easy to get on and it just velcros closed. I got it on Coco for about 3 seconds and we were SO close to doing up the velcro and then that was it. She ran away.
I kept it. I do not own a cat at the moment. But I might dress up one of the dolls from my Halloween doll collection as an astronaut.
I know. It looks just like an astronaut helmet.
Plant Supports – CA / US
I've always used those big rings for my peonies. Where you can slide the circle to make it bigger or smaller and you push the wire into the ground where it immediately hits a rock and bends. I don't like those rings. Finally this year I came across a better solution that's sturdier and works SO well. I used 3 on most peonies, and also to help keep some really tall (3') snapdragons upright.
Bonus: Ninja Creami Swirl – CA / US
I don’t own this one, but my friend (Sterling's owner!) does. I watched her use it and ate a couple types of ice cream it made—and now I understand the hype.
First up was a copycat Dole Whip served in a bowl and the next day it was cookies and cream in a cardboard cone. I like the coardboard cones.
When I described it to Betty, she immediately ordered one even though it'll take her days to figure out the manual and how to use it because she has trouble seeing because of macular degeneration. But she wanted it anyway.
Please observe the cookies and cream soft serve from it that Sterling's mom shared on Instagram.
That’s the lot. A weird, wonderful collection of things I didn’t know I needed, and a few things I absolutely did. If you’ve used any of them or end up trying one, let me know. Or don’t. I’ll just assume you’re out there somewhere, misting yourself with Jean Nate and mashing potatoes in peace.
ConCanDo
Friendly ground squirrel at the solar fountain
ConCanDo
Floating solar fountains are the best fun. I float them in my pool and take them camping where they attract friendly ground squirrels.
Susan Schlub
I read about the Sous Vide stick. I don't get it. Went to the Amazon site and I think it heats water up. Is that all it does? If so, why does that make it a necessary item to have? Is waiting for water to boil in a pan/pot that much of an inconvenience? Thanks, Susan.
Karen
Hi Susan. It doesn't boil water, that's not the point of it. It's for cooking things at a low and exact temperature. For making yogurt for example that needs to be at 115 F, or low pressure canning where the temperature has to be between 180 and 185 at all times for the canning to be safe. They're actually how many steak restaurants cook meat to an exact degree of doneness, etc. Once cooked, they sear them. ~ karen!
Randy P
Thanks for sharing the ideas - I put that nifty sprayer in my Amazon cart muy pronto for two reasons. 1. Because it will come in handy for a regular yard chore I'm forced to do. 2. Because after reading some of the snowflake comments, I now know my long-time unwavering, unapologetic support for Amazon shopping and Prime entertainment will also drive some strangers nutz. A win-win. Cool Beanz!
Kat
Thanks Karen. I have been looking at solar fountains for a couple weeks now so I ordered one through your link. Also ordered some of that lemon body splash. When I was a teen we had representatives come in to the high school to promote skin care. Their products had the most delightful fresh lemon scent and I have been looking for that scent for over 50 years now. Fingers crossed this is it. Cheers!
Lynda
I got a Ninja Creami from one of those independent warehouse resellers. $50 less than even Amazon's sale price! Been to one in Gatineau and one in Brockville. I'm sure there's others in other towns. Bread makers, vacuum sealers, sheet sets, high end pillows, bluetooth speakers. Check them out!
Suzy Charto
could you share the name of the store
Lynda
La Sources Des Aubaines in Gatineau, and The Warehouse Place in Brockville.
They are go and browse sort of places. But if you have a running wish list and visit often, you can find what you want. Saw a large Traeger smoker/grill once. Easy $1500 in some places, about $800 there. Lots of Ninja everythings all the time.
Mama Toto
I googled The Warehouse Place and it looks like Brockville is the only location.
Alexa Freeman
I love your list but like others, I am boycotting Amazon now except in dire “emergencies.” The problem is, where to go? Walmart was a “pinch your nose” and click. But now it has backed away from the few principles it followed. Target is out for the same reason. Help! I welcome all suggestions!
Sandra Blackwell
I have also been boycotting Amazon. Hubs bought a soux vide thing a couple years ago. Uses it to make yogurt. There are many online stores. I have found sewing supplies for less than Amazon with better selection and great service. Google is our friend :)
Susan Warren
Hey my friend, I am with you in total support of these monopiles. I only order if absolutely need to. Now that Walmart Charges a yearly fee I don't use them at all. Because Target made a poor choice in children's clothing a few years ago I made sure I never went back in there again. We are a materialistic society which is sad. The land fill is full of ordering mistakes.
Suzy Charto
we are trying to avoid amazon because they fired all employees in Quebec. Walmart is just as bad. I hope somebody comes up with a solution
Genevieve dee Gonsor
I am doing pretty good boycotting amazon since Jeff b is a trump supporter and we are losing our democracy
Deborah Raill
Hi Karen, love your list, first : the doll head in the jar creepy! Lol with a little string of twinkly lights, it will be fabulous for Halloween! The birdbath fountain is fabulous as well and now you have me scouring all antique shops for a bowl just like that absolutely love it! I don’t do my nails they would never last that long so the nail thing is out. Also the candy bracelets in that big jar a must for Halloween as well and yes, the Jean Naté body spray definitely a bug deterrent ha ha.
For the ogre breath, you could try having a nice cup of cinnamon tea with a little stick of cinnamon in it before bed. It really seems to help that morning breath as for the alcohol swabs I still have 1 million of them from my home care assignments when I did nursing. And it’s a definite no no to the spray thing for your ear not a chance but the plant things are fabulous. That’s definitely a good find and I will need to buy some of those. I planted six peonies although they are only 4 inches tall right now but next year they will be bigger. The book looks like it’s a keeper, I love books and as I could see from your video you love books however, I did get my best ideas from architect digest. The tripod is a definite, plus it will come in handy when I want to snapshots at the beach with my grandkids and the ice cream swirl thing a for sure! gotta have that. How is your garden doing? Mine is finally growing after the landfill they brought me instead of soil I just mixed in a pile of horse manure and went to town and did my best with what I had. I will look for a more reputable source for my soil in the fall. I am sure once I mix it all together. It will make a great garden. I adopted eight chickens so I thought I’m sure I have a rooster in the bunch though, he loves to wake me up at 4 AM bless his little black heart. thanks for the list. Gotta get ordering. Have a great day. Your friend Deborah.
Lynda
Check Lee Valley for the Peony supports. They are called Wavy Half Circle Supports. I've had some of mine in continual use for 7 years and they show no signs of decay. I like the wavy shape because it makes the peonies sit more naturally? Two heights available. I use the short ones early in the season and the long ones later. Works great for columbines and hydrangeas too.
Mary W
You showed the breath strips and it reminded me of something my father always had with him - Sin-Sin. Not sin, but Sin-Sin. It was a box of teeny-tiny blackish bits of something he popped in his mouth when he was feeling swamp sluggish. He was also a 2 pack of Lucky Strikes a day smoker. The couple he popped in his mouth worked instantly and he was free to light up again. I tried one bit - that was almost 80 years ago - and it tasted ok but not something I wanted to endure on the regular. Does anyone else remember those things? They don't sell them anymore - probably harmful to your health but they worked like a charm.
Deborah Raill
Yup my auntie used to pop those like crazy! Think they had a bite to them but not bad tasting!
Jan in Waterdown
Yep… Sen-Sen! My dad always carried them and would shake a couple out of the little box into my hand in church cuz they didn’t make the crinkly noise of unwrapping a candy. Gosh, I haven’t thought about those in years! I found some info on Wikipedia. Thanks 😊
Mary W
I see I should have done my research before commenting but you sweetly ignored my misspelling! Seems church is where I remembered him using these the most and where I also got my first taste. I couldn't remember how they were packaged but he could pass them to me with no noise at all. A fun memory for sure.
Librarian Nancy
My aunts always had Sen-Sens with them, also those gritty lilac or violet candies that were square and came in a foil tube like LifeSavers. Turns out some of the ladies used to carry them because it disguised the smell of booze on their breath (my aunts liked a tipple - they also liked going to the racetrack - just saying).
Deb from Maryland
Thanks for sharing what has worked in your life this year. I found a few items that would make my life better in a small way. I have added them to my "home" list on Amazon, passive aggressive Michelle.
Nancy Solak
An interesting mishmash, to be sure. Speaking of mashing, learning that there are potato mashers that require an app (not the one you bought) put me in stitches. BTW, keep using Amazon--there will never be enough people boycotting it to shut it down. Besides, if it went bye-bye, where would we buy stuff? At the empty storefront down the street? To everyone who is not comfortable with change (myself included), If you're lucky enough to live a long life, you'll find a plethora of changes that will make your stomach turn ... sometimes into belly laughs, like the potato mashers that require an app!
Karen but not that karen
The potato masher doesn’t require an app. The sous vide is the gadget that doesn’t require an app, which we are happy about, because most sous vides require one.
N Frances
FYI, I bought the eyelash serum you raved about when you initially posted about it but alas, it didn’t work at all. I may as well have wiped water on my lashes. I went back and looked in the comments/reviews and there are many that say the formula must have changed bc it used to be a great serum and now it does nothing. I’m going to go back to Grande MD which I used a few years ago and really works.
Michelle
I love you and most of your content. But, Amazon is just evil and there's no getting around it. If you want to have passive links,then I will close my eyes These blatant posts with links to Amazon purchases... I can't stomach it. Decide to be not evil and I'll continue my subscription. If you can't cut ties with Amazon, I'll cut ties with you.
XoX
Carol B.
Michelle, I probably hate the demented, orange slug and his fascist VP more than anyone, but have given up on boycotts and protests. As long as he controls all three branches of our government, including SCOTUS, it is hopeless. He and his violent criminal supporters, and the P-2025 writers who pull all the strings are too much to overcome. I'm putting my efforts into getting the vote out in '26 and flipping the House and Senate. Take care. CB
Lisa MC
The opinions expressed are those of the commenter and in no way are representative of the above and below mentioned blogger. ; }
Yup, I feel the love all the way to my toes.
So let me make sure I have this right....Amazon is Evil. Providing an Amazon link is doing evil. Any person who eeks out a living putting out largely free but incredibly entertaining and useful content like Karen by providing a completely optional link to Amazon is thereby "being evil."
You will unsubscribe if she doesn't stop providing the useful and much requested links.
Don't let the virtual door hit you in the ass.
Lisa MC
The above failed to post under Michelle's comment.
Deb from Maryland
👍✌️
Kasia
Ditto that, Lisa MC. Well said.
Karen
O.K. ~ karen!
CathyR
As a (retired now) nurse I had my pockets stuffed with alcohol wipes, gloves and tape, both clear and cloth tape. Withdrawal was severe that first year so I keep these in my bathroom, purse, car, fanny pack…
I put the tripod and jars on my wish list. I’m aware of replacing plastic containers with glass, however as a senior, I need smaller lightweight glass that’s also tempered. When I moved to Arizona and inherited a ceramic tile floor in the kitchen, I learned that glass doesn’t break when you drop it so much as it shatters into 3 billion pieces (give or take a few) and skates along the floor and under the sofa in the adjacent breakfast room.
Nice list . Thanks for sharing.