24 of My Favorite Amazon Buys
I don’t think we will see a shortage of listicles sharing great finds, especially from Amazon, at any time soon. Whenever I see an article like that, I’m likely to click it just because you never know what you’ll find! And I have made some great purchases from those articles, like the seemingly-everywhere TikTok favorite moisturizer from eos (I do recommend this. I randomly bought their shaving cream which is also amazing, and that also influenced me buying this. It smells so good!). But today, I am sharing some of my favorite Amazon buys in general. There really isn’t a theme here, but several of these products aid in managing my pain from CRPS and all that.
Also - Amazon has Second Prime Days (officially, Prime Big Deal Day 2024 but I’m going with Hobbit-speak) October 8 - 9, so you might find a deal coming up!
Head’s up: If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Magic Gel Large Flexible Ice Pack - 11" x 15" $31.99 I seriously underestimated how badly my back would hurt after I had my spinal cord stimulator implanted. Don’t ask me how, they were only scraping off part of my spine, attaching wires to my spine, and then placing a battery in my back. They told me just “two little incisions” but neglected to include that it would be for a total of 22 staples. So yeah, my back hurt immensely after surgery. Despite the various ice packs we have accumulated over the years, I didn’t have an ice pack that was big enough for my back. This fit the bill. Even now, a year later, it is still perfect for my SCS-related back pain.
Seraphic Skincare (Original) Premium Exfoliating Mitt for Body (1pc) $8.99 Who doesn’t love smooth skin after shower exfoliation? Using this mitt makes it even easier. It fits comfortably on the hand. I’ve also found that it exfoliates better than other tools I have tried, especially in problem areas like my feet. Overall, it creates a more effective exfoliating experience.
Blendin Replacement Parts - Nutribullet Lids: $10.93 For about the last six months, I’ve been making smoothies for breakfast two to three times a week. The spinach and plain Greek yogurt helps calm my temperamental stomach, and I’ve also put together a fruit smoothie that I really love. When it came to cleaning the blender, however, I felt like I was taking my life into my hands with the blades. The blender was just a pain in the ass. So, I bought a Nutribullet portable blender, and I am obsessed with this thing. It is much easier to clean, and it comes with a second cup. However, it only came with one lid. Something minor, yes, but it was still annoying. I found these lids - three for $10 - and now I have extra lids. This isn’t any type of groundbreaking innovation, but one of those little things of convenience. It is compatible with the Nutribullet 600W, 900W, NB-101B, NB-101S, NB-201, NBR-0601, NBR-1201, NB9-1301, 900 Pro Series Blenders.
Small Bead Organizers $9.99 Organizing my jewelry making supplies can be oddly therapeutic. These containers are top-tier for seed bead organization. I prefer to use containers that have the lid attached because I feel like they are less likely to jump all over the place when you try to open them (there is no scientific evidence to prove this, just what I have experienced). And when it comes to seed beads, sorting them by size and color is the optimal choice. I have purchased four of these containers and wish I could find a size just a little bit smaller.
Women Shower Wrap Robe with Adjustable Closure: $27.99 After what seems like forever, I’m finally getting back into a gym habit and go during my lunch hour. I need a quick shower before I go back to the office, and this wrap is super convenient. It closes with velcro and has a pocket for my shower items. Additionally, it comes with a hair wrap. The terry cloth material is absorbent, and the hair wrap is great for preserving my curls and drying my hair quickly.
Amazon Basics 11-Inch Air Circulator Fan : $15.99 I bought this with my office in mind, but when I got it, it was bigger than I expected. I considered returning it for something smaller. I’m glad I didn’t because it is actually perfect for what I need. There are three settings, and usually the lowest one is all I need. It also can tilt.
Gorilla Grip Slow Feeder Cat Bowl: $8.94 My cat likes to, as the veterinarian calls it, “scarf and barf” her food. This is both gross and annoying. I had gotten her a raised bowl but that wasn’t enough to slow her down. So I got this bowl. And this bowl pisses her off because she has to work to eat her food, forcing her to slow down. That is a win.
PACMAXI Hanging Pin Organizer : $11.99 I think pins are a fun little accessory to a jacket, bag, hat, or whatever and have quite a few pins. However, I wanted a way to display them as well rather than them just chilling in my jewelry box. With 170 slots, this is a great way to do so!
I'm pretty sure I have a few pins that aren't on here.
Drive Auto Car Trunk Organizer - Collapsible, Multi-Compartment with Adjustable Straps: $32.99 So I’ve actually purchased this twice - once for myself and once as a gift for one of my brother’s. It does the job. It is especially nice if I have something small or something that may roll around in the trunk; I know I won’t be digging for it, or listening to the damn thing roll around. The compartments can also help keep you pretty organized. If I did need the room in my trunk for something else, it is small enough to put in the backseat of my car.
Laptop Bag 15.6 Commuter Tote Bag: $36.99 I will be the first to admit that I am obsessed with handbags. And this is one of the best bags I own, if not the best. In my current role, I am not bringing a laptop into the office every day. But I have done so for previous positions. You can fit so much stuff in here, it’s kind of ridiculous. And I don’t feel like the bag gets super heavy or bulky, unless you’re trying to fit a tablet sleeve bag with a shoulder strap which does fit but makes things tight. I have been able to fit both my MacBook and iPad in the bag if the iPad isn’t already encased.
Not being able to fit another bag into this bag with the rest of my stuff is the only negative thing I have to say about it. I have had notebooks in here with files. I have kept toiletries and a first aid kit in there. Currently, I typically use it for the fire department because I might have multiple file folders, a binder, and my laptop in there. If I was traveling to a conference, this would be the work bag I take. There are also 12 colors to choose from. I chose purple.
The various things I kept in my bag...including the tablet bag that didn't fit.
Pearls and Acrylic Resin Hair Clips $8.98 Since I grew out my pixie, I use a lot more hair accessories, especially clips like these. I love the variety among this set. If you know me, you know I love pearls! Doesn’t matter if my hair is curly or straight, these can be a great addition to my look for the day!
Star Wars May the Fourth Be With You Pin $16.99 Anyone who knows me knows I love Star Wars completely. So the May the Fourth holiday is pretty fun for me. However, I am not buying something every year because it has that year’s date. This little pin is the perfect add-on to a Star Wars shirt on my favorite holiday!
Wearable Fleece Blanket with Sleeves $19.99 I like this better than the Snuggie it was definitely styled after. It is made of super soft fleece and has a front pocket. It is big on me, but I am also only 5’2’’. This does make walking while wearing it difficult; I literally just toss it over my shoulder if I want to stay somewhat snuggled. It is a super cozy, wearable blanket. Perfect on weekend mornings when you’re just lying around watching TV or cold nights curled up with a book. I’m not sure if you can expect more from it, to be honest.
TheraICE Headache Relief Cap $29.95 This is one of two headache relief items on my list. What is crazy about this cap is that it is cool at room temperature. In addition to its coolness,, it also provides a comfortable level of compression for headache relief. It also keeps light out pretty well, which is helpful when you’re trying to sleep!
Reacher Grabber with Claw: $9.99 After my spinal surgery, I couldn’t bend or lift for eight weeks. Not exactly the easiest thing. I had a grabber at home, but I bought this one for the office. It was super useful when I’d drop things like my AirPods (which happened more than I care to admit). And trust me, it was already a long eight weeks - it would’ve been even longer without this! And I still keep it at the office for when I drop things like my AirPods.
Tablet Sleeve Bag $22.99 I’ve had this since 2021, and when I bought it, I truly did not understand why I could not find a tablet sleeve with a long shoulder strap. I’ve had laptop bags like that - although, I will say, it does surprise me sometimes that you don’t see more bags that are basically just a laptop sleeve with a shoulder strap. I’ve had them from both Vera Bradley and Kate Spade (and still use the one on a regular basis), and neither sell that style anymore. Sometimes you don’t want a huge bag.
And that is what got me to the tablet sleeve bag. Sometimes, all I need is my iPad. I don’t need a big bag, and right now, my go-to purse is a belt bag. This does have an additional pocket and slots on the inside for pens, stylus, notebook, whatever. If I am on a deadline for an article, this is perfect because I can put it in my backpack and then just take the tablet bag on my lunch hour and write. Taking my iPad to Panera Bread or wherever to write is why I wanted this kind of bag in the first place. And it continues to do its job. Note: Fits up to an 11 inch tablet.
Foot Rocker - Calf Stretcher $22.49 Before my chronic exertional compartment syndrome / CRPS nightmare, I dealt with plantar fasciitis in my feet. One of the ways to help combat that was using a foot rocker which stretches the calf. As simple as this may look, it is golden for a good calf stretch. So while it can help with conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or achilles tendon pain, this is just a great tool to have in your self care arsenal. It is amazing the difference a good stretch can make!
Microwavable Unicorn Heating Pad $15.99 So, first of all, it is a cute little unicorn which is already a plus. It also has the plush material kind of similar to a Squishmallow, and Squishmallows have been significant in my chronic pain care arsenal - especially post-implant surgery for my back (Seriously, I have one secured to my work chair with webbing)! But, fun fact, ice and cold therapies can cause CRPS symptoms and pain to flare up, which means I keep ice away from my leg. So this is mainly providing relief for my leg, and, honestly, it is very soothing on the back of my calf (my calf is especially a problem area). It also has a lavender scent, which is nice. Note - you take it out of the unicorn when you microwave it. You microwave the pad for 90 seconds, and it gets plenty warm. Microwaving the plush portion is a fire hazard.
Tablet Pillow Stand $22.99 My second iPad-related item…and it is another one of those things that provide a seemingly simple yet satisfying solution to one of life’s annoyances. My iPad has a keyboard case that keeps it propped up. But let’s say you are lying on your back and have your tablet propped up on your belly, bed, or something that is not particularly sturdy…it may not stay propped up as you’d like. Or, you don’t want to hold your tablet while you’re using it. Holding a 10 inch tablet up isn’t the most comfortable thing.. This is the solution. Prior to my SCS implant, I spent a lot of time lying down with my legs propped up (see: wedge pillow below). Having this pillow stand makes using my iPad easier, especially if I am not doing anything that requires a lot of typing. And considering I was in significant pain most of the time prior to my implant, any comfort/ease win was a solid win. The pillow has little ridges that offer you six angle views (three horizontal, three vertical). Also, sometimes when I’m making jewelry and have things all around me, it is nice to have this stand and be able to put it aside if I am following a tutorial and need it for quick reference.
Weighted and Cooling Eye Pillow $14.99 Another item that does exactly what you need it to! It is my go-to for a headache. I keep it in the freezer but that doesn’t impede its ability to contour at all. It is comfortable, lightweight, and blocks light very well. The beads do provide a massaging effect. Also, with its size and flexibility, it can be a nice little ice pack in a pinch if, say, you have a broken finger or bruised hand.
Leg Wedge Pillow $31.99 I bought this back in 2021. In the worst of my leg nightmare (we’re talking 2022-2023), sitting with my legs up on this pillow was often the only way I could find pain relief. And I still use this damn near every day. My legs like the elevation. And it is still holding up pretty good and is made with a high density foam.
Key Wristlet Bracelet Bangle $13.99 This is one of those things that are simple but are also really satisfying. Although anymore if I’m out, you’re most likely to see me with a lululemon belt bag, I still love this bangle for keeping my keys together. The frustration of when your outfit neglects to provide you with pockets is well-known. My belt bag helps keep me hands-free, but this bangle lets my keys hang without a thought. I have my keys; a change purse that holds my license, cards, and money; chapstick holder, and a Lego R2-D2 flashlight. I love the classic tortoise style as it is a neutral print.
Self-Cleaning Pet Brush $12.04 This is the best pet brush ever. It gets so much hair that your fur baby would otherwise just shed and leave to lie like glitter, and it is beyond simple to clean. You press a button to retract the bristles, and you can literally slide the hair off into the garbage. My dog, Bull, loves when he is brushed. A moment he isn’t being petted is essentially a moment wasted, so this is pampering to him. My cat, Gonzo, likes to act like she wants nothing to do with it, but once you can get her to sit, she loves it too.
Detangler Comb: $10.99 Knotted hair is the worst. A few years ago, I spent a week in the hospital with severe pancreatitis and a dead gallbladder. My hair was not my concern. However, this was the year I grew out my hair from a pixie and apparently forgot that hair can get matted. Undoing that was not fun, and I would like to avoid ever doing that again. This is also an item I’ve seen on multiple shopping listicles. It does the job. When my curls have decided to knot, I’ve never had a problem undoing it with this comb. I actually have two - one at home and one in my gym bag.
I hope you found something to enjoy from this list! If you do, let me know! As always, if you have an recommendations for me, I’d love to hear those, too.
