50 People Share the Genius Products That Get Them Through the Day

Everyone wants to feel safe in their home or away in a hotel room, and sometimes that requires adding an additional lock to your door. This particular device doesn't require any tools to secure and it can be installed in seconds, adding another layer of lockage and security so you can sleep with peace of mind. - Amanda E.

Nothing is more annoying than accidentally wetting your sleeves from washing your face at the sink. Hard pass. I fell victim to these cute wristband scrunchies after seeing them on TikTok, but I realized they're super helpful for my nighttime routine. I pop them on before washing my face, and they keep me dry. - Taylor S.

As a renter with two small dogs, I've tried plenty of pet gates over the years, and they've all ended up collecting dust in the garage. This extendable gate is the one that changed my mind. It's a cinch to install, and I love that it doesn't take up too much space in the door frame. - Allison C.

I hate the feeling of heavy product in my hair, so I've always preferred oils to creams when it comes to styling products. And every product I've ever tried pales in comparison to this lightweight hair oil. Not only is the price just right, but it's also fragrance-free and never greasy. Even my minimalist boyfriend is obsessed. - Allison C.

Here's a can't miss stocking stuffer: the Cactus Scratcher. Vastly superior to all back-scratching alternatives, this telescoping model can reach nearly any itchy part of my body. They've even got a strap-mounted option for industrial-strength back-scratching. My wife is a fan as this has significantly cut back on my back-scratching requests. - Chris S.

Every young professional on the game needs an afterwork hobby to look forward to and mine’s crocheting. You need steam to finish many crochet projects, and Conair’s ExtremeSteam handheld steamer has worked wonders. It’s super easy to use and works great on both clothes and crafts! - Meghan C.

I don't think I have ever finished a cup of coffee, tea, or sippable soup at a comfortable temperature. Read: Not ice cold. I've switched to enjoying my hot beverages in an insulated mug, but that keeps them so hot that I can't actually drink them for so long. Maybe it's time I finally bought a mug warmer this year. - Allison F.

With kids and pets running around, lit candles aren't always a safe option (plus a busy mom can forget there's one going sometimes). These warmers are so great - they hold any size jar candle, and you get the warm glow and scent of a candle without a live flame burning. I'm asking for two of these this year, one for the living room and one for my bedroom. It'd be a thoughtful addition to a candle or bath gift set too (hint, hint kids). - Carrie G.

As someone who would much rather spend their evening on the sofa than anywhere else, this super soft blanket makes those Netflix nights even better. With all of these size and color options, I'll probably end up getting another one (mainly because I can't keep my dogs from hogging it.) - Allison C.

With over 70,000 positive reviews, you just can't go wrong with these no-show socks. I've tried a ton of no-show options and these are by far the best. They're ultra durable, never slide down, and they keep my feet totally dry. - Allison C.

I was thrilled to find an Amazon lookalike for pricey LuluLemon belt bag. I bought my pink one last summer and I swear I use it every. single. day. It’s got three zipper compartments that organize all your essentials–your phone, keys, wallet, and more. It looks great with activewear or with a casual outfit when I'm traveling! - Taylor S.

You know those hard to store extension cords, holiday lights, vacuum tubes, and ropes that refuse to be tamed? Guess what: problem solved. These storage straps are great for wrapping and storing my long extension cords. The velcro on the straps sticks very well and keeps the cords wrapped up tight. My garage looks a lot better. - Andrea R.

Doing your hair doesn't have to be such a long process, thanks to this heated straightener hairbrush. It’s quite sleek looking and comes with a silicone mat to keep the hot tool off your counters (and keeps it from slipping). All in all, this was way easier than using a flat iron. It took me less than 10 minutes to do my hair and because of the brush feature I didn’t need to section my hair, so it was super easy! At no point did the tool get overly hot feeling. - Morgan R.

As a dark-haired gym rat with sensitive skin, finding a dry shampoo that works for me is a challenge. Tbh, I was a little skeptical of the Hairstory Dry Shampoo, mostly because of the simplicity of the formula, but I absolutely love it. It completely revived my oily post-gym locks and left my thin hair with a matte finish and great volume. The best part: no white cast! - Saleema L.

If like me, you're aiming to streamline your makeup routine and make it easy to do touch ups on the go, do yourself a favor and check out this vegan, cruelty-free travel makeup pen that includes a highlighter, brow pencil, lipliner, and eyeliner. It is super convenient to have all of these make-up pencils in one place. The lip liner was my favorite because it was just dark enough that I could use it as a liner, add some Aquaphor to my lips, and it was like I'd put on lipgloss. - Amy B.

Maybe I'm a product of my generation, but I want instant results when I put effort into something. Namely a skincare routine. Not to worry with this cult-favorite face serum with over 11,000 glowing reviews! It's so fresh and citrusy. I've been using it in my morning and evening skincare routine just for the scent alone. I also think my skin looks noticeably brighter. A little goes a long way with this stuff so I feel like I don't have to replace it as often as some other products. - Sydney S.

Because I almost always have a candle burning in the house, this rechargeable lighter is a must. The flexible design lets me light anything (even those awkward, hard-to-reach wicks at the very bottom of the candle), and it works up to 600 times before I even have to recharge it! - Allison C.

For most of my life, I've known the struggle of scrambling to find my keys (or anything, really) in my purse. Until this touch light came along. Now, I just wave my hand and my purse lights up, and I'm able to grab just what I need. It's like magic. - Allison C.

These pillows were easily the best upgrade I've made this year. For less than $40 I got two pillows in a strangely small box. About 15 minutes after unpacking them, they lofted into the fullest, squishiest pillows I've owned. They're the perfect mix of invitingly soft, yet perfectly supportive. Easily the best pillows in our house, and a ridiculous value for the price. - Chris S.

If you’re not sure what to gift someone, you can’t go wrong with a pack of super sticky Notes. From little reminders to important bits of information, I write everything onto these post-its. Once they’re stuck, they’re not going anywhere which is exactly what a chaotic desk-goblin like me needs. - Meghan C.

I've had this sweet tea filter for years. It's a nightly staple in my life! A piping hot cup of tea before bed helps with relaxation; this design always brings a smile to my face. It's easily washable and holds the loose tea leaves in for a perfectly steeped cup. - Amanda E.

This nifty storage holder is a be-all-end-all I rely on to keep my plethora of bobby pins in one place. Gone are the days of searching fruitlessly for a stray bobby pin! With this magnetic invention, I always know where to find a daily pin. Plus, it also works for paperclips and sewing needs, too! - Amanda E.

A handy double-sided silicone body scrubber turns your shower experience into a relaxing spa, wiping away dead skin cells and stimulating blood circulation. With a massage pad on one side and exfoliating bristles on the other, this two-for-one product cleanses with ease. Simply apply a body wash, and get to brushing to reveal your lit-from-within glow! - Amanda E.

I'm on my hair growth journey and have come to love this innovative spray. It keeps my hair looking healthy and adds a superior mix of strand-boosting vitamins and minerals. Filled with biotin and scalp-stimulating caffeine, I spray the easy-to-use daily spray on my scalp and massage for about three to five minutes- an impromptu head massage is always good. - Amanda E.

It can feel a bit cliche to get something kitchen-related for moms, but the truth is I love to bake and never would have splurged on this myself. My Kitchenaid mixer is awesome, and really saves me time and muscle for those harder-to-mix pastry recipes. Definitely a must-give if you have a mom who loves to bake in your life. - Jane H.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s that Apple has made some misses over the years. Newer AirPod generations slip right out of my ears, but the original shape is perfect for keeping me up-to-date on podcasts and playlists. I listen to music the entire time I work, so a good pair of headphones is a must! - Megan C.

This phone holder is primarily intended for use on airplanes (and I bring it and use it on every flight), but it's so much more versatile than that. It clips onto nearly any table-like surface and keeps my phone rock-solid steady. A great gift-on-a-budget, or stocking stuffer. - Chris S.

For the moms who value comfort, but also want to sport something more presentable than yoga pants, this sweater set is the perfect gift. My husband bought these for me, and I immediately told him to buy me more. They are long, warm, cozy, stretchy, and comfortable. I'm 5' 10' and got a medium and they fit perfectly. They work for on the go and at home, they don't shrink in the wash, and they are perfect for winter! - Heidi B.

Ever since I started dating my now husband, we haven't owned an automatic coffee pot. We've been living the Chemex and french press life for the past 8 years, but this year I convinced him it's time to get an automatic coffee pot that can make our coffee for us early in the AM to make it easier to get out of bed. This is the pot we chose so it could be somewhat similar to a pour over, and we both love it, and love how it looks. - Casey G.

So, according to a friend, this scalp oil is the real deal. It's also going viral on TikTok. The rosemary oil includes hair-strengthening properties and is filled with biotin, mint, and essential oils. I layer a few drops in my hair and put it up for a few hours, washing it out for silky, refreshed strands. - Amanda E.

Eye bags, morning puffiness, dark circles - the trifecta of looking older and tired. Energize your look and mood with these gold under eye masks that deliver on their promises! Our product tester praises the soothing, refreshing experience: "The eye masks themselves are nice and “jelly” and have a really nice cooling sensation while on. Super easy to apply while relaxing at the end of the day." - Morgan R.

When I first took it out of the tube it was a neutral color, and upon applying it to my cheeks it was a rosy pink. Very nice and lightweight. It's great for bare skin for a clean-girl look, or right on top of your foundation. I also noticed that it works very well on your lips — no transfer whatsoever and looks like a lip tint. I definitely enjoy it. - Everleigh M.

I've had this space heater since we bought our house and I use it almost every day! It helps create the cozy ambience I want (especially in the winter) and heats up my space pretty well for being so affordable! Even in the summer, I love turning on just the flame part with no heat. Would make the perfect addition to an at-home office, too! - Casey G.

This laptop stand has changed my life. I am on the computer all day and knew I was not sitting ergonomically correct because my body would ache every night. This is fully adjustable and is super narrow so I can use it with my laptop on the same desk where my husband keeps the desktop. I am able to tilt the laptop in such a way that my hands are lower and angled (which is how they 'should' be positioned) and I am still eye-level with the monitor. - Becca K.

This smells like a dream! It's invigorating and gives you that little pep boost that you need first thing in the morning, before you face the day - I usually use it as a quick face wash over the sink. It's just scrubby enough that you feel clean and exfoliated but not like you've washed with sandpaper. Note that it *is* a small container, but you only need to use a small amount. - Carrie G.

I work on a computer all day and to unwind, I watch my programs. This means I take in a lot of screen time. As someone who suffers from ocular migraines, these have made a big difference in my day to day. They are lightweight, comfortable, flexible, and most importantly, affordable. My two boys test these often and it takes a lot for them to break. When they do, I can replace them without breaking the bank. They also have a lot of styles to choose from, which I appreciate. - Heidi B.

I'm guilty of forgetting my razor while traveling and then buying some plastic cheapies that don't work well and go straight in the landfill. However, this travel razor with a water spray bottle, moisturizing bar, and two refillable triple-blade razor cartridges is going to be a permanent fixture in my go bag. Says our on-the-go product tester: "It's definitely a convenient razor. It packs away well and has two heads, so it's good for several uses or a few trips. I like the round shape for packing, and I like the lathering part that makes it so you don't need to pack shave cream to lather your legs. The fact it rotates makes it super easy to move between lather bar and razor. " - Karen F.

Packing your whole makeup brush kit is inconvenient and annoying - save room and time with this 4-in-1 travel makeup brush tool that contains a refillable blending sponge, eyeshadow brush, angled powder brush, and eyeshadow/brow brush. Our product tester raved about the convenience factor: "The blending sponge was just firm enough - but not too firm. The brow/liner brush helped shape and color my eyebrows perfectly. The size of the powder brush was nice, not too big but not too small - with the perfect angle. I don't wear eye shadow often the shadow brush is soft and worked well. What I loved about this tool is the 4-in-1. I am all about minimalist packing and this gives me everything I need in one place. - Amy B.

My husband gifted me this shoulder massager the Christmas after my daughter was born. Funny how the person you parent with knows how much tension you're carrying from new motherhood struggles. I still use this multiple times a week to help me relax at the end of the day so I can get a good night's sleep. - Sydney S.

Since becoming a mom, I tend to wake up with a puffier face. I'm not sure if it's age, sleep deprivation, or just one of the many wonderful things that happen to your body after children. I've used a lot of qua sha massage stones over the years, but this one is my favorite. It helps tremendously with the morning puffiness and helps me add a small thing to my routine to practice a bit of self-care. - Sydney S.

I work from home, meaning my feet are always, always cold. But a good pair of wooly moccasins works wonders. I prefer the kind that are all-around leather, as they stretch and wear to fit your individual foot. - Jane H.

I LIVE for these planners! Not only do they keep me organized, but they are filled with motivational sayings to keep your daily and weekly outlook positive. I love that you can buy additional notes pages and meal planning sheets to pop right inside thanks to the disc style binding. It also has areas for planning monthly goals, to-dos, and weekend adventures. For the moms who love stickers, you can also buy the Happy Planner sticker packs to go along with this useful and fun gift. I'm going on a decade of having these in my life. - Heidi B.

I got this because we'd just gotten back from London and my son wanted to invite his friends over for biscuits and tea. I have since pulled this out for everything from brunch to Thanksgiving to Summer BBQs. It always makes me feel a little fancier and I always get compliments on the display. Plus, it breaks down after use so it only takes up as much room as three plates. - Amy B.

I love having music on in the house and when I'm away from home. We ski a few times each season and this has been my go-to speaker. It'll be on while we are getting ready for the day and when we get back and need to unwind. The sound is fantastic and the volume gets up so high I have to tell my kids to lower it most of the time. - Amy B.

This steam mop was actually gifted to me before my daughter was born. My mom knew what she was talking about because keeping floors sanitary when you have a dog and a baby learning to crawl is a challenge. I'm so thankful she thought of things I would want to prioritize as a new mom. - Sydney S.

This calendar has been a life-saver. There's room to write in multiple appointments or activities each day, no more squinting to see what's going on that day. There's a dinner menu section at the bottom for each day too, that helps with meal planning and shopping, and there's also room each month for notes and reminders. The stickers are fun as well! - Carrie G.

Being the parent of a 5-year-old means a constant war against mess - and one of my primary weapons is this tiny car vacuum. It plugs into my lighter and sucks up anything my daugher can throw at it: Saltine crumbs, trail mix leave-behinds, and errant dried-out french fries. It's ridiculously strong for its size, and spends most of its time barely occupying any space in our trunk. - Chris S.

I found these earbuds in an article on our own site, and at around $20, had to give them a shot. I haven't used my $150 Airpods since. They're light, comfortable, seal your ear to block out noise, have insanely good battery life and (my favorite), you can adjust the volume via their touch controls. You can't do that on Airpods! The only downside is that the case isn't quite as satisfying to play with as the Airpods is, but at $20, it's a sacrifice I'd make again and again. - Chris S.