I watch a lot of YouTube videos, and one of the trends is sharing their favorite purchases from Amazon. I don’t know why I find these types of videos fascinating, but I’m always looking for more practical items to make my life so much easier. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift or just curious to see what I’m loving and using on a daily basis, keep reading. If you’re interested in purchasing any of these products, click on the image.
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1. Amazon Echo Dot (2nd generation)
I received this smart assistive device as a birthday present someone purchased on Black Friday. Honestly, it’s one of the best birthday gifts I received to date. I mainly use it to get the weather report, so I can dress accordingly. It also can calculate, answer my many curious questions, define a word I discover while reading; and I’ve added the Headspace skill, so I can fall asleep to a night meditation.
Of course, Amazon has updated versions of the Echo Dot. I recommend buying the 3rd Generation if you want a more sleek look that can easily be hidden away on a shelf.
2. Blue Light Glasses
I have wanted retro round metal framed glasses for a while. On Black Friday, I noticed them on my wishlist, and I thought, “Why not find a version of these gold frames that has blue light lenses?” It wasn’t too hard to find. I’m very happy with this purchase because when I tried them on for the first time, they fit on my nose perfectly. [I have a semi-flattened nose bridge.] Plus, there’s no yellow tint to my glasses compared to my other pair of blue light glasses. Look trendy and hipster while protecting your eyes with these $12.99 glasses.
3. Apple Watch Bands
One of the cool features of the Apple Watch is the customization! You can purchase wrist bands for any occasion. My watch originally came with a velcro strap, but I’m not a fan of it as it can harbor germs and smells after long-term use. These options are some of the bands I’ve collected over time.
4. 1 Tablespoon Stainless Steel Scoop
As the baker in the household, I really struggled to have uniform cookies. The process was inefficient and would waste lots of precious cookie dough. I took it upon myself to invest in a scoop, and I am so happy for this purchase. Now, I can make as many Ube Crinkle Cut cookies as my heart desires because this scoop is the right amount (An ice cream scoop is slightly larger.).
5. SD Card Reader for iPhone
I discovered this item after watching a YouTube video, and it has changed the game when it comes to saving iPhone memory. You simply insert an SD card inside and connect it to the iPhone. From there, you can select the photos you want to save in the SD card (under Files). Once all the photos are on the SD card, I put the SD card into my MacBook, and I transfer the photos into my external hard drive. While I could connect my iPhone to my MacBook and import the photos onto my computer, I would have to export the photos prior to transferring them to my external hard drive. This adapter bypasses all that tedious work. Definitely an item you need to have especially if you create a lot of content.
6. Vegan Leather Journal
I was approaching the end of my private journal that I’ve kept since I was a child. I wanted a leather-bound journal that you wrap around with a string. I chose this particular journal because the notebook is refillable, a more sustainable option compared to buying another spiral notebook. Other nifty features include a pen holder and a secret pocket. Plus, the notebooks have a table of contents and page numbers. Having this beautiful journal has made me want to write in it more.
7. Apple Pencil Silicone Sleeve
I saw my friend purchase this sleeve, and I knew I needed it too because the sticker sleeve I originally had on my Apple Pencil was getting ugly. This case provides good grip, and it keeps your cap in place, so you won’t lose it when you charge it. The only drawback is its thickness prevent you from inserting it into an elastic loop to keep your pencil with your iPad. On a positive note, it is easy to clean and there’s different color options.
8. Rechargeable Candle Lighter
I am a girl that loves candles, but why buy a traditional lighter that will run out of butane gas when you can get this lighter?
Basically, this uses electricity to light the wick. It looks like a tiny taser! Plus the flexible neck helps you reach the wick at the bottom of the candle jar without hurting yourself. This 2-pack is great if you want to have a lighter in different rooms of the house OR you can give the other one to a friend.
9. AirPods Case + Accessories
My aunt recommended this product to me, and I was so happy with my purchase, I bought some for my parents. The case has a loop and a carabiner, so you can attach it to your car keys. Plus, the set comes with ear hooks and straps, which help keep the AirPods in my ears when I run or ride my bike. I don’t have to worry about losing my AirPods.
10. 1 Liter Camelbak Eddy+ Water Bottle
No, this doesn’t keep your drink cold/hot like a Hydroflask or a Yeti tumbler, but it holds a lot of water. I have so many water bottles [too many to count and beyond necessity], but this reigns supreme. The straw allows for easy drinking on the go (especially when driving), but it also encourages me to drink more water. It doesn’t look like it would hold 1 liter of water, but it’s nice I don’t have to refill the bottle 3-4 times a day.
I hope you find these items to be useful. While Amazon is not the most eco-friendly company, it’s important to remember that you should purchase items that will last you a lifetime (e.g. the rechargeable lighter, water bottle). Remember that in order to recycle Amazon bubblewrap mailers, you have to remove the stickers completely and cut off any remaining adhesive residue. Also, check your city’s recycling policy to see if they accept those white and blue envelopes. If they don’t, go to howtorecycle.info to find your nearest receptacle.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Jordaine Enriquez