On Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok I have seen a lot of “Amazon Must Haves” posts which include random things on Amazon that people swear by. As we know, Amazon is a scapegoat to purchase items that we might need in a hurry or also buy things that we probably don’t need and will just “collect dust” as my mother likes to say. Even though it is a convenient place to buy everything at once, there are many reasons to not support Amazon. Some of the reasons being that they exploit their workers,stop them from unionizing, and don’t use environmentally friendly packaging.Even though I try to avoid Amazon when I can, I still like the concept of sharing random things that you love that most people wouldn’t think to buy. So here are some things I have purchased that I didn’t know I needed until they were delivered to my doorstep, my “Random Must-Haves”
1. Computer Camera Cover
I have seen many people put tape over a computer camera but the great advantage to a cover is that it is very easy to slide open and close instead of having to remove the tape and replace it. I got this right before quarantine when I started online classes and it has been a blessing for zoom calls. If I want to be seen I just slide it open and when I don’t, I have it closed. I highly recommend these, they were super inexpensive and super easy to put on.
Never knew I needed these until the q of course. I have always been a germ freak, my mom always instilled in me to never touch buttons or grab doors unless I had to so quarantine hasn’t been too difficult for me to get acclimated with. Recently, I started seeing touchless door opener tools made by people on TikTok and they’re genius because like I said, you can’t always avoid touching buttons or opening doors. It’s useful for punching in a card pin, opening doors, and can be sanitized after every use. These on Etsy that I found are not only affordable but come in some amazing color varieties!
I am a skincare junkie (which you will soon discover through this blog) but I have always been skeptical of certain face tools. I discovered the ice roller on TikTok as well and it was recommended to be used in the morning to depuff your face. I don’t have a particularly very puffy face but I do suffer from headaches and anxiety and one of the things that always helps me when I am feeling anxious or in pain is something cold on my face and neck. You only have to keep the roller part in the freezer (make sure of course to have it in a Ziploc or something and not just put it in the freezer without protection) and keep the handle in a nearby cabinet. Whenever I need it, I get the roller out of the freezer and rub it on my face for 10 minutes. This has not only been helpful but actually fun to do. I can read my news in the morning or scroll through twitter while I use it.
Using a dry brush for your body is a great way to get rid of dead skin and exfoliate. The ideal time for dry brushing is before you get in the shower, start at your feet and work your way up to your head brushing in a circular motion. Dry brushing is such an underrated but great skincare technique, you have no idea how much smoother and receptive to lotion and oils your skin will be afterward. This specific dry brush I found is vegan and cruelty-free, made from a cactus plant, and is 100% recyclable.
AirPod Cases are widely popular now but when I got mine over a year ago not many people were using them. It’s a small accessory that you can use for protection but also as another way to add a cute style to an everyday item. They’re an expensive piece of technology that needs protection so a cover is a must. Casetify has some great ones, you can even get one that’s customizable!
6. Reusable Bamboo Straws
We needed to stop using plastic straws a long time ago, but now especially with people going out to eat during Covid-19, I think bringing your own utensils and straws is necessary. These Bamboo straws are not only environmentally friendly (they’re biodegradable and compostable) but they’re inexpensive and super cute. They come in multiple sizes, perfect for any type of drink whether it be water or a thick milkshake, and with a cleaning brush and pouch as well. During these times we need to be super careful and this is a small step to ensure your safety if you are choosing to go out and eat.
7. Tile Pro
Let’s be real, most of us are constantly losing things, correct? I have seen Tile’s used in many creative ways such as on a juul and the bottom of a car to name a few so they’re good for many things but specifically lost keys. Having a Tile attached to something allows it to be found in a 400 ft range by making an alarm sound. If you’re someone who is always losing your keys, computer, chargers, etc., definitely invest in a Tile.
8. Liquid IV
Liquid IV is a great way to make sure you’re getting your water intake up every day. They are a Non-GMO electrolyte mix for water and 1 packet of Liquid IV is equal to drinking 2-3 cups of water. Included are 5 vitamins as well: B3, B5, B6, B12, and Vitamin C. It is also Gluten-free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. I suffer from being “chronically dehydrated” which I didn’t even know was a thing until my doctor told me so I love taking these when I feel as though I’m lacking proper hydration. They’re perfect for a workout or just on your regular scorching hot day walking around town. I heard the founder of Liquid IV talk about his company on a podcast I love and the story of how they came about is really amazing.
9. Pack This! Pad
I discovered this pad a few years ago and have used it for all of my trips. Everything you could need to remember to pack from your wallet to medication to swimsuit is listed and you can write the amount you need and if you have packed it yet. I always forget one or two things when I go on a trip and whenever I use this pad I never do. This company makes other useful notepads as well such as an “all out of” grocery list, self-therapy checklist, and a pros/cons pad.
Quiplash is a super fun and entertaining online game that has made itself known during quarantine. In the game, you are prompted with questions and given a certain amount of time to answer the questions in a witty way and then the other players pick their favorite answers out of two options given. You can play with up to 9 people, there are 3 rounds, and it takes 15 minutes for one full game. I have had such a good time laughing in quarantine playing Quiplash with my friends and family and highly recommend investing in buying the game, I promise it will become your favorite.
These adhesive cord catchers are perfect to put on a table or nightstand to keep your cords untangled and easily accessible. They’re quick to stick on and small enough so they’re not noticeable. During quarantine I have been having all my cords tangled together on the floor next to my bed and having these stuck to my side table has been super helpful.
An easy and useful thing to stick above your toilet, Mrs. Meyer’s room freshener is a perfect thing to have in your bathroom. Do you ever need to go to the bathroom at someone’s house and are scared of someone entering right after you? Big yikes. This is why every bathroom needs this. They have very light yet effective scents that make you and your guests feel comfortable using the bathroom. I shared a house with 8 girls, a bathroom with 3 and this was a must in every bathroom.
13. Stasher Tupperware
Stasher is a company that sells Non-toxic silicone storage bags for your refrigerator and freezer. They are a much better way to store your food and also pack food on the go. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are dishwasher and microwave safe! Part of the proceeds of their sales goes to organizations that are in support of keeping oceans clean and healthy which is a part of Stasher’s mission. I highly recommend you make the switch from plastic Tupperware to Stasher.
14. Remove and Chill Nail Enamel Remover
Remove and Chill Nail Enamel Remover is the best new polish remover on the market. It comes as a paste that you let sit on your nails for 2-3 minutes to remove your polish gently and without the disgusting smell of regular alcohol. Remove and Chill has fresh oils such as macadamia, almond, and argan that help nourish both your nails and cuticles in the process. This is the best new nail polish remover hands down, whoever does their nails frequently needs this ASAP.
Leave a Reply