I won’t gatekeep these any longer.
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As a shopping editor, I’m always tempted to gatekeep the hidden gems that I find. Whether it’s a comfy crew-neck sweatshirt that I own three of, or the best bug bite relief ever made, these finds took hours of looking to discover and are now so essential to my life, I wouldn’t know what to do without them. But, the time has finally come. I asked Mic editors to share their favorite hidden gems on Amazon — from an actually affordable digital camera that’ll keep you off of your phone, to a foldable phone stand that fits in your pocket. Shopping editors are obsessed with these hidden gems and, trust me, you’ll wish you knew about them sooner.
01An irregular glass vase that’s a conversation starter
It’s easy to find a standard vase to hold your flowers. But a fun vase? That’s harder to find. I am obsessed with this clear crinkled vase, that blends into any decor but also showcases your personality. This clear style is my personal favorite, but the silver color catches light and reflects it back into your space. While these are relatively hidden on Amazon, the reviews are glowing.
02A magnetic & MagSafe-compatible case for your AirPods
There are so many reasons why I’m obsessed with this AirPods Pro case. For one, the black design makes it simple to find your AirPods when they’ve blended into your bedding. But they also enable MagSafe charging, so you can easily charge your AirPods without any cable nearby. The magnetic lid is really the best part — the next time you drop your AirPods you won’t have to scramble to find where they flew too on the floor.
03This insulated sleeve for your iced coffee
If you drink a lot of iced coffee, trust me, you need this double-wall insulated sleeve. It’s perfect for fitting iced coffee drinks from 16 to 24 ounces in size, and will keep them cold for so much longer. Have this one in your car for that hot day when an iced coffee is an absolute must.
04This hydrating hand sanitizer & hand lotion
This hand sanitizer is formulated with avocado and jojoba oils to hydrate your hands as it cleans them. The tiny bottle fits in your pocket, so you can always have it nearby. No matter how many times you touch a grimy pole on the subway or a highly-trafficked door handle, you’ll have just what you need to get clean without drying out your hands.
05These summer slides made from a terry cloth towel material
These cute slides are a favorite of Mic editor, Kate Miller, who says, “The terry cloth lining is perfect for warding off any sweaty feet during the summer months. Plus, they come in a cute flatform design. I now own them in two colors!” The green color here is beautiful, but they also come in a neutral black or white, or bright colors like pink or orange.
- Available colors: 5
- Available sizes: 6 — 11
06These clips that hold your beach towel in place
On windy beach days, you’ll be so grateful you have these clips tucked in your beach bag. Clip them to the back of your beach chair and you'll never have to chase after a runaway beach towel again. They’re also great for other outdoor uses — some reviewers use these to hold tablecloths down to their outdoor tables.
07This nonslip rug pad & gripper that’s a game-changer
This trim-able rug gripping pad is so great, and even provides a little bit of extra padding for thinner rugs. It comes in 20 sizes, so you can match closely to the rug you have. Then just lay it down on your floors and plop your area rug over top it. They’ll both stay put no matter how much you walk over them.
08These lip balms that you can use on your cuticles
This four-pack of beeswax lip balms are so versatile because you can use them on your lips or your cuticles. Keep one or two hidden away in your backpack or purse, and pull one out when your lips (or your nails!), seem dry. This four pack comes with four different flavors, from mint vanilla to blackberry.
09The perfect card to gift for any ocassion
This pop-up card stands up into a full bouquet, so it’s the ultimate gift when you can’t decide if you want to send flowers or a card. Once the card has been received, the recipient can prop up the bouquet on a table, and brighten up any room. I’ve been eyeing this to gift to my mom for her birthday.
10This discreet way to hide cords
This flat extension cord will genuinely change the game if your house is cluttered with cords. It comes in two lengths, 3 feet and 8 feet, and both black and white colors. You’ll be able to find the perfect one for your needs, and it’ll eliminate the clutter that seems unavoidable in your home.
11These coupe glasses that are so chic & cheap
Every once in awhile I stumble upon a product that is so affordable for what it is, I can’t believe my eyes. These coupe glasses are just that. This set of four coupe glasses is just $20, and is made to look like a vintage addition to your bar cart. These are so chic — you'd never guess that they're not heirlooms. This clear set is timeless, but the smoky gray set, and the blush pink ones are also beautiful.
12These ballpoint pens that don’t bleed
I love these pens so much. I borrowed one from my mom, and it was so great that I had to get my own set. This 12-pack comes with three colors, black, red, and blue, and the gel ink glides easily on any paper. I’ve also used them to annotate a few books, and I’m pleased to report that they don’t bleed.
13A charger for your Apple Watch
The sad part of being an Apple Watch user, is that its battery life pales in comparison to other smart watches. So, it’s a good idea to have an easy way to charge your watch on hand — like this USB-C portable charger for your Apple Watch that can plug into your computer or any USB-C block.
14A digital meat thermometer shaped like the devil
OTOTO makes some of the cutest kitchen gadgets, and this meat thermometer is no exception. Slide it into meat that you’re cooking and it will easily read the internal temperature. You can’t tell by looking at it, but it also has a magnet built-in so it can stick to your fridge, too.
15This dish brush that rests on the edge of your sink
Mic editor, Danielle Kraese, loves this dish brush with a handle and a sink rest. Easily prop it on the edge of your sink so it dries and drips into your sink basin. When it’s time to use it, the ergonomic handle makes it easy to wield, and the non-scratch, curved brush head gets into nooks and crannies.
16These bed clips that hold your sheets down
Whether you have a thick mattress topper or simply toss and turn a lot in your sleep (I fall into both categories), sheets coming up from the side of your bed in the middle of the night is super frustrating. These bed clips clip to the Bed Scrunchie to keep your sheets in place and looking tight all night long. Note: These attach to the standard Bed Scrunchie, so make sure you grab one of those if you don’t already have one.
17This bug bite relief that you need for summer
This bug bite relief may seem weird, but you’re going to have to trust me. One zap of this gadget plus a little bug bite cream, and you’ll forget you’ve even been bitten. “It feels like a pinch, but it is the only thing that gives me instant bug bite relief,” says Mic editor, Jen Fiegel. “I finish it with an anti-itch cream,” she recommends.
18This lazy susan made of bamboo
The second that I saw this bamboo lazy Susan, I knew I needed to have it. Its 10-by-10-inch design fits nicely into many cabinets, or you can leave it out on the counter to hold your spices, cooking oils, or shakers. It’ll make your cabinets so much more functional.
19This dutch oven that’s “squoval” shaped
With corners that allow for even crispier baking, this dutch oven is so uniquely shaped. The “squoval” shape is a blend of square and oval, and is perfect for cooking soups that you can then easily pour from one corner. But it is just as great in the oven for cooking bread, roasting a chicken, you name it.
20These protector sleeves that fit over your mason jars
These food-safe silicone sleeves fit over your 16-ounce mason jars to make them easier to pick up when they’re filled with cold or hot food. They’re also easy to grip so you’ll never drop one. This pack of four comes with four different colored sleeves, all made with BPA-free and nontoxic silicone.
21This storage shelf for your kitchen
Karen Belz, Mic editor, says, “I admit, I bought this more for the drawer than anything else. It's a great place to store extra sauce packets without having them be in full view. It's also great for optimizing space!” This compact three-tier storage shelf nests into the corner of your kitchen, and easily opens to reveal whatever you’ve stored inside.
22This desktop vacuum cleaner that’s so handy
A desktop vacuum cleaner may seem unnecessary, but once you have one you’ll change your tune. “I was a bit skeptical at first, but this cute little gadget is a great way to tackle all of the small crumbs and dust that accumulate on surfaces. I named mine Crumbot. Orange is definitely the way to go,” says Belz. The battery of this can run for up to 2.5 hours before needing to be recharged, and it comes in five colors.
23An ionic hair brush that’s an editor-fave
Belz raves, “This has quickly become one of my all-time favorite brushes. It glides easily, and works incredibly well with a hair dryer to add volume. It even comes with hair clips! You can't go wrong.” The boar bristles pick up and spread sebum through your hair to naturally disperse hydration throughout your head as you brush.
24This personal blender you can charge & bring with you
“This little blender is easy to store, easy to clean, and perfect for "smoothies for one,” says Belz. It can house 14 ounces of smoothie in the BPA-free and dishwasher-safe container. At the push of a button, this blender will turn your favorite fruit and mix-ins into a fantastic smoothie. Then you can sip it directly out of the lid.
25These shelf organizers that maximize vertical space
Stack these on top of each other or set them out side by side, these organizers are great for maximizing cabinet space. But, if you’d rather, reviewers also love to use these to set up a two-tier storage space for their desk setup. These come in gray and bronze, and come recommended by Kraese.
26This little bag that hides hygiene products in the bathroom
This pack of 125 small bags is a real life-saver. You can tuck hygiene products that you’re disposing into these bags and seal them at the top. The bags are made from a recyclable plastic, and they will keep your sanitary napkins, tampons, or pads out of septic systems where they can cause clogs or end up harming wildlife in oceans or rivers.
27The phone stand that I gift to everyone I know
This phone stand folds down to fit into your pocket, and has traveled with me all over the world in the past year. Its weighted bottom stays put and you can adjust the height to match your needs. I have gifted this to so many people in my life, and it's been such a useful item to have tucked away or to travel with. My sisters love to have it on hand in restaurants or public places when they need to pull up Bluey for their kids.
28A sweatshirt that I own three of
Many Mic editors own this sweatshirt (myself included, thrice). Its fleece lining is so soft and the oversize fit is perfect for maximum comfort. Miller says, “This is quite possibly the most perfect oversize sweatshirt ever made. Love the drop shoulders and cozy lining. I own it in three colors and wear it with everything from bike shorts to leggings to jeans.”
29This collapsible laundry hamper that’s easy to store
“If a hamper can be great, this one is. [I] love the height for storing a lot of laundry at once, and the sturdy base means you can place folded laundry in it too for putting away. The long, sturdy side handles are also convenient for carrying,” says Miller. This comes in eight different sizes and three striped patterns.
30A tofu press that’s an editor-favorite
Mic editor, Carolyn Meynes, loves this genius tofu press. She says, “I used a bunch of canned goods, plates, and paper towels to drain my tofu for an embarrassingly long time. This gadget was a game changer and greatly improved the texture of my stir fries.” It’s no wonder that this has earned a glowing, 4.7-star average rating on Amazon.
31This herb saver that’ll keep your greens fresh for 2 to 3 weeks
“I recommend this to everyone,” Meynes says. This herb keeper and saver “delivers on the promise of making my greens last for three weeks, which has revived my love of cooking with fresh herbs again (and again and again),” she reports. Scoop one up for your kitchen and see for yourself. You may just find yourself recommending it to everyone in your life, as well.
32An anti-chafing stick that is a must for summer
The thigh rescue anti-friction stick is so great for hot and sweaty weather. It creates a barrier that’ll keep your legs, or underarms, or underboobs, from chafing and creating an uncomfortable rash in hot weather. “I won't leave home without this in the summer. It's a lifesaver,” Meynes says. This is the size of a deodorant, so you can tuck it into your bag for whenever you need it.
33This texture spray for thin hair
Meynes loves this texture spray for thin hair: “I have really thin hair, and this spray effectively gives me all of the volume I lack.” Spray it in your hair and tease out your locks for a more volumized look. Reviewers say a little goes a long way.
34These plastic wine glasses that are so chic
Allison Bolt, Mic editor, highly recommends these plastic wine glasses. She says, “These little wine glasses look so chic at gatherings compared to the usual plastic cups. I also love that they stack together because I'm constantly low on serving space.” They’re also great for anyone who tends to drop their drink often (me!).
35This kitchen sink organizer that dries fast
“This minimalist holder completely upgraded my kitchen sink,” says Bolt. “No more wiping water off the counter or dealing with grimy soap bottles.” This comes in four different colors and has enough room to fit a few bottles of soap, a dish brush, or a reed diffuser. It’s the ultimate upgrade for your kitchen or bathroom.
36A fan that mists water at you
“A portable misting fan like this one is a must-have for me now. It comes in handy for walks, beach days, and even stuffy hotel rooms,” says Bolt. This handheld mini fan easily folds together to tuck into your bag, recharges via USB, has three speeds, and even has a small water tank inside that can mist water at you.
37A treat puzzle for your cat that an editor swears by
Fiegel loves this treat puzzle for her cats. “My older cat doesn't naturally gravitate towards play anymore, but she loves this thing. I have never felt like a prouder mother than when she figured out the wheel,” she says. This puzzle can hold treats or up to a quarter cup of food. It has 14 hidden compartments to keep them busy and active.
38This cleansing balm that’s now vegan
The Clean it Zero cleansing balm has been a fan-favorite but, for the first time, they’re releasing a vegan formula. “Banila Co re-released its cleansing balms in a vegan formula, and luckily for fans of the cult-favorite original (myself included), it works just as well,” Fiegel reports. Put a little on your face and massage it into your makeup. It’ll dissolve waterproof makeup so you can simply wipe it off.
39An apple cider vinegar rinse for your hair
The benefits of Apple Cider vinegar as a cleanser have long been established, but this cleansing rinse in particular is an editor-favorite. “For scalp irritation, flakes, and build-up, this has been my stand-by for years. It also makes me hair so soft,” says Fiegel. Apply a bit along your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. You can rinse it out when you shower.
40A cream packed with ceramides perfect for irritated skin
This Korean barrier cream is designed for dry and sensitive skin. Rub a bit into your skin and it promises up to 120 hours of hydration. The formula has capsule ceramides to moisturize and protect the barrier of your skin. Fiegel is a fan of this. She says, “This helps soothe skin irritation even when nothing else does.”
41A phone holder for the bath or the shower
This waterproof phone holder can mount to your shower wall, or prop up on the side of your bath, without you having to worry that your phone will get wet and damaged. The phone can rotate 480 degrees, can angle 120 degrees, and retains the touch-sensitivity of your device. You can prop up your favorite show on Netflix, change up your playlist, or take calls (but should you?).
42An affordable digital camera that’ll keep you off of your phone
Kelsey Lawrence, Mic editor, recently invested in an affordable digital camera. “I've been using this affordable digital camera to document trips and summer hangs with friends, and it's been so fun. It's nice to have a reason to not pull out my phone, and it feels more spontaneous and candid than an iPhone photo,” she says. Editor’s note: While working on this article, I also bought this. So far, it’s been great for documenting my summer.
43A curl-activating cream that’s such a good deal
Lawrence also loves this curl activator cream. She says, “This curl activating cream really brings out my waves for a soft, beachy look. I found out I have waves I didn't even know I had with this stuff — plus it smells like a tropical coconut dream.” It’s hard to believe you’ll get 12 ounces of product for under $10.
44These under-bed storage containers with clear tops
“With these, I finally have a place to store extra linens (under my bed),” says Mic editor, Anna Anderson. These are designed with handles on each side and a clear, zip-able top that makes it simple to see what you stored in each one. Slide these under your bed or store them high or low in your closet, and you’ll maximize storage in an otherwise unutilized space.
45A body oil from a trusted brand
This skin therapy oil is perfect for everything, from scars to dry and damaged skin. Its cocoa butter-packed formula has vitamin E, olive oil, and shea butter, to hydrate your skin and leave it smelling fantastic. Anderson raves, “This will make your skin feel so silky and smells like vacation.”
46The next evolution of the Scrub Daddy
You may have heard of the Scrub Daddy, but have you heard of the Sponge Daddy? Anderson calls these sponges “the perfect scrubber.” Each sponge in this pack of four has a soft side that you can use as a sponge, and a scrubber on the back that is great for breaking down dry food, countertop stains, or what have you. She raves, it’s “fast-drying, easy to hold, and super flexible when wet.”
47This spinning mop to clean your floors
“I swear by this mop,” says Anderson. “It works so much faster than single-use pads and you never have to pay for refills. Plus, the spinning action is pretty satisfying.” Easily control how wet your mop is by dropping it inside the spin bucket and tapping the pedal. The mop will spin to release water so when its time to use, your mop will be wet without dripping water everywhere. The microfiber mop head is easy to wring out, and detaches with one push on the handle so you can pop it in the washing machine to clean.
48These Turkish hand towels that are chic & so absorbent
Whether you set them out in your kitchen or your bathroom, these Turkish hand towels are as useful as they are good-looking. They absorb water so well, especially given their thinner design, and dry fast when you hang them up. This Ecru color is a great neutral, but they come in nearly 30 different colors and three different patterns.
49This bralette that I can’t stop buying
I love this bralette so much, I own it in every color. The seamless design and ribbed fabric is so soft and these offer the perfect light support, so I often sleep in them. They have adjustable straps and a wide but flexible band at the bottom. Truly, this is the most comfortable bralette that I own.
50A set of diffuser bottles & sticks for a uniform scent in your home
The single best way to have a cohesive scent in your home is to find an essential oil blend that you like and put them in diffusers around the entire house. This is perfect for that. This set of four bottles and sticks can each hold your favorite essential oil and diffuse it in your space. Prop them up in each room to have a singular scent running through your entire house.
51This set of pasta bowls that multiple editors love
This set of bowls has made waves in our editor's Slack channel. They are so cute upon first glance and even better in person. The organic shape of the rim looks beautiful when set out on the table, but they still nest to store easily in your cabinet. They’re even safe to go in the microwave and the dishwasher.
52These earrings that look like safety pins
A unique set of earrings is always a conversation piece, and these safety pin earrings by Benevolence LA immediately caught my eye. They hook into your ear and close similarly to a safety pin, but they’re made with a hypoallergenic white-gold plating that’s chic and safe for your ears.
53A set of corner shelves for your shower
In smaller showers, it can seem like there’s no way to store your products. These shelves are perfect for saving space, and attach to the corner of your shower. Each shelf has hooks for razors, loofahs, or other shower accessories you might have. This can be installed two ways: It comes with mounting hardware you can use to install it, or use the adhesive sealant that safely adheres it to your wall. Reviewers report these are really sturdy.
54This scone pan that is pre-sliced
With eight individual sections for everything from pie slices to individual scones, this cast iron biscuit pan is such a cool tool to have in your kitchen. One reviewer who used it to make biscuits says, “They turned out golden brown on top and bottom and the flavor was wonderful. I would recommend this product to anyone who is thinking of purchasing it. Just can't wait until I make mini tarts in it.”
55A broom set with a telescoping pole that nests in itself
This broom set may seem pretty standard, but it’s a favorite of Kraese. The broom can extend from 8.5 inches to 12 inches so you can get into hard to reach spaces, and the bristles are flagged to reach a larger surface area. Even better, it all nests into the bucket after you’re done to store easily in your closet, and the handles have holes so you can hook them on your wall.