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Aug 01, 2023

Spending time in your home would be way more enjoyable if you had any of these clever, cheap things

Cancel your plans — you’re going to want to stay in. I’m a person of extremes:

Cancel your plans — you’re going to want to stay in.

I’m a person of extremes: Although I love to travel, I’m definitely a homebody, too. In fact, there's nothing I like more than staying in all day on a Saturday with nothing to do and nowhere to be. Sometimes, though, I look around and realize that my living space would definitely feel like more of a retreat if I did a little zhuzhing. To make spending time at home more enjoyable, I turn to these cheap, clever things — all of which are available on Amazon.

From ways to upgrade your bedroom to tools that make food prep much easier, you’ll find lots of little upgrades that’ll make you want to stay home even more.

There's at least one seat in every living room that leaves the person stranded with no place to put a drink or a snack. This tray clamps onto any chair or sofa armrest, where it creates a mini coffee table on the fly. It's so easy to use, too: There's no assembly required and the spring-loaded legs slide right onto the furniture.

Crafted from a fabric blend of cooling, eco-friendly bamboo and brushed microfiber, these sheets are so soft that they’re just like sleeping on a cloud — and one reviewer raved that they’re "honestly the best sheets I've ever owned." The silky sheets are wrinkle-resistant and come in shades like cream, sky blue, olive, and classic white. If your bedding is feeling a little less-than, these sheets are an easy, automatic upgrade.

Set the mood at home with this aromatherapy diffuser that releases your favorite essential oils, whether you choose a blend to relax you at night or perk you up in the morning. With a large water tank that can run for up to 13 hours, it features an LED night light with seven colors to choose from. Take advantage of the timer mode and you can enjoy set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

If you deal with allergies, acid reflux, or snoring, this wedge pillow is going to be your new nighttime BFF. Made from supportive memory foam, the wedge design elevates your head and neck to help keep airways clear and prevent heartburn. You can also use this pillow to lift your legs and support your knees, or to prop yourself up while watching TV in bed. It comes with its own machine-washable, hypoallergenic pillow cover.

No matter which room you’re in at home, this portable Bluetoooth speaker can play your favorite tunes or podcast — and it's racked up 140,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Plus, since it's water-resistant, it's the perfect companion when you’re enjoying your backyard. The rechargeable battery provides up to 14 hours of play time, and a built-in mic lets you take calls on the fly.

If you work from home, you’ll love this lap desk that will make it easier to use your computer when you’re in bed or on the couch. Along with a mouse pad, it has a built-in slot that keeps your phone handy and a bottom ledge that prevents your laptop from sliding down. Dual bolsters on the underside enhance comfort while keeping your laptop from overheating.

This popcorn popper requires nothing but kernels (no oil or butter necessary) and turns out 15 cups of popcorn with just a few minutes in the microwave. Made from BPA-free silicone, the popper doubles as a serving bowl and comes with a vented lid that's designed to leave very few unpopped kernels behind. When not in use, it collapses to a fraction of its size for convenient storage.

Enjoy the ambience of candlelight — without having to worry about open flames or the mess of dripping wax — with these flameless candles set in smoked glass jars. Beautiful on their own or used as a trio, the battery-powered candles can be controlled by a remote that lets you adjust the brightness and set timers. The LEDs have a flickering action that only adds to the realistic effect.

Enjoy your next streaming marathon just a little bit more with these USB lights that attach to the back of your TV. They provide a backlight effect that not only makes for a cinematic experience, but also creates a more vivid picture and greater contrast. The USB-powered lights plug right into your TV and the corresponding remote control makes it easy to adjust their brightness.

Turn your shower into a spa experience with these aromatherapy shower steamers that release an essential oil mist the minute that warm water hits them. The set includes a mix of scents like soothing lavender, invigorating peppermint, and sinus-clearing menthol and eucalyptus. (There's even a melon scent for those days when you’re craving summer.) They’re a perfect gift, but so nice, you’ll want to keep them for yourself.

If you can't find time (or money) for a massage and are dealing with headaches, back strain, or stress, this acupressure mat is for you. Compared to a "bed of nails," this foam mat features hundreds of little spikes that press into your skin, promoting myofascial release and relaxation while also stimulating circulation. The mat comes accompanied by a half-moon pillow, so your head and neck can reap the benefits as well. One reviewer raved, "I bought this alleviate my backache. OMG! This works. [...] It was a bit spikey at first, then within a few minutes my body got use to it and I found it very comfortable. I highly recommend this."

Enjoy the taste of cold brew that could rival any barista's without having to leave your own kitchen, thanks to this coffee kit. (It's also way more eco-friendly than taking the car to your favorite cafe and getting a to-go cup that you’re just going to throw away.) It makes a liter of coffee — enough to power through a really intense day of work — and is accompanied by an ultra-fine mesh filter, funnel, measuring scoop, and leakproof lid. Just brew, refrigerate, and dream about the delicious coffee you’ll be enjoying come morning.

Step out of the shower and right onto a cloud with this memory foam bath mat. It's covered in soft, velvety microfiber that absorbs excess water to leave your floors dry, while the nonslip backing keeps it in place. Easily washable right in your machine, this bath mat comes in a range of colors and sizes.

Fun for use inside or out, this ring toss game is sure to be a hit at your next family game night or on any lazy afternoon. It comes in three sizes and nearly a dozen styles, and is perfect for solo play or team tournaments. Made from bamboo, it installs easily in just minutes with the included hardware, adding some beach-inspired decor wherever you hang it.

Do you always wake up in a sweaty mess because you’re a hot sleeper? These cooling pillowcases are the relief you’ve been looking for. One side of each pillowcase is made from silky fibers that transfer heat away from your body (perfect for sweltering nights), and the other is made from 100% cotton that's perfect for year-round use. Super breathable, the pillowcases have a hidden zipper design. One reviewer wrote, "Not sure how it's done but this pillow case actually is cooling. It is noticeably cool and doesn't go away once you're laying your head on it."

Great for entertaining, this ice bucket serves two purposes: making ice and chilling drinks. The two-layer bucket is made from silicone; after filling it with water and freezing it, simply squeeze the sides together to shake out the newly formed cubes. To use it as an ice bucket, do the same — but keep the ice inside. (It's small, so perfect for just a couple beverages.) This clever, space-saving ice maker has earned a near-perfect 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon.

At just a little over 4 inches square, this petite sound machine is small enough fit on just about anyone's bedside table, but the impact on your sleep can be huge. With six sound options and three timer settings, it can help lull you to sleep while blocking out street sounds or the neighbors upstairs. You can plug this little baby right into the wall, or if the clutter of cords bothers you, operate it on three AA batteries.

Treating yourself to wine doesn't have to mean spending a lot — but what you should do is invest in this wine aerator and stopper set. The aerator can be inserted into the neck of the bottle, where it infuses your wine with oxygen as you pour, enhancing the flavors and aroma. At the end of the evening, stick the stopper into the bottle to create an airtight seal that’ll preserve the wine's freshness and prevent oxidation.

Stay comfortable — and avoid cold drafts or hot blasts of air — by directing the air where you want it to go with these vent deflectors. The deflectors expand from 10 to 16 inches in width to ensure a good fit, and attach easily with the embedded magnets. The transparent design won't give off a cluttered appearance, and they can be pointed either up or down for use on either high or low vents.

These shaggy ball-shaped items are actually hanging microfiber towels that make drying your hands a lot more fun. Covered in super thirsty microfiber loops, they absorb water quickly and efficiently — and you can also use them to sop up messes from the countertop. Not to mention, the soft and fluffy style adds a little design interest to your bathroom.

Make it easier to sleep in on Saturdays with these blackout curtains that block 99% of the sun's rays, as well as the streetlights outside. Just as good, they’re thermal-insulated, so they keep air conditioning from escaping in the summer and heat from escaping in the winter. They’re finished with metal grommets that make them easy to hang, and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Reviewers love them — they’ve earned a 4.6-star overall rating after 55,000 reviews.

How much fun is this cheese board set that has a hidden drawer packed with serving utensils? Made from natural bamboo, the board also has carved-out space for olives, crackers, and other accoutrements. It's a must-have for entertaining, but works just as well when you’re creating a snack spread for a Saturday night spent on the couch.

Offset the blue-light effects of sitting in front of your computer (or scrolling on your phone) with these amber light bulbs. Unlike bulbs with blue tones, the warm glow won't contribute to the disruption of your circadian rhythm or melatonin production, which means a better night's sleep for you. Additionally, because they’re LED bulbs, they’re energy-efficient. Just screw them into the light fixtures in the rooms where you spend the most time before bed.

Add a luxe touch to your space with this gorgeous candle that comes in scents like fresh persimmon, eucalyptus and chamomile, and Tudor rose. Crafted from clean-burning soy and pure essential oils, the candle is set in a glass jar and finished with a crackling wood wick. Plus, the company donates a portion of proceeds to Zoe International, a nonprofit dedicated to ending child trafficking.

If your bathroom is like a dark cave, it's time to upgrade with these vanity lights that couldn't be easier to install. Backed with peel-and-stick adhesive, they adhere to the perimeter of your mirror and plug directly into a wall outlet. In minutes, you have a glamorous, Hollywood-inspired bathroom you can actually see in.

Make bath time even more of a relaxing experience when you add this pillow that cradles your head, neck, and upper back. Crafted from soft but supportive foam, this pillow is covered in a breathable, quick-drying fabric, so it doesn't leave behind a soggy mess. It stays put thanks to four suction cups, and has a convenient pocket for a few accessories.

If cooking is getting to be a drag, pick up this food chopper that makes meal prep so much quicker and easier. Equipped with three stainless steel blade inserts, this chopper makes short work of dicing veggies and firm fruits — just press down on the lid. The spacious 8-cup container means you can even whip up a mean guacamole or pico de gallo right inside. All the pieces disassemble for cleaning and are top rack dishwasher-safe.

This organizer manages to solve two problems: First, it keeps your coffee table uncluttered, and second, it ensures that you can always locate your TV remote, the remote to your ceiling fan, your reading glasses, and all that other stuff you can never find when you’re ready to relax. The five-compartment organizer spins 360 degrees, and can also be used to tidy up office supplies on your desk.

Enjoy water infused with fruit, cucumbers, or herbs — and totally crush your hydration goals —with this infuser pitcher. The pitcher is made from durable borosilicate glass, and the easy-to-fill infuser can be removed if you want to use the pitcher for plain water or lemonade. It's also accompanied by a stainless steel lid to lock in freshness.

If your feet are tired at the end of the day, this foot spa will soothe and reinvigorate them. Like a mini hot tub, it has water jets that bathe your feet in comfort and raised nodes that provide a gentle massage. You can even use the built-in pumice to buff away rough skin and soften heels. The convenient toe-touch control lets you turn this device on and off without having to bend down.

Treat yourself to a little cocktail party — or a big cocktail party — right at home with this cocktail shaker set that's so much cheaper than heading out to a bar. The full-featured set includes a double jigger, two pourers, a muddler, and a stirring spoon in addition to a booklet of cocktail recipes. Made from sleek stainless steel, it comes in a variety of good-looking finishes like copper and black.

Made from ultra-plush faux sheepskin, this area rug adds a layer of luxury, whether you place it in front of the fireplace or at the side of your bed (it feels great on your feet first thing in the morning). The high-pile rug comes in a range of sizes, so you can opt for a small accent piece or make a statement with something larger. Choose from neutrals like gray and cream, or add a pop of color with unconventional shades like frosted blue or blush.

Decant your hand soap into these dispensers that create an airy foam when you press down on the pumps. The break-resistant plastic bottles have a modern square design and come in shades like amber, clear, and green — way more attractive than the packaging you bring home from the store. Plus, by refilling these instead of buying new soap bottles, you’ll be doing the earth a favor.

Choose from 16 million colors — as well as both warm and cool white — when you have this smart bulb. You can also set schedules and timers, dim the brightness, and control the bulb from your smartphone when you’re away from home (a great way to deter any would-be intruders). It's also voice command-compatible if you have an Alexa or Google assistant.

Make the most of a small kitchen and keep your cooking utensils close at hand with this wall-mounted rack you can mount right above your stove or counter. Made from durable iron, it can handle up to 22 pounds and comes with 15 S-hooks. Whether you’re a dedicated home cook or an instant ramen connoisseur, this is a great way to make your kitchen feel more professional and organized.

Make the most of any wall socket with this outlet shelf that creates an instant charging station for your phone, smart assistant, Bluetooth speaker, or electric toothbrush. Installation is quick and easy with the included hardware, and the notch in back makes it easy to thread through a charging cable. It supports up to 10 pounds, making this a reliable, sturdy buy.

With this indoor herb garden kit, you get a houseplant, a fun project, and some fresh ingredients for your dinner — all in one. The kit includes four burlap grow bags, soil discs, shears, and plant markers, along with coriander, basil, parsley, and thyme seeds. It all comes packaged in a wooden box that can double as a planter. It's a great project to do on your own or as a family, and you’ll love getting to monitor their progress and reap the results.

There's nothing like a mug of steaming hot coffee in the morning — until it cools down to a less-than-satisfying lukewarm temperature. This mug warmer ensures that your hot beverage is perfect for sipping and features three temperature settings that satisfy even the choosiest person. The four-hour shutoff offers tons of peace of mind.

If you want privacy — but don't want to block out the light — this frosted window film will certainly do the trick. This film uses static cling to attach to your windows, and can be taken off at any time without leaving behind hard-to-remove residue. The light-filtering sheets come in an array of sizes and can be trimmed to size for a perfect fit.

Whether you have fruit flies hanging around the bananas, or mosquitos that sneak in through the windows, this indoor insect trap can help. It uses a combination of UV light and a powerful fan to lure flying insects inside where the sticky glue board traps them. Simply slide out the tray and dump it in the garbage when it's full. Reviewers have reported it's "super quiet" and "incredibly effective."