PSA: Today is Amazon Prime Day. If you aren’t a Prime member, now is a good time to sign up or try the 30-day free trial because Prime Day (Monday, July 15) brings member-only deals.
One thing to remember: popular items can sell out quickly. My rule of thumb is if I’d be disappointed to miss an item, I order it right away. Also, all of my books are available on Amazon.
I didn’t always think of myself as someone who relied on many gadgets, but over time I’ve accumulated a few I wouldn’t want to live without.
Below are some of my favorites—everyday tools that genuinely make life easier and more enjoyable.
Milk frother.
I love this stainless-steel frother. My previous steamer had a non-stick coating, so I switched to this safer option. It creates hot or cold foam and keeps milk warm while I prepare my coffee. I use non-dairy milk and it froths beautifully. You can also add flavorings to make a variety of drinks.
Espresso maker.
This compact espresso maker has become my daily go-to since my larger machine stopped working. It’s affordable and makes very good coffee. A big part of great coffee is using quality, organic, fair-trade beans and grinding them right before brewing. If you haven’t tried oat milk like Oatly, it’s a top non-dairy option I enjoy.
Instant Pot.
I was skeptical at first, but the Instant Pot has earned its place in my kitchen. I’m still learning all its capabilities, but it’s great for cooking rice and beans quickly and reliably. Once you get over the initial intimidation, it’s an incredibly useful and time-saving appliance.
Echo Show and Home Hawk security camera.
I didn’t think I needed a smart display, but the Echo Show quickly became indispensable. We use it to stream music, set timers, check the weather, watch videos, and view news. It also integrates with our Home Hawk security cameras, which makes monitoring the property effortless. An Echo Dot is another great affordable option if you want voice control and music in another room.
Lawn mower.
We used to hire someone to mow our large lawn and didn’t own a mower ourselves. This season we decided to take it on, and a neighbor recommended a rechargeable battery mower that’s much easier to use than a gas model. It’s quiet, convenient, and affordable—exactly what we needed.
Robot vacuum.
This little machine is my daily helper. It picks up dust bunnies, dog hair, sand, and everyday dirt without effort. It maneuvers across hard floors and rugs, navigates changes in height, and fits under furniture. I used to think a full-size vacuum was enough, but the robot keeps the floors maintained between deep cleans and has become essential to my routine.
Nespresso coffee maker.
Alongside my espresso maker, we keep a Nespresso for convenience. It’s perfect for quick cups when we’re rushing out the door or when guests want an easy, fast brew. It’s compact, quick, and makes consistently good coffee.
Tripod.
We take lots of photos at home—some with phones, others with a camera. A sturdy tripod makes the difference for clear, crisp images when shooting book or blog photos. It’s simple but essential for better photography.
Diffuser and essential oils kit.
I prefer buying essential oils and wellness products directly from trusted sources for quality and safety rather than from marketplaces. I’ve used a high-quality wood-and-glass diffuser for years and find it far superior to look-alikes. It also plays music and comes in a starter kit that includes oils and useful accessories.
I regularly use oils for sleep, mood, skin care, digestion, focus, cleaning, immune support, and creating a pleasant home scent without toxic products. If you’re new to oils, consider starting with a trusted starter kit and seek guidance from a knowledgeable community to help you learn safe, effective uses.
We have diffusers in several rooms. The model pictured includes a candle-flicker light that helps set a cozy mood, or you can turn the light off for sleep. I recommend purchasing oils and wellness products from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.
So there you have it: ten gadgets I can’t live without.
Find current Amazon Prime deals in the Prime Day listings on Amazon.
I may update this post with additional deals or recommendations throughout the day, so check back if you’re looking for more highlights.
Favorite Prime Day deals
Blue Dutch oven at a great price.
Vitamix blender — excellent for making nut butter and smoothies.
Countertop toaster oven — a handy kitchen upgrade.
Echo Dot — compact smart speaker at a very low price.
Instant Pot — a versatile, time-saving multi-cooker.
Amazon Fire Stick — our primary way to stream Netflix and other services.
Stand mixer — a beautiful and practical option for home baking.
Instant camera and photo printer — prints photos from your phone for quick physical keepsakes.
Copper string lights — a simple, affordable way to add ambiance.
Outdoor globe string lights (100 ft) — perfect for patios and outdoor gatherings.