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 brings member-only deals. Keep in mind that popular items can sell out quickly, so if you’d be disappointed to miss something, I usually order it right away. And remember, all of my books are available on Amazon.
I didn’t think of myself as a big gadget person, but there are a handful of small appliances and tools around the house that I truly wouldn’t want to live without.
Below are some of my favorites—gadgets that consistently make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
Milk frother.
I love this stainless steel frother. My previous steamer had a non-stick coating, so switching to stainless felt healthier. This model makes hot or cold froth and is very easy to use. For my coffee I add a non-dairy milk and froth it—sometimes it even keeps the milk warm while I prepare my drink. You can experiment with flavors and add-ins to create a variety of beverages.
Espresso maker.
After my larger espresso machine failed, I found this affordable replacement and was pleasantly surprised. It makes very good coffee—remember that the beans and the grind matter a lot—and it’s compact and reliable for daily use. If you enjoy non-dairy milk, Oatly oat milk is one of my favorites to pair with espresso drinks.
Instant Pot.
At first I wasn’t sure I needed an Instant Pot, but it has become a useful tool. I’m still learning all its capabilities, but it’s great for cooking rice, beans and quick meals. It’s efficient and saves time, and once you get comfortable using it, it becomes a reliable part of weeknight cooking.
Echo Show and Home Hawk security camera.
I didn’t expect to use an Echo Show so often, but it’s become indispensable. We use it for music, timers, weather, video, and quick news updates. It also connects to our Home Hawk cameras, which is convenient for checking on the property. Echo devices are helpful around the house and make everyday tasks simpler.
Lawn mower.
We used to hire someone to mow because our yard is large and we didn’t have a mower, plus family members have grass allergies. This spring we decided to take care of it ourselves and tried a rechargeable battery mower. It’s much easier to maintain than a gas mower, quieter, and more convenient. We’ve been very happy with this switch.
Robot vacuum.
This little helper keeps the floors tidy every day. It picks up dust bunnies, pet hair, and dirt on hard floors and rugs, and navigates different floor heights and furniture legs with ease. I used to think a regular vacuum was enough, but the robot vacuum does a great job of daily maintenance and frees up time for other tasks.
Nespresso coffee maker.
We keep a Nespresso machine for quick, convenient cups. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when guests want an easy single-serve option. While I enjoy my espresso maker for frothier, barista-style drinks, the Nespresso is a reliable back-up for fast, consistent coffee.
Tripod (similar model).
We use a sturdy tripod for photography around the house—book photos, blog images, and clearer shots from a camera. Even though many photos are taken with phones, the tripod helps produce crisp, professional-looking images for projects and posts.
Diffuser and essential oils kit.
I’m very selective about where I buy essential oils—quality matters for safety and effectiveness—so I don’t recommend buying oils on marketplace sites. I’ve used a high-quality wood-and-glass diffuser for years and find it superior to look-alikes. In my experience, the brand I use offers reliable diffusers, oils and non-toxic household products that I feel comfortable recommending.
Diffusers are great for mood, sleep support, and creating a pleasant, natural scent at home without relying on conventional candles or sprays. If you’re curious about starting with essential oils, a premium starter kit can be a helpful way to try a curated selection along with a quality diffuser.
We have multiple diffusers around the house. The model pictured has a gentle light feature that mimics a candle flicker, which is lovely for setting a mood or turning off when you’re using the diffuser at night.
In short, these ten gadgets cover kitchen convenience, home maintenance, security and everyday comfort. Each one has earned its place because it genuinely improves daily life.
Favorite Prime Day deals
This Blue Dutch Oven for only $27.99
Vitamix blender—great for nut butters and smoothies
Countertop toaster oven—handy for quick meals and reheating
Echo Dot speaker—an affordable smart speaker option
Instant Pot—useful for fast, versatile cooking
Amazon Fire Stick—our go-to for streaming
Pretty blue stand mixer—great for baking projects
Instant camera and photo printer—print photos from your phone
Copper string lights—an inexpensive way to add ambiance
Outdoor globe string lights—100 ft for outdoor lighting