🍗 Kitchen helper: Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo can juggle multiple timers at once. If you give them a name, you’ll know what’s ready to come out of the oven. Say something like, “Alexa, set a 20-minute timer for the potatoes” or “Set a 45-minute timer for the chicken.”
Kim’s picks under $50
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I dug through the Prime Day treasure chest to find the best gadgets, home helpers and little luxuries, all under $50. And yep, some are even under $10. Let’s jump in.
Fab finds under $50
- Your show’s on: Amazon’s Echo Show 8 (17% off) has an adjustable stand. Perfect for video calls.
- Goodnight, moon: Got a little one? They’ll love this color-changing night light (49% off).
- Pillow talk: Chill out and sleep deep on these cooling memory foam pillows (30% off).
- Solar + wireless: Fast-charge your phone with the sun using a waterproof power bank (20% off).
- Backyard MVP: Crank this nine-foot outdoor umbrella (40% off) for instant UV protection.
- My heart’s racing: A digital arm cuff (19% off) tracks your blood pressure. Plus, FSA/HSA eligible.
- Junk in your trunk? Keep it all in place with a car trunk organizer (20% off). Great for groceries.
- Slice ‘n dice: Finally, chop onions without tears using this kitchen vegetable chopper (22% off).
- I scream, you scream: We all scream for an ice cream maker (30% off) that works in just 20 minutes. Delish.
- Chaos, meet your match: This woven storage basket (23% off) actually blends in with your decor.
Smart picks for $25 (or less)
- Hold the phone: This rotating phone mount (34% off) fits snug in your car’s cup holder.
- Booty = upgraded: Step up your home workouts with these resistance bands (23% off).
- We have a spa at home: Add a few drops of oil into this diffuser (30% off) and enjoy your “me” time.
- Bye-bye double chin: Tighten your jawline with a neck & face massager (22% off) for some DIY anti-aging.
- Polish like magic: All you need is a microfiber polishing towel (20%) and water. Boom, zero streaks.
- Something to smile about: Brighten on the go with this teeth whitening pen (62% off), and wait 10 minutes.
- Spoiled snacks? Not anymore. A mason jar vacuum sealer (24% off) keeps them fresh.
- Let the spice flow: Your countertop’s missing a revolving spice rack (32% off). Yep, 16 jars preloaded.
- Bake like a pro: Whip up your grandma’s secret cookie recipe with a non-stick pan set (33% off).
- Your new drinking buddy: Whether it’s slim or tall, this can cooler (35% off) fits them all.
Steals under $10
- Digging in your purse? Grab a felt bag organizer (63% off). Neat compartments, instant sanity.
- Fast charge, no tangle: These USB-C cables (40% off, five-pack) are all braided. Love that.
- Your brewer’s spa day: Keep your coffee fresh with this maintenance kit (55% off) that has descaling solution.
- Jot this down: Use a set of gel pens (20% off, six pack) for journaling, notes or doodling during meetings.
- Nice shades: Protect your glasses in microfiber pouches (31% off) that double as lens cleaners.
- Bye, chapped lips: This hydrating balm set (40% off) comes in six flavors. USDA organic and 100% natural.
- Painless detangling: Stop the yanking. Get a hairbrush (61% off) that glides like butter.
- Soothe your stomach: Mix some nausea relief powder (58% off) with water and sip. Ah, much better.
- No drilling, no fuss: Stick this shower squeegee (37% off) to any smooth surface. Bonus: Two hooks included.
- Wipe those paws: A non-slip dog door mat (33% off) catches the mess. Human-rated, too.
Prime perk alert: Amazon is giving Prime members a $15 credit just for uploading a photo with Amazon Photos. Just add one pic through the app, and boom, free cash. It’s already included in your membership, so don’t miss it! While you’re at it, click this secret link for more Prime Day deals.
More stuff I use and love? It’s all in my Amazon storefront.
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🏠 Modern home intercom: Still yelling, “Dinner’s ready!” across your house? Amazon Echo speakers, like the Echo Pop ($40), work as an intercom system. Just link them to the same Amazon Household account and Wi-Fi network. Then say, “Alexa, drop in on…” followed by the speaker’s name (kitchen, bedroom or garage).
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
📅 Alexa, what’s on my calendar? Link it to your Amazon Echo to add or delete events hands-free. Open the Alexa app > More (three lines) > Settings > Calendar. Tap Add Account, choose your provider and follow the prompts. FYI, your events may be seen by anyone using your Alexa.
🎲 Roll the dice: Next time you need to settle a score, let your Amazon Echo break the tie. Just say, “Alexa, flip a coin” for a classic heads-or-tails game or “Alexa, roll a die” for random choices. You could also say, “Alexa, pick a number between 1 and 100” to let her decide.
⏰ Snooze it or lose it: Let your Amazon Echo give you a wake-up call on your busy mornings. Just say, “Alexa, set a repeating alarm for weekdays at 6 a.m.” and “Alexa, stop” when you wake up. If you forgot when you set it, ask, “Alexa, when is my next alarm?” Need a few extra minutes? That’s “Alexa, snooze.”
Psst … keep it down: Got a late-night request for your Amazon Echo? Just say, “Alexa, turn on whisper mode.” Now whenever you whisper to Alexa, she’ll whisper right back.
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