It’s graduation season, and many of you will be watching your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews reach that big life milestone over the next few weeks. I’m right there with you. My son, Ian, just gave his senior speech and talked about something very near and dear to my heart, his hero — my mother. Warning: Grab the tissues. (Ian’s speech starts just after the 6-minute mark.)
12 useful things under $20 that are well worth the money
Everyday life can be stressful, but there are ways to make things a lot easier. All it takes is an extra gadget here and there, and suddenly challenging tasks become simple.
Turn to Amazon, the most convenient place to buy everything we need. Tap or click here for the top Bluetooth speakers to take on the go.
Whether you’re looking for kitchen gadgets or space-saving tech, Amazon has it all. Here are 12 useful things under $20 that everyone needs in their home.
1. Rice cooker and steamer
Are you tired of making rice on the stove? It’s so easy to lose track of time, and suddenly you’re left with burned rice. Don’t repeat that mistake over and over. Instead, reach for this three-cup rice cooker. It’s available in black, red or white and includes a steamer. Steam your veggies while cooking rice to save space on the stove.
Promising review: “You add the rice, add the water, press the (only) button and walk away. When it’s done cooking the rice, it automatically goes into ‘warm’ mode. Dead simple to use, easy cleanup and stupid cheap. You can’t go wrong with this little beauty.”
2. Night-lights
Are you sick of stubbing your toes on furniture on your way to the bathroom or kitchen late at night? Turn to these GE Ultrabrite LED light bars. This pack includes two simple nightlights that use LED tech that is cool to the touch, even after they’ve been on all night. Choose between flipping a switch on/off or setting it to detect a lack of light in the room automatically.
Promising review: “My dog can’t see really well because she’s getting older so I always put night lights but they never really helped her until I found this GE product. Very bright!!! I love it and she loves it! I can even monitor her better on her camera at night time.”
3. A comfortable tool
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Stocking stuffers and small presents worth adding to your cart
You know what you’re getting the family for their big holiday gifts, but what are you going to do about all those stocking stuffers?
While some might rely on the old fallbacks — gift cards for favorite fast-food restaurants and small trinkets — you’re ready for something a little more exciting.
Protect your skin
Sunscreen is so important — and not just here in Phoenix. Here are some handy accessories to make applying it way easier:
- If you have kids or grandkids, get one of these applicators. Squeeze in your favorite sunscreen and then you (or the kiddo) can rub it on, easy-peasy. I’m getting myself one …
- No one around to get your back? Do it yourself with this applicator that gets all the spots you can’t reach.
Need a new sunscreen?
- Grab a two-pack of SPF 50 Banana Boat spray sunscreen ($13.97) that’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- On your face, this cream from Coola is SPF 50, fragrance-free and has antioxidants.
- If you want to buy only once, this massive jug will last you the whole summer.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Free 3D design app: Tinkercad lets you make 3D designs right in your browser. It’s easy enough to jump in, or you can take one of their free courses to learn how to use it. Fun link to hit when the kids or grandkids get bored this summer!
Taking care of grandkids this summer? Here are some fun games!
You don’t need a super fancy gaming system to keep the little ones entertained. Check out these fun games, in 60 seconds.
45 days of parental leave
Can be transferred to a friend or family member in Sweden. Folks will earn 80% of their salary by looking after their grandkids. Sweden was the first country to allow parental leave, so maybe this benefit will spread to other countries, too. It makes perfect sense!
Kids or grandkids heading to college? Subscribe to textbooks instead of paying for each one
College is expensive enough with the high cost of tuition these days. Add in the huge fees for college textbooks, and the costs get out of control. Need help getting your child a laptop? Tap or click here for 10 legitimate ways to get a free laptop.
How to stay in touch with your kids and grandkids during the pandemic
Do you live far from your children and those precious grandbabies? Or maybe you’re just practicing social distancing. Regardless, it can be difficult to spend so much time away from those you love, and the stress that the coronavirus pandemic adds doesn’t help.
Starlink coming to school buses
Do your kids or grandkids ride on the school bus? Listen to this one-minute podcast for the full story behind Elon Musk’s newest plot.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Parents need to know the secret codes on Instagram and Snapchat to deal drugs
Do you have a teen in your family? As you know, they’re addicted to their smartphones. That’s why you need to be aware of these secret codes teens use to buy drugs on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat! Are your kids buying illegal substances right under your nose?