Our Amazon shopping efforts this month are mainly focused on Prime Day. But you know how it goes — your kids always come home with some school project that requires some random supplies, or you see this cool new home hack on TikTok, or you realize that your aging Neck really can’t afford another week of sloppy work-from-home settings. The editors at Horror Mom felt the same way, so we’re rounding up our favorites on the site this month. It’s a bunch of very practical finds, plus some fun little gifts.
1. Convenient folding step stool for laundry
When I lived in an apartment in New York City, my mom loved to come visit and remind me that I was paying for walls all the way to the ceiling and that I should use them accordingly. I recently realized that I wasn’t utilizing my closet to its full potential because I couldn’t reach the very top, so I bought this stool that is 13 inches tall and gives me the crucial extra inches I need to reach the very top of the space. Now, it’s rated for 300 pounds, but it feels a little wobbly for me at 250 pounds, so take that into consideration. But I like that when I’m not using it I can fold it up and hide it so I just walk on tiptoe. — Kelly Fairblot, Executive Editor
2. Visual timer for children
We’ve entered the “20 Minutes to Read” portion of elementary school, and I wanted to give my child a way to control her own timing without handing her my phone. Plus, it has a rainbow on it. — Kelly Ferb
3. Soundance laptop stand
After years of propping my laptop up on a pile of thick books, I thought it was time to invest in a proper stand, and a colleague of mine recommended this one. Easy to assemble and super sturdy, it’s a great choice. — Jamie Kenney, deputy news and entertainment editor
4.KLO Rechargeable Bluetooth Mouse
My wired mouse was getting annoying, so I picked this one because it had the most, best reviews, and I wasn’t disappointed. Look, rats aren’t exciting; I get it. But this one clicks in the most satisfying way, and it’s actually kind of exciting. — Jamie Kenny
5. Corolla
This year, my husband and I will be traveling as Danny and Christian midsummer Halloween, because we all love folk horror and admit that men are trash and should be sacrificed to the ancient gods. (I kid, I kid.) This crown is the perfect touch for the May Queen I dream of being… — Jamie Kenny
6. Bentoben iPhone case
To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of fancy phone cases, but I still want them to look cute. This is exactly what I was looking for, it brings out my inner Barbie girl with this pink color. — Jamie Kenny
7. Boona’s double shower
Have you ever been to a hotel with a fancy shower and thought, “I should have a shower like this every day?” Enter Boona’s double shower. It’s specifically designed so you and your partner can shower together without having to do a “si-do” every time someone needs a rinse, but honestly, I’d also love standing in the shower like a hedonistic Roman emperor for two Basking in the sun in the shower head. I bought it in the vintage Miami color and it looks really nice in my vintage bathroom. — Jamie Kenny
8. Sunshine Dark Chocolate Supplement
I often crave a little something sweet after a meal, but I can’t get more than a few bites. I also need to make sure I take enough vitamin D and vitamin K. I also keep some in my wallet. — Sarah Aswell, deputy news and community editor
9. Kalorik MAXX 2-in-1 Electric Fry Pan and Dual-burner Stove
I had such a hard time finding a way to cook things like pancakes and burgers on my stovetop that I finally broke down and bought a skillet for my countertop with lots of cooking space. This is super easy to clean and I love taking it out for breakfast on the weekends or “grilling” in the winter. — Sarah Aswell
10.Baba Shampoo
I’m looking for ways to reduce my plastic use and I really liked finding this shampoo in a cardboard container. Both scents I tried were great too. The conditioner is great too! — Sarah Aswell
11. Delight Naturals Candy Corn Lip Balm
My daughter is having a small Halloween party and these will be in each girl’s treat bag. They do taste like candy corn (yes, I kept one for myself). — Sarah Aswell
12. Ouija Board Salem
I purchased a great Salem Edition Ouiji board again for my daughter’s Halloween party! I know they will have a great time. — Sarah Aswell
13. iFace X Pusheen Cat AirPods Case
I mean, how could one not buy this? Practical and cute! — Sarah Aswell
14. Pip the Penguin
I am not ashamed to tell you that no one in my family flosses as often as we should. We just… no? I know it’s bad, so I’m happy about the penguin skin: the novelty alone encourages my kids to be more interested in oral hygiene. Is there a learning curve for this? Yes. The first time we tried it we had to wipe the bathroom mirror with the splash guard, but now they’ve got the hang of it and their teeth are squeaky clean! — Jamie Kenny
15. Homedics White Noise Machine
I’ve become someone who needs very specific conditions to fall asleep and stay asleep, and my MVP has become this white noise machine. With 12 sound settings and a built-in night light, it has successfully put me to sleep since I got it and I’ll never be without it again. — Jamie Kenny
16. Baby Foot Original Foot Peel
I have been using this product for over ten years and I have no plans to stop. It’s the only thing that actually makes dead skin on your feet disappear and makes room for super smooth, soft heels. I bought two this time because I finally convinced my husband to let me use one for him. —Katie McPherson, associate editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
17. MuellerLiving Electric Coffee Grinder
They sent me a bag of whole coffee beans, no grinder, so I just picked an inexpensive coffee with good reviews on Amazon and bought it. I love this little thing. It goes through the coffee beans in seconds, so I get a tastier cup of coffee in the morning without having to spend a lot of time doing it. —Katie McPherson
18. Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon—and the Journey of a Generation
I was in Los Angeles last weekend to see Joni, so I spent the first half of October cramming all the history of Laurel Canyon singer-songwriters from the ’60s and ’70s. This book is pure heaven; Weller is a genius at turning recent history into a truly wonderful story that incorporates social trends and gender issues. If you liked any of these women and missed out on this book when it came out, buy it! — Meaghan O’Connell, Senior Features Editor, Romper
19. Conair Handheld Garment Steamer
In this house we believe society has moved beyond ironing, but sometimes you do have work events and crumpled linen bags. They had these at a hotel I stayed at recently and after trying them, I was sold. I understand now. Some might say it’s the same as ironing, but feels cooler. (Not so well, of course.) Still. I was sold. — Megan O’Connell
20. Skylight
After hearing from friends and colleagues about the brilliance of skylights, I finally got one – and they weren’t exaggerating about the life-changing efficiency this device provided. Shopping and meal planning, housework, long-term projects, and cluttered schedules all become so much easier (and more fun: there’s something very satisfying about receiving a bunch of happy emojis after doing the laundry). — Jamie Kenny
21. Dearfoams children’s slippers
I recently brought home a pair of Bombas Sunday slippers and they are soft, fuzzy and amazing. I love them. Well, my kid stole them quickly (even though they were too big for her). I redeemed them by letting her pick out these slippers, which come in a variety of cute styles and colors. She has unicorns on her feet; I got mine back; she doesn’t shuffle around in borrowed slippers. Everyone is happy. — Kelly Ferb
22. Woxer Women’s Flat Briefs
My kids really want a universal pair of boxer briefs: something they can wear around the house, to bed, or under their dance class uniforms. These Woxers (and the matching bra) have gotten nothing but rave reviews! They’re soft, stretchy, beautiful, frictionless, moisture-wicking, and we love that they’re female, LGBTQ+, and Latina-owned. — Julie Sprankles, associate editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
23. PWR Boost Protein Water
I’ve been trying to get more protein in my diet, but I often struggle to achieve this goal. My goal is obviously to get protein and other nutrients through the food I eat, but I find these protein waters really help give me a much-needed boost of protein on my lower protein days. I love the blueberry pomegranate flavor! — Julie Spranks
24. L’OR Barista Coffee System
Meet my family’s newest obsession! I love drinking coffee in the fall, but I hate finicky coffee makers. Not only does this beauty look great in our “beverage nook”, but it’s incredibly easy to use and clean, creates the perfect crema, and overall makes for an amazing cup of coffee. — Julie Spranks
25. Velvet cloak with feather shawl
I just went to New Orleans to check out the city’s Halloween scene, and not long before my trip I discovered that I would be throwing goodies off the floats at the annual Krewe of Boo parade… which required a Halloween costume. I took a gamble on this set and threw on a black dress for a “Queen of Darkness” look, and I’m so glad I did. I was amazed at the quality of it and I got lots of compliments throughout the evening. — Julie Spranks
26.NYX Micro Eyebrow Pencil
I’ve spent years perfecting my DIY brow game and I’m so happy with how they look today. But honestly, it’s mainly because I found NYX products! This microbrow pencil is my holy grail. It’s so fast, easy, affordable and long-lasting. Everyone always asks me what I use and I recommend this without hesitation, along with NYX’s Lift & Snatch eyebrow tint pen. — Julie Spranks
