We Asked People To Share The 'Boring' Items That Have Transformed Their Lives — And Now We're Buying All Of Them

Kristen Aiken, HuffPost editorial director of life and commerce, said this water bottle organizer “has eliminated water bottles from falling on my head every time I open my cupboard.” Available in two colors and for six, nine or 12 bottles, the mini storage rack fits right in your regular cabinet and is adjustable for different bottle sizes. It has non-slip feet and makes it easy to find the bottle (or travel mug!) you’re looking for without potentially knocking a bunch over like bowling pins in the process.

HuffPost breaking news assignment editor Lydia O’Connor said, “These necklace extenders are not exciting but I had a few necklaces on super short chains and this has made them so much easier to wear. Nice to mix up depending on the cut of your top.” The extenders come in a set of three (2, 4 and 6 inches) in gold, silver or rose gold to match your jewelry. They have lobster clasps to attach to your necklace and add some length, so you’re not stuck with an awkwardly short chain.

Editorial operations coordinator Alexandra Niforos said this avocado slicer “has changed my life” after “an avocado-related stitches incident” (we’ve all been there). The slicer is a three-in-one tool, with a serrated blade on one end and a slicer/scooping tool that separates the flesh into seven pieces on the other, plus a stainless steel pitter in the middle. The whole tool has a non-slip grip and is top-rack dishwasher-safe.

“This is... well, boring, but a robot vacuum is one of the most life-changing cleaning tools I’ve ever purchased,” said Emily Ruane, HuffPost managing editor of commerce. “It makes cleaning SO EASY. We have an older Roomba, but this one I’m linking here is an upgraded version that empties itself and has LiDAR technology that maps your home. Mine is currently on loan to my sister, and I used this past weekend while helping her set up for a party — the floor was spotless in 20 minutes without our supervision and we were free to do other tasks.”

This Roomba can capture debris for up to 75 days (that’s over two months!), has four suction levels and can be scheduled through the app. It’s also on major sale right now.

“I just got these wicker baskets the other day and I shove all of my toddler’s random small/loose toys in them so they’re out of sight in our living room/play area when he’s done,” said Lindsay Holmes, HuffPost deputy director of life. “It’s making me SO HAPPY.” The baskets, which have two handles to transport between rooms and are compatible with an 11-inch cube storage system, can make your home feel a little more put-together and elevated than a plain storage bin. These also come in a larger size, if you have more items you need to put away.

Holmes also shouted out this clip-on reading light, saying, “For anyone who enjoys reading or crafting and it’s too dark, this light has the longest battery life ever. I use it for needlepointing and reading and I’ve maybe only charged it once since I got it in April.” (At the time of publication, that’s three months of use.) The light’s horizontal design covers a wider surface area, perfect for reading, and the three color temperatures and stepless dimming options make it simple to find your preferred lighting. The light clips on to your book for a hands-free experience, and the gooseneck is bendable and flexible.

Senior culture editor Erin Evans said she bought this unassuming lazy Susan turntable for her spice cabinet to help her get organized. Depending on the size of your cabinets (or countertops, or wherever you plan to put the turntable), you can choose between two sizes and packs of one, two or six.

The non-skid bottom keeps all your items from sliding around or knocking over, while the 360-degree rotation makes it easy to find what you need without having to dig your way through a ton of bottles. Use it for spices, crafting supplies, cleaning products beauty products or anything else you’re trying to keep organized at home.

O’Connor also put us on to the BathShroom, a bathtub overflow drain cover. writing, “Had this for a while and love that it lets me run a fuller bath! My overflow drain is so low.” If you’re in the same boat, you can use the BathShroom to add extra inches of water. It works with virtually all tubs, and adheres with suction cups that help create a durable seal.

These under-sink slide-out organizers “have freed up SO MUCH SPACE in my bathroom,” Aiken said. “I wish I got them sooner.” Use them to hold snacks in your kitchen, essentials in your bathroom or cleaning products in your closet, for just a few ideas. The two tiers of baskets slide out to make reaching your needed items that much easier, and they come with movable dividers so you can keep items separated as needed. Get the organizers in two- or three-packs and nine colors.

Evans shared that this under-the-radar body wash was one of her favorite Prime Day purchases — but even without a sale, a three-pack of 16.9-ounce bottles for just over $20 is pretty darn good. Indulge in the decadent scent of tonka bean and neroli while using a plant-based formula that’s safe on sensitive skin. Plus, if you’re not sold on this as a body wash, you can try it as a hand soap or bubble bath scent, too.

Shopping analytics editor Lily Alig previously shared her love for these Crocs sandals. In that story, she said, “I have been a Birkenstock loyalist for years, but this summer I was looking for something daintier and cuter to wear with dresses. I was SHOCKED that a pair of Crocs were my answer. The Miami toe loop sandals are positively adorable — I got mine in silver, and it is the ideal low-profile shoe. They’re surprisingly comfortable with a spongey sole and soft straps (no strangled big toe here!). I wouldn’t wear them if I’m spending hours on my feet, but I’ve happily commuted, run errands, gone to dinner and generally wandered around Brooklyn in these shoes. Crocs, man! Who knew!”

You can get a pair for yourself in sizes 4-11 and a range of fun colors.