We love when creativity meets functionality, and these innovative gadgets can make each day easier. From multifunctional chargers to supremely comfortable earbuds, this roundup showcases tried-and-tested items that help to simplify and enhance your routine.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 ($99, Amazon)
Do your earbuds fall out or feel uncomfortable? These wireless earbuds might be the solution you’ve been seeking. They attach to the ear with soft, adjustable hooks and sit just outside the ear canal. Suitable for the gym, relaxing, and more, they provide a full-bodied sound for music, podcasts, and phone calls. They are not noise-canceling, but they have four beam-forming microphones and use an AI algorithm to detect your voice while filtering out the noise when you are on calls. They charge wirelessly and offer 10 hours of uninterrupted play on a single charge, which extends to 42 hours with the charging case. Available in several eye-catching colors.
EZQuest UltimatePower 66W Dual-Port Car Charger ($29.99, BHPhotoVideo.com)
I find a car charger essential for long road trips, and this one offers 66W of charging power, which means that it’s powerful enough to charge the latest smartphones, tablets, and even a 13” MacBook Air up to 1.5 hours faster than standard chargers. The charger fits snugly into your car’s lighter and has one USB-A and one UBC-C port, which is ideal for charging newer and older devices simultaneously (the power is shared between the two).
Command Cord Bundlers ($6.65 for a 2-pack, Amazon)
Whether it’s behind the TV, next to the bed, or near the desk, we all have a cord cluster somewhere. These clever Cord Bundlers gather up those errant cords and keep them tidy. You can easily add or remove cords when needed, and the adhesive is the Command adhesive we know and love – it won’t damage your wall or surfaces.
STM Goods ChargeTree Mag ($99.95, Amazon)
Apple enthusiasts rejoice! This 3-in-1 charging solution is perfect for the home office or bedside table. You can also fold it flat and take it to the office or on a trip. This multi-functional gadget It charges a wireless-enabled iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously. It requires only one cable, making it a streamlined, low-clutter charging basecamp. It is available in black and white.
Zevo Flying Insect Trap ($19.97, including one cartridge, Amazon)
No matter what we do, we get fruit flies when the weather is warm. This Flying Insect Trap should be plugged in near an area where flying bugs appear (for us, it’s the kitchen). The UV-blue light attracts and captures the bugs on an adhesive backing. One cartridge lasts many months for us. The trap works well, but if you have a serious flying insect problem, the Zevo MAX Flying Insect Trap ($34.97 including two cartridges, Amazon) can catch twice as many bugs as the Flying Insect Trap, with 360o blue and UV light design and a 5-foot cord, which allows it to be placed on surfaces further away from walls.
Clearlight AROMA ONE Essential Oil Diffuser ($88, Amazon)
This lightweight and stylish essential oil diffuser was designed by the creators of Clearlight Infrared Saunas. It can be used anywhere in the home because of its rechargeable battery. Once charged, the diffuser provides up to 4 hours of quiet operation and can accommodate most oils, making it ideal for whatever you need at the moment, from sleep to energy.
Manta Sleep Mask SOUND ($143, MantaSleep.com)
I’ve written about Manta Sleep’s original sleep mask before, so I was excited to try this one, which has the added benefit of sound.
Ideal for people who need sound to fall asleep or those who need sound to block out their partner’s snores or other disruptive sounds, Mask SOUND helps block light and provide sound, and it has a ventilated, fitted strap. The adjustable C-shaped eye cups apply no eye pressure and you can’t feel the mini ear speakers, even when you sleep on your side.
Rowenta, 2-in-1 Duo Force Iron and Steamer ($69.99, Amazon)
Do you have things that seem virtually un-ironable? This powerful iron/steamer combo will smooth the wrinkles in the toughest of fabrics. The water heats up in 30 seconds, and the iron can be used horizontally or vertically (I recommend horizontal for tough wrinkles and stiff fabrics). It has “no-setting” technology, so you don’t have to worry about choosing the right setting. It’s super light at just 1.65 lbs, has an extra-long cord, a bonus ironing mat, and a 45-minute run time for large pieces.
