The 100 best things we’ve ever bought from Amazon

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Our team of shopping experts compiled our favorite Amazon purchases ever.Kara Birnbaum / NBC NewsAmazon means different things to different people. For some, it’s the one place they can get all their favorite skin care products, for others it’s a pet supply hub, for some it’s where they go when they want to add a new piece to their wardrobe or their Kindle library. For many, it’s a retail giant they just love to hate.

Regardless of how you feel about Amazon, you have to admit that the sheer size of its marketplace means you can get virtually anything from there, including everyday essentials, gifts, basics of all kinds and every type of electronic imaginable. Not to mention, its fast shipping and popular Prime Day sales are pretty hard to ignore. It even has an FSA/HSA storefront.

So our team of shopping experts put together a list of all the things we’ve purchased from Amazon that have made a difference in our lives. We have standout favorites across every major category (many of which you can find at our Amazon storefront, too). And we capped it at 100 to spare you from the type of endless scrolling you may find yourself doing when browsing the marketplace.

4,755 Amazon Reviews$16.48AmazonI regularly swim at my local recreational center since jogging can be really hard on my joints, but I despise smelling like chlorine. I’m never sure that “regular” body wash is ridding my skin of that distinct scent so I bought this on recommendation from fellow swimmers. And it works! So now I buy it every time I run out. — Nikki Brown, senior editor

$11.95Amazon$10.00Clean Skin ClubI spent years using the hand towel next to my bathroom sink to dry off my face after washing it. My dermatologist was disturbed by this habit, especially because I have acne-prone skin. She recommended Clean Skin Club’s single-use towels instead. After using them once, I was hooked. They’re the perfect size, feel soft and gentle against my skin, absorb water in seconds and come in a compact box. I also appreciate that the towels are dual-sided — one is smooth and one is textured for a little extra exfoliation if you want it. — Zoe Malin, reporter

$22.40$28.00AmazonNow 20% off$24.99Round Lab$24.99TargetI’m no stranger to K-beauty products — I’ve been trying products for years, both personally and professionally. Even so, Round Lab’s Birch Juice sunscreen still blew me away. It’s lightweight, hydrating and leaves the perfect dewy finish (glowy, but not too greasy). It now feels almost as essential to my vacations as my passport. For a long time, my only gripe with this sunscreen was that I could only get it in K-beauty specialty stores but now I can easily grab a fresh tube on Amazon. — Ashley Morris, associate reporter

$16.79$20.99AmazonNow 20% off$19.99Target$20.99UltaWhile studying abroad in Paris, I left my favorite cleansing balm behind to save space, and that’s where I discovered this micellar water. Unlike generic micellar waters or makeup wipes, this one removes waterproof eye makeup without smudging or excessive rubbing. It doesn’t sting, dry out my skin or have a harsh, astringent smell. Plus, the bottles are huge — you’ll be using them for a long time. — Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate

Learn more: Can you use micellar water as dry shampoo?

$28.99$42.00AmazonNow 31% offI’m constantly recommending this product to people when they ask me what I use on my skin. I love the serum on its own and the cream on its own, but when I combine them it feels like I have this luxe customized skin treatment without spending a lot of money. I can add just a little bit of serum when I want a thicker texture, and when I run out of serum (which I typically do because I use it solo after workouts), I layer the cream with my favorite hyaluronic acid concentrate. Anytime I catch this on sale, I buy multiples because even though it lasts me a decent time, I know I’ll always need more. — Shalwah Evans, senior editor

$18.50Amazon$18.49WalmartAs someone with lip eczema, I take lip care seriously. Most lip balms just coat your lips in shine without real moisture, creating a cycle of constant reapplication. This one is different. It’s a simple blend of beeswax, petroleum jelly and 1 percent hydrocortisone, making it both moisturizing and soothing. I always keep one at home, one in my purse, and a backup just in case. I also layer it under other lip products, and it works beautifully as a base. — Alabi

13,483 Amazon Reviews$19.99AmazonOne day my niece, who walks my dog a couple of days a week, took the pup out for a walk, got lost in my neighborhood, and then her phone died. After what could only be described as a frantic and scary evening (for me and her), I bought her this charger. She loves it because it doesn’t need a cord, and she can attach it to her phone while she’s still sending texts and scrolling social media. I love it because it means she has no excuse for letting her phone die. It charges so quickly and it’s small enough to fit in her pocket on those days she doesn’t want to carry a bag. — Evans

$21.90AmazonOne of life’s best little luxuries is not having to get out of bed to turn the lights off at night. And for me, that’s made fully possible by these smart bulbs. I put them in every lamp I own and I literally never have to touch a light switch. Using the Wiz app, I set up schedules so my lights turn on when the sun sets, which means I can leave them off for the majority of the day to save energy, but I know they’ll turn on for my pets if I’m still at the office once it gets dark. I can also adjust the color, brightness and temperature via the app. Plus, when I say “Alexa, turn on living room lights,” I feel like the most techy person on Earth. — Malin

$12.98$24.99AmazonNow 48% off$12.99$24.99Best BuyNow 48% off$29.99StaplesI never understood how so many people could buy a smart plug every single year, but then I bought one [of these] and quickly figured it out. I’ve connected these to devices like lamps I can’t use smart bulbs for, fans, air purifiers and Christmas lights on my tree, and I find it so simple to set up schedules, routines and timers for each item in the app. — Malin

43,399 Amazon Reviews$7.97$9.99AmazonNow 20% off$7.97Walmart$9.99StaplesImagine not having your life flash before your eyes when you spill red wine on white jean shorts, or drip coffee on a white button-up. That’s me because I carry Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray everywhere I go. It was a Prime Day impulse purchase, and the most effective and fastest working option I’ve ever used, and it’s the least likely to damage fabric, in my experience. I currently own two bottles: one stays at home, and I put the other in whatever bag I’m carrying during the day just in case. — Malin

$629.99Amazon$629.99TargetI’ve had this vacuum for nearly a decade, and it’s still one of the main workhorses of my apartment. I have two cats, which means that litter and hair are practically everywhere — my Dyson removes those and more with just one to two passes over the area. Plus, it’s lightweight, cordless and comes with a range of attachments that I use to reach tight corners, underneath my bed and inside the creases of my couch and armchair. I make sure to clean this about once per month to keep it looking and working like new. It’s worth the splurge. — Brown

Learn more: How often do you really need to be vacuuming? Experts weigh in

7,627 Amazon Reviews$5.42$5.94AmazonNow 9% off$11.39StaplesI use this to clean around my home, particularly around my desk, television and console and my lamps. It attaches to dust instead of just pushing it around or letting it fly all over the place. Once the dust is attached, it doesn’t fall off. It’s great for cleaning tight spaces; for lower or raised areas, such as shelves or on top of the fridge, I recommend buying the extendable wand for it. — Cory Fernandez, commerce editor

$11.56AmazonI bought these dryer balls last year, and they’ve since been a staple in my laundry routine. Since I have sensitive skin, I tend to avoid any overly fragranced softener, so these unscented dryer balls help me avoid that entirely. Plus, they’re reusable, so it’s a step toward helping me reduce waste with single-use dryer sheets. — Mili Godio, updates editor

$9.99Amazon$4.99Hollywood Fashion SecretsGetting deodorant on a dark-colored top is one of my biggest frustrations while getting dressed. DIY hacks don’t work [but] this little sponge does. I firmly hold the sponge on the deodorant mark and rub it back and forth a couple times and it’s gone in less than a minute like magic. That’s why I bought at least five of them and put one in every bag, keep one in my bathroom at home and have one in my desk drawer at the office. — Malin

$37.20$39.99AmazonNow 7% off$39.96Walmart$39.97Home DepotThis mop and bucket are worth the space they take up in my very small kitchen. The built-in wringer doesn’t feel too loose or tight whenever I press down on it, so I can get really specific about how much water I want to wring out, depending on the area I’m cleaning. I love that the mop head is machine-washable; I’ve gone three to four months between replacements. I would say it provides a deeper clean than a Swiffer, too. — Brown

$11.97$12.99AmazonNow 8% off$13.49Target$15.49CVS PharmacyMy introduction to this toothpaste was when I tested it for our Wellness Awards and it’s since become a favorite of mine. Using it has made such a difference in the whiteness of my teeth after only a few weeks. I’m amazed at how it makes me look like I just got back from the dentist. It has a refreshing, mild minty flavor that isn’t overwhelming and the scent lasts for hours after brushing with it. — Fernandez

$31.98Amazon$37.99OrgainThis is the only protein powder I’ll use, full stop. It's low-sugar, gluten-free, vegan, available in tons of flavors, has no aftertaste, no gritty texture, is insanely creamy and, overall, absolutely delicious and filling. It seamlessly blends into smoothies, which is what I most often put it in, but I also mix it into oatmeal and have added it to muffin batter. According to my Amazon order history, I’ve bought the vanilla bean flavor nine times and the creamy chocolate fudge flavor 10 times. You can count on those numbers only increasing from here. — Malin

7,199 Amazon Reviews$19.99AmazonThis is by far my favorite olive oil to cook with and to drizzle over veggies and bread. It has a super smooth texture and tastes delicious (it doesn’t have that bitter aftertaste that some olive oils have). I also love the tin packaging because it’s much flatter than a bottle, so I can store it in my cabinet or on my countertop without it taking up too much space. Plus, I can easily pour it using one hand, so it’s much faster to use it while I cook. — Godio

$19.99Amazon$21.99$29.99RestcloudNow 27% off$16.00WalmartI suffer from chronic migraines, which means I’m almost always testing ways to get rid of them. My neck and shoulders suffer most whenever I’m in the throes of one, so I need something that forces me to stop looking down at my phone and stretch those muscles/joints for relief. I don’t use this everyday but once a week for 20 minutes usually does the trick. My posture has also improved; an unexpected side benefit. — Brown

$45.00Amazon$45.00Ostrichpillow$45.00MoMA Design StoreI tested this sleeping mask for our Wellness Awards a few years ago and it’s so incredibly comfortable and help me fall asleep, which I have trouble doing often. It completely blocks out any light, but what I love about it is that it isn’t tight on my eyes thanks to the adjustable strap, it feels soft and it’s raised. — Fernandez

$11.20$16.00AmazonNow 30% off$16.00Sephora$11.20$16.00UltaNow 30% offI tend to fall into trends pretty easily, but I never thought I’d be buying a buzzy hand sanitizer. But Touchland makes an everyday essential actually exciting to use. Not only does it smell incredible, but it’s also super easy to use — I can spray it using one hand, and I don’t have to battle with a cap or deal with messy gels. Plus, this hand sanitizer doesn’t dry out my hands like others do. I also love the packaging; it’s cute enough to go on my purse or backpack, and compact enough to slip into my bag without taking up much space. — Godio

247,584 Amazon Reviews$14.99$17.49AmazonNow 14% off$14.99Chewy$7.99Earth RatedI never thought I’d be loyal to a specific brand of dog poop bags, but here I am. They’re thick and durable, so I never worry about tears or explosions mid-walk; I can easily rip off a bag whenever I need one; and there’s a little sticker on the third to last bag telling me that I only have a few left, reminding me to replace the roll so I don’t get stuck without one at the worst possible time. Plus, they’re made with recycled plastic, which makes me feel less guilty about my constant disposable plastic use, and they come in a lavender scent to help mask gross smells. — Malin

$3.99Amazon$3.99$4.49ChewyNow 11% offI’m pretty sure my cat thinks of me as “the treat lady” because of these. Ever since I introduced him to them, he’s been obsessed. Every morning, our (maybe) 10-year-old Bombay yells at us as we walk past the treat jar until we give him a small pinch. They’ve become part of our routine — and they actually help with his digestion, too. He’s very, very regular. — Lauren Swanson, editorial director

Learn more: Treats are beneficial for your cat — and no, they didn’t write this. Here’s what vets recommend

$19.99Amazon$21.99Target$16.28$19.99WalmartNow 19% offThis handheld fan has truly saved me from overheating and as someone who is always (I mean always) hot, that’s saying a lot. The battery lasts an unbelievably long time — an eight hour charge lasts me for weeks. It also has a built-in flashlight on the end, which is helpful if I’m trying to find my keys or if I drop something on the ground when it’s dark out. I love that it collapses and isn’t bulky, too. — Fernandez

$19.99Amazon$19.99$29.99WalmartNow 33% off$24.99Best BuyWhen I went to Europe for the first time a few years ago, I brought four different plug adapters for four different countries. It was a waste of space in my carry-on and a headache trying to figure out which one was which. When I went back, I bought this $20 universal travel adapter — and now, I’ll never use another one again. This has virtually every plug you’ll ever need, plus four USB ports and one USC-C port, so I can charge my phone, AirPods and portable charger all at the same time. — Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor

$12.58$17.99AmazonNow 30% off$22.99WalmartWhen I was traveling back and forth from NYC to Florida for my wedding a few years back, I kept this toiletry bag on hand at all times. It’s large enough to fit all of my travel skin care, hair care and makeup, yet it folds into itself so it’s not bulky and doesn’t take up too much space. I love that the compartments are transparent because I can see exactly what’s in each part, which makes it so much easier to find all of my essentials (and see what I’m missing while packing). — Godio

$17.98AmazonI can’t stand traditional ice trays that you have to whack on the counter to pop the cubes out. This comes with two stackable silicone trays you fill with water, and once they’re frozen, you flip them over on top of the included storage bin and use the spiked lid to press the cubes out of their molds. That means no more whacking the trays on countertops. The storage bin holds enough ice for multiple days, plus the whole contraption fits in my tiny freezer. — Malin

$18.99AmazonPasta is one of my favorite foods — I probably cook it at least once or twice a week. It wasn’t until I bought this $13 clip-on pasta strainer that I realized how inefficient my pasta-making process was. You clip this little gadget on to the side of your pot and it catches the pasta as you pour out the water — so you don’t have to struggle to pour with one hand and hold your colander with the other. The silicone material is heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, making it super easy to clean. — Cusack

$25.83$27.99AmazonNow 8% offI’m on an apartment-steading journey — basically homesteading, but scaled down to my 750-square-foot apartment. Part of that includes making my own yogurt from scratch. (My team is probably tired of hearing about how “easy” it is — even though it takes forever.) I bought these Weck jars to store my yogurt, and I’m a little embarrassed by how much I love them. — Swanson

4,984 Amazon Reviews$31.99AmazonSee: apartment-steading, continued. I use these small glass containers to store a few tablespoons of yogurt starter for my next batch. But I’ve also started using them for lemon juice, homemade sauces — basically anything my fridge needs to hold. They’re small, simple and genuinely useful. — Swanson

$32.99$35.99AmazonNow 8% off$35.99DripDropI first got these in a gift bag from an event and immediately liked them. The hydration packets can be mixed with drinks other than water, which is great for anyone like me who doesn’t like to change the taste of their water. They’re especially helpful after I’ve been sweating like crazy at the gym. It’s the kind of thing you don’t think you’ll love and need to keep handy until you run out. — Evans

9,621 Amazon Reviews$24.99Amazon$23.99$31.99Medi-DyneNow 25% off$24.99WalmartI recently had severe achilles tendonitis and had to stop running for about two months to recover, which led to this life-changing purchase. ProStetch’s calf stretcher helps release tension from my achilles, calves, feet, heels and hamstrings when I simply stand on it in the right position. I feel my whole body breathing a sign of relief while I use it. The calf stretcher has become one of those things that I don’t put away because I religiously use it pre- and post-workout. — Malin

$45.47$49.99AmazonNow 9% offWhen I babysit, there are plenty of toys I don’t enjoy playing with even though the kids absolutely love them. But the kids and I can both agree that Magna-Tiles are truly enjoyable to use. I find that putting the magnetic blocks together to form different structures is relaxing and almost meditative. The kids I babysit use them for a while and don’t get bored quickly, which is a miracle, and they’re fun for really any age, so they’re great for a group. I love seeing how the blocks let kids be creative and build anything they imagine. I’m also a big fan of the mini Magna-Tiles travel set, both for adults who might need something tangible to focus on as a brain break, and to entertain kids on planes and at restaurants. — Malin

22,056 Amazon Reviews$39.98$49.99AmazonNow 20% off$39.99Target$49.99LegoI gave my husband this orchid Lego set as a Valentine’s Day gift that we could do together, and now it’s my favorite gift to give my loved ones. There are so many varieties, including a bonsai tree, chrysanthemum and a tiny plant set, that it’ll delight most people on my shopping list. Building the orchid was fairly simple and straightforward, though complex enough to take me and my husband a few hours. — Godio

$19.99AmazonI can’t remember the last time I had this much fun playing a card game. I discovered this one in our music lovers gift guide and immediately added it to my shopping list. Here’s how it works: One person draws a card, and everyone else has to play a song that aligns with the prompt on the card — the trick is picking a song that suits the cardholder’s personal taste since they choose the winner. I come from a family of musicians with wildly different preferences, so you can imagine the vast range of songs played in a single round. It’s a great way to discover new music, rediscover old favorites, and stir up nostalgia with loved ones. — Brown

33,287 Amazon Reviews$12.99$15.99AmazonNow 19% off$13.99$24.99TargetNow 44% offI was skeptical of the TubShroom at first, because it sits in the drain rather than on top of it. Now, I cannot imagine life without this little hair catcher in my tub. I have long, thick hair that’s constantly shedding, and the TubShroom catches all of it while still allowing my shower water to drain. It’s super easy to install and even easier to clean, which is imperative since cleaning the drain gives me the ick. — Cusack

30,556 Amazon Reviews$24.95Amazon$25.95$37.99ComfiLifeNow 32% offThe payoff for this pillow was almost immediate; I woke up the next morning with a right hip that didn’t feel as tight and sore as it usually does. It keeps everything aligned and has a little strap to hold it in place no matter what position I move into. It’s firm but not hard, and the removable pillow case is machine-washable. As someone who sleeps on her side a lot, this little gem has been a godsend. — Brown

$12.99$19.99AmazonNow 35% offI’ve had this mattress protector for a few years and it’s still in excellent condition. (It doesn’t have any tears in it and isn’t worn out or discolored). It’s easy to take off when I have to do laundry and the closures on the sides make it easy to secure it to my mattress. Best of all: It doesn’t feel wrinkly or cheap when I put a sheet over it, which is a problem I’ve had with protectors in the past. — Fernandez

$14.69AmazonI recently went into makeover mode and replaced a lot of my decor, except for these curtains that I’ve used for years. They’re lightweight, sheer and give the room a luxe, elevated feel when layered with heavier curtains. Because the fabric is delicate, I recommend hand-washing, air drying and using a steamer to remove wrinkles. With the proper care, you’ll only need to buy a set of these once, especially if you go with a neutral shade. — Brown

$26.00Amazon$26.00Ulta$26.00SephoraI have very curly hair that I only wear naturally, so I’ve tried my fair share of gels, sprays, creams and mousses. For the last two years, Color Wow’s Dream Coat for Curly Hair has been a key part of my two-step post-shower routine — I’ve bought it six times on Amazon and use every bottle 'til the last drop. After applying a gel, I spritz Dream Coat on my whole head and scrunch my curls. It locks in the definition, helps get rid of excess frizz, adds shine and boosts volume without leaving behind a sticky or crunchy feel. I notice an obvious difference in how my curls look if I don’t apply this spray. — Malin

340 Amazon Reviews$14.99Amazon$30.00Dosso BeautyGone are the days of heavy and itchy box braids in the summer heat, thanks to Dosso. This hair is hypoallergenic, lightweight and affordable, a trifecta of benefits I didn’t think I would ever get from braiding hair. Ever since I discovered it years ago, I haven’t bought my hair anywhere else. I’ve recommended this to friends more than I have anything else and have yet to hear anyone complain. — Brown

$20.99Amazon$20.99Nordstorm$20.99UltaI love this hairbrush so much, I bought it twice because my husband decided it was his favorite, too, and I can’t risk being without it, even for a day, so I got a backup. It’s that essential. It glides through my fine, processed hair without pulling or breaking, and somehow gets every last tangle out without making a scene. — Swanson

253 Amazon Reviews$45.99AmazonEveryone at the office knows how much I love getting dressed up. What they don’t know is how many pieces I buy from Amazon and pair with high-end accessories. This matching set is one of my favorites for fall and spring. It’s so comfortable that I often wear it when I air travel; the relaxed material never feels tight under cabin pressure, the sweater keeps me warm when that cold in-flight air gets too high, and the pants aren’t so long that they drag on the bathroom floor. Not to mention, it’s just a cute outfit. — Evans

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The NBC Selected editorial team has been covering Amazon in its entirety — whether it be for daily sales, its membership or its annual Prime Day events — since our brand’s inception in 2019. At the end of the day, we’re also just regular people who frequently shop at Amazon.

Shalwah Evans is a senior editor at NBC Selected senior who oversees Selected 100 stories, sales and deals coverage and the Talking Shop series. She gathered insights from staff members to find the best products they’ve bought from Amazon.

Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Shalwah EvansShalwah Evans is a senior editor at NBC Selected covering a multitude of topics, including beauty, home, tech and deals and sales.