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Want a more hassle-free life? Read on to see how Amazon could come to your rescue on the cheap.
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We all have to deal with our share of inconveniences in life, whether it’s traffic on the way to the office or a massive backup at the school pick-up line. But why deal with inconveniences when there may be a solution in the form of a low-cost Amazon purchase? Here are a few items that could improve your life for under $50, so you won’t have to raid your savings to buy them.
1. Rechargeable electric hand warmers
You’re on the soccer field cheering your kids on when a fellow parent asks to exchange phone numbers. You try to reach for your cell, only you can’t, because you lost feeling in your fingers 30 minutes ago.
Enter a pair of hand warmers, like this set of rechargeable ones from Amazon. For $16.97, you can warm your hands for up to 10 hours and simply recharge ahead of your child’s next early-morning soccer game at the cold end of the season.
2. Leak-proof water bottles
It’s common for kids to bring a water bottle to school so they’re not constantly asking for the hall pass to grab a drink from the fountain in the hall (which, let’s face it, may or may not be working). But it’s also pretty common for kids’ water bottles to spill in their backpacks on the way home from school, leaving you, as a parent, to deal with the soggy mess and explain to the teacher why your child’s homework sheet has disintegrated.
A better idea is to get your kids water bottles that actually don’t leak, and these Contigo bottles should do the trick. They come with a spill-proof lid and leak-proof technology to help you and your children avoid a mess. You can grab a two-pack on Amazon for $13.25.
3. A collapsible microwave cover
Sometimes, kids get hungry and take matters into their own hands by attempting to heat up dinner on their own. That’s a great thing in theory, except for when they cause an explosive mess in the microwave.
A modest investment in a microwave cover could help you avoid that. Amazon has this model on sale for $12.44. It’s collapsible so it won’t take up too much room in your cabinet, and it’s easy to wash.
4. A clear backpack
You’re waiting in line to enter a stadium for a big concert or sporting event when you’re stopped at the bag check line. Ten minutes later, after all of the contents of your backpack have been removed, you’re given the green light, but you’ve held up the line and are feeling awkward about it.
That’s a scenario you may be able to avoid with a clear backpack, and Amazon is selling this one for just $11.99. It’s large enough to fit a good number of personal items without being bulky, and it could save you a major hassle the next time you’re gearing up to attend an event with bag restrictions.
5. A cold brew coffee maker
If you’re someone who needs their morning caffeine fix, then you may be a big fan of cold brew. But you may not necessarily be a big fan of having to wait for 15 minutes at the Starbucks drive-thru to pick up a cold brew on the way to work. And you may not love the expensive credit card charge that ensues every time you do that.
Enter this at-home cold brew maker. For just $27.99, you can brew your own supply on the weekend and have enough to last you for days. This model features a two-quart pitcher and a filter that’s easy to clean.
These are just a handful of items you might find on Amazon that could spare you some sort of hassle or make life less difficult. It pays to make a list of the things you feel could improve your life, since you may be surprised at how affordable some of them are. And if not, well, that’s what holiday wish lists are for.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
