It’s time for our annual Amazon home best buys of the past year again, a tradition where my husband and I share our favourite purchases. Like many of you, Amazon has become a go-to for everything from the practical, fun, and small luxuries that we stumble upon, often while searching for other things online (we can’t be the only ones!). Much like last year’s list, this one includes a wide range of home solutions from storage and crafting tools to decor and pet-approved essentials, tech gadgets and more. In creating our lists, we always like to include a mini review of each item so you know how we honestly feel – including any downsides – so you can make a more informed decision. 

So, grab a snack and your favourite beverage and let’s peruse our 2025 Amazon favourites of the past year. 

~The following contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Should you choose to purchase through them, this blog makes a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure policy here.~

 

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OUR AMAZON HOME BEST BUYS OF THE YEAR

Here they are, in no particular order.

1. Black & Decker Pet Hair Remover

I first saw this little gadget reviewed on Emily Henderson’s design blog and thought, ‘heck, I’ll give it a go.’ And, to my surprise, it lived up to its potention – and then some.

This tool is even better than my Gleener tool – and that’s no small feat (a great alternative I included in a previous Amazon round up.) But this particular gadget not only picks up all the cat fur our vacuum leaves behind – seriously, it’s like a mini fur magnet – it seems to pick up fur FAR MORE EASILY and with a lot less motion – than, say, the Gleener tool – over the surface. 

It has a rubberized strip and soft roller that, together, scoop fur into the attached barrel.

To remove the fur you’ve scooped up, just press the button to release the barrel’s opening.

Below: this took about 5-10 “back and forth” swipes along a small portion of one of our chair cushions (eek!). 

It’s great for quick touch-ups and if you have multiple pets (like we do), it may even save your sanity 😉

 

2. Black Linen Pillow Covers

This pair of pillow covers come from the same line as these light brown linen covers I purchased last year. The covers are lightweight with subtle texture and pair well with most furniture styles. Perfect year-round. 

Each have hidden zippers along the back, making it easy to remove and wash, as needed. 

They soften slightly with each wash, giving them that perfectly lived-in feel. And because they’re black, they hide minor spills well.

Downside? Some lint does show (as you can see in the photo above), but the “soft black” of the linen material hides it better than a “true black” material would (which I can personally attest to).

TIP: Because linen is delicate, handle the pillow inserts carefully to avoid snags along the zipper.

 

3. Stainless Steel 4-Quart Saucepan

After a catastrophic “burn without water” incident with another similarly-sized saucepan (don’t ask…), this one replaced our old one – and I LOVE IT. 

Here are my favourite features:

It has two convenient raised edges – one on either side – for easy draining, not to mention letting the steam out as you boil liquids.

The interior has measuring points (never had that feature, so naturally, I’m impressed).

It also has a small “helper handle” opposite the long handle, for easy handling, especially when draining.

Other features I like:

• Glass cover, making it easy to see inside.
• Oven safe
• Dishwasher safe
• Tri-ply base for even heating.

Durable and versatile, it’s become my go-to almost every night – especially useful for those ‘wing-it’ recipes that I often make.

TIP: Because of how efficient the material is, the manufacturer recommends keeping it at a slightly lower temp setting than you expect. You should definitely take that seriously as I quickly discovered!

 

4.  Self-Healing Cutting Mat with Rotary Cutter

I FINALLY decided to retire my method of using cardboard to protect surfaces when cutting and purchased this self-healing mat with a rotary cutter. So glad I did.

It’s perfect for clean, safe cuts on paper and cardstock – of course – but also fabric, batting, leather/faux leather, vinyl, and more – even yarn (I recently found it useful when creating sharp, even fringe for scarves and tapestries).

The retractable blade ensures safety – just press the handle to release.  

Then, when I’m done, I just click the button along the side to lock the blade…

…and prevent it from releasing.

I purchased this neutral grey and white combination – in keeping with my craft room aesthetic – but it also comes in other colours. That said, there are so many similar options available that you can check out online to suit your specific needs.

I highly recommend one for any crafter who wants precision without risk of nicks or mistakes while protecting surfaces underneath. And the grid lines make measuring a breeze.

 

5. Morgan No-Slip Hoop Stand (incl. 3 hoops)

If you’ve ever tried punch needle, embroidery, or any fabric-based needle work on a lap and nearly stabbed yourself (!), this stand is for you. This Morgan no-slip hoop stand includes 3 hoop sizes – 7″, 10″ and 14″.

To assemble the stand, connect any two hoops using the long pegs included. The top hoop holds your active project, while the bottom hoop acts as a base, keeping your work elevated off the table.

There is plenty of room between the top hoop and base hoop and no chance of stabbing yourself 😉

When done, just disassemble by popping the hoops out and removing the pegs.

It’s portable enough to bring to craft nights or workshops, and swapping hoops takes seconds. Honestly, it’s one of those investments that makes a big difference if you regularly craft on your lap. Perfect for:

• Cross stitch
• Needlepoint
• Quilting applique
• Hand-sewing/mending
• Punch needle
• Embellishing garments or canvas items
• and more!

BTW: The ‘no-slip’ part is because of the Morgan brand’s hoop design. The interior hoop has a groove or channel.

And the exterior hoop has a raised edge that fits into that channel. When fabric is placed between them, your project stays in place without the need to constantly retighten – the best no-slip design on the market, in my opinion.

TIP: Keep in mind that the designated spots where the hoops are connected do take up some of the working space available – about an inch – but with three different sizes and the ability to move your project around, this is a small inconvenience for such a practical product.

 

6. Stackable Storage Bins, 4-Pack (for lightweight items)

I initially purchased just one 4-pack (brand, Neprock) to tame overflow supplies for my Etsy shop. I loved them so much that I bought a second 4-pack.

These types of bins (and others like them) are so EASY TO ASSEMBLE. Each bin comes flat and fully intact as one piece, so there’s no need to assemble pieces.

Simply lift each side and click them into place – no additional tools required.

You can stack them in any spot where accessing items easily is your focus. Just slide out the container, if needed, and slide back into place.

I’m using mine in my craft room, but these have so many uses, including pantry items, clothing, socks, small towels, small linen supplies, or kids’ toys. Stacking keeps things visible yet tidy.

TIP: Make sure to use these ONLY for those LIGHTWEIGHT items you wish to tidy up. These are made of plastic, so you need to avoid overloading with heavy pieces.

 

7. Small Craft Clips (small, but mighty)

Small but mighty, these clips (by Clover) are perfect for holding edges together in any craft project, especially if you need tiny BUT STRONG clips that stay in place.

I recently used them to keep rounded corners in place for a punch needle project and those edges stayed put.

These clips are so inexpensive, yet really sturdy and versatile. Great for sewing, quilting, punching, and more, and they are especially helpful when you need to hold multiple layers of fabric or extra rolls that need to be compressed as you work away. 

TIP: These are SMALL, so be prepared to have a spot to store them. I’ve already lost two! – probably need to buy some more 😉

 

8. Booster Vent Fan with Smart Thermostat

My husband purchased this for his office – a small 10′ X 10′ space – in our home (while the exact model is currently unavailable, similar models are widely available on Amazon).

This is what my husband had to say about this purchase:

“My home office is the furthest room from the furnace/AC. As a result it is colder in the winter and warmer in the summer. This vent booster was a quick and easy way to improve the airflow into the office. Just remove the old vent, place the booster in the opening, plug it in and that is it. It does not produce a huge volume of airflow, but it is enough that the room is noticeably cooler. I haven’t tried it in the winter to heat the room, mostly because I prefer the room to be cooler. You can run the fan continuously, or set it to run at set temperatures.”

The one downside? “Hiding the power cord.” Otherwise, a good purchase for this small room.

 

9. Water Broom for Pressure Washer

Another favourite for my husband, this pressure washer has a lot more functionality than meets the eye. He had this to say about this purchase:

“Once a year I wash the garage floor and the driveway with the pressure washer. It was a slow process. And then I saw this water broom. Using this broom on my pressure washer cut the time it takes to complete my annual cleaning in half. So I save time and put fewer hours on my pressure washer. As a handy secondary feature, you can flip the water broom and use it to wash the underside of your vehicles.”

He also noted that “This is handy in locations such as ours where salt is used on the road in the winter.”

 

10. Ceiling Rack for Fishing Rods (or lightweight items)

This is a clever storage hack that lets you maximize vertical storage without losing any space below. 

My husband had the following to say about this purchase: “My search for a good way to store my fishing rods led me to this item. It is easy to install, has a clean look, and keeps my rods off the ground and safe. It also takes advantage of most people’s underutilized ceiling space in the basement.” 

Depending on weight you may find this rack handy for poles (i.e., for tents, skiiing, or hiking), or long craft supplies (i.e., dowels or rods), even wrapping paper rolls. If there are a lot of long, lightweight items that still need a proper storage spot – this rack might be just the thing to help.

The one downside, according to my husband? “A rubberized coating to protect the rods would have been nice.” Otherwise, a good, solid purchase.

 

11. Foldable Garage ‘Creeper’ (Lay-Down or Sit-Chair Use)

 

Another practical purchase by my husband (what else would I expect? 😉 ). He had this to say about it:

“I spend a fair amount of time tinkering on my truck in the garage. Depending on what I am doing I require either a creeper to get under the vehicle, or a stool to work on components such as the brakes. Not having a huge garage, storing both a creeper and a stool was a hassle, so this combo creeper/stool fit the bill.”

“Converting it from a creeper to a stool and back again is straight forward and the padded seat is comfortable enough. I like that it has a metal frame for durability, and larger tires so they don’t get hung up on garage floor dirt.” 

 

12. Two-Tiered Art & Frame Storage Cart

Last year, I shared specific storage types – beyond bins and baskets – for the multipurpose craft room that got a lot of attention from readers. One of the items on that list was this two-tiered art and frame storage cart. It was a great help for organizing my small and mid-size frames and canvases previously organized by “pile” in various spots around the room.

The main benefits in having a tiered art cart like this one:

• Vertical storage: This maximizes vertical storage space.

• Easy access: Instead of being left in said piles, you can grab any one piece without disturbing the rest. 

• Mobile: You can tuck the cart out of the way and slide it out as needed.  

TIP: It takes patience to assemble. Pick a podcast or favourite online show as you put all the pieces together. 

 

13. Small Lamp Shade (brand: Aspen Creative)

The next few items on this list all come from the same DIY antique lamp rewiring project I shared last year. These were among some great little finds, all from the same project.

FIRST UP: this small, dark green lamp shade.

After doing what felt like an exhaustive search, I found this small, sleek lamp shade – the perfect contrast I was looking for to pair with this antique floor lamp.

The dark, subtle green adds just a hint of colour without clashing with our relaxed, lounge room vibe in this corner of our basement. 

While this exact shade is not currently available, I would recommend exploring the entire Aspen Creative brand – which offers a wide range of high quality lampshades from vintage to modern and everything in between. They have a whole range of options for small tables, nightstands, or creative DIY lamps.

 

14. Mini Light Bulbs (Pack of 4)

NEXT, is this mini light bulb.

If you are looking for short bulbs that fit into compact fixtures, these may be a good option. Perfect for task lighting, craft lamps, or any small-scale lighting setup, like this corner reading spot of our basement.

These provide bright, focused light (these are 4000k, providing a cool white light) without overwhelming a small space, but they are also dimmable, if needed. Ideal for close-up craft work or reading nooks like ours. 

 

15. Cloth-Covered Rust-Brown Cord with Plug (for Rewiring)

THIRD on the list of this rewiring project:  this vintage-inspired cloth-covered cord with plug. It’s ideal for rewiring lamps with a vintage or custom feel. Flexible, stylish, and functional, it blends seamlessly into our antique floor lamp which has parts of the cord exposed along both the top of the lamp and bottom.

Along the bottom it trails off to the side, plugged in behind our cabinet. That little portion that’s seen feels like it was part of this unique antique lamp all along.

It also comes in various colours so take a peek and see if you can find the right one for your next rewiring project. It adds that touch of charm to DIY lamps that plain cords just can’t match.

 

16. Basic Brown Extension Cord for Two-Prong Plugs

LAST on this list from this rewiring project: a simple extension cord for the basic two-prong plug (with a similar option available here).

The two-prong option is great for vintage style plugs. The extension cord is currently hidden behind our cabinet (below) – allowing that cloth-covered cord-with-plug to access power.

While I did not feel like moving that enormous cabinet, I did capture this very fuzzy (!) image of it plugged in: 

FEATURES I LIKE: 

• It is made for two-pronged plugs – which is the type of cord we purchased for this vintage lamp rewiring project.
• It includes a flat plug, allowing large furniture to sit flush against the wall without concern. 

It’s sturdy, flexible enough for custom projects, and can be tucked away in tight spaces.

 

17. Velvet Pillow Cover with Contrasting Piping

Elsewhere in our basement is this cozy accent pillow cover with contrasting beige piping. It adds a luxurious touch to this basic pull-out sofa.

I shared this find in a previous decor-focused Amazon round-up, and it’s worth a second look, if you are in the market for throw pillow covers. Unlike some other “velvet” pillow covers I’ve seen, this cover (which comes in other colours, too) is incredibly soft, thick and well made – and so soft on the skin.

It adds a lovely subtle pop of colour that blends seamlessly into our ultra-casual space. 

 

18. Remote Viewer/Selfie Monitor for iPhone

This Selfie Monitor and Remote Viewer is perfect for filming videos and vlogs but also great for family photos, and monitoring hidden spots. It makes framing shots remotely so much easier.

The monitor works by connecting to your bluetooth on your iPhone, using screen mirroring.

It’s great when I’m setting up photos or videos for the blog, allowing me to set up the shot without having to “guess” if I’m in or out of frame. This has been such a time saver for me.

The downside: The connection can drop if it’s idle for too long, but otherwise I think this is a major efficiency boost for both content creators and for everyday use.

 

19. “PopSocket” Phone Grip – Clear, Collapsible, MagSafe

If you’re not familiar with the ‘PopSocket’ phone grip here is a quick run-down: it’s a small, collapsible grip that attaches to the back of a phone to make holding, texting, and hands-free reading easier.

I purchased mine last year to make gripping and handling my iphone easier – and I love it!

My favourite features:

• Hands-free viewing.

• Collapsible – easy to slip into pockets and bags

• Pop on or off, as needed

• MagSafe, meaning it is attached and removed by built-in magnets.

No need to purchase sticky adhesives (as long as you have a MagSafe iphone cover) and can attach and remove easily, as needed.

Speaking of which…

 

20. OtterBox Clear Case Cover for iPhone (MagSafe)

I purchased this MagSafe iPhone cover at the same time of my MagSafe PopSocket purchase. It’s “MagSafe” meaning, there’s a built-in magnet ring to use for both charging and attaching accessories.

I love the clear and seamless design. It keeps my phone looking sleek while safeguarding it from drops and it’s slim enough to slip easily into a pocket or purse.

This one is compatible with iPhone 13, 14, and 15.  It has an opening for the back camera lenses with a slight raised edge so that if you put your phone down, the surface won’t scratch the lense. 

There are no downsides on this for me. I simply LOVED this purchase 🙂

 

Final Thoughts

This year’s Amazon home best buys span everything from practical kitchenware and craft tools to storage solutions and tech gadgets. Hopefully this list points you toward products that simplify, inspire, or just make your daily life – like ours – a little easier.

For more ideas, don’t forget to check out our other annual Amazon favourites:

(2024) Amazon Home Best Buys: Our Top Picks of the Year

(2023) Amazon Home Best Buys: Our Favourite Purchases from This Past Year

(2022) Amazon Home Solutions & Must-Haves (at least we think so!)

(2021) Amazon Home Must-Haves (at least we think so!)

Happy organizing,