20 things on Amazon people can't stop buying in 2019
These popular items have everyone talking, but are they worth it?
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Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar
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With 2019 well under way, we’re encouraged to make resolutions that allow us to eat better, work out less, and shop more. That's how the saying goes… right? Either way, we’re totally all in for shopping more, especially when Amazon has so many best-selling products just calling our name. There’s everything from the super popular Nintendo Switch to the Amazon Fire Stick that makes streaming easier to a milk frother that might just have you questioning how you’ve lived so long without it.
So just what is everyone buying this year? We spent some time poring over Amazon's best-seller lists to see which products were not only flying into shoppers' carts but were also worth adding to yours. Some of these items, like the eternally popular Instant Pot, were among our readers' favorites things in 2018, and clearly have staying power in our homes and lives. Others, such as air fryers and blue light blocking glasses, are new contenders making big waves in the new year. Whether they've got tons of glowing reviews from other buyers or they've passed our lab and real world testing, these 20 items are what everyone is talking about right now. Do you have anything on this list yet?
1. The best-tested air fryer to get in on the hot new cooking trend
You're going to want to get in on this cooking fad.
Reviews: 94 Rating: 4.2 stars
Air is totally the new oil, which is why air fryers are still having a moment in 2019. They’re more popular than ever, allowing users to still enjoy some of their favorites—French fries, chicken tenders, chicken wings and so much more—with 75 percent less fat than traditional fried foods!
This Philips Twin Turbostar Airfryer is the best of the best, as we named it the best overall air fryer when we put all the top models to the test. It may not have a lot of reviews just yet, but it does make the best fries of all the models we tested, and its fried chicekn and burgers rivaled the taste of their traditionally prepared counterparts. It also has five presets to cook popular dishes and a ‘keep warm’ function, and it comes with a book of 200 recipes to get you started.
Get the Philips Twin Turbostar Airfryer for $279.99
2. The new Skinnytaste air fryer cookbook that’s selling like hot cakes
The best cookbook to fuel your new air fryer obsession.
Reviews: Item is currently only available through pre-order Rating: Item is currently only available through pre-order
Keeping up with the air fryer theme, Gina Homolka, the cook behind the popular food blog Skinnytaste, has a new cookbook coming out, this time focused exclusively on air fryer recipes. Everything Gina touches turns into a delicious recipe and anything she sells, sells like hot cakes, as the cookbook is already a best seller despite only being available for pre-order.
In her new book, which starts shipping May 7, she shares 75 of her favorite recipes that just might make your air fryer the newest go-to appliance in your kitchen (so long, Instant Pot… maybe). Some of these delicious and healthy recipes will include pickle-brined chicken tenders, homemade bagels, and chicken-vegetable spring rolls. Our mouths are already watering!
3. The Amazon Fire Stick to cut the cable bill at last
An easy way to stream all your favorite shows.
Reviews: 5.5k Rating: 4.5 stars
Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t have all your favorite TV shows and movies right at your fingertips. Or, in this case, right in a nifty little stick: the Amazon Fire Stick, that is. It’s a popular buy on Amazon thanks to its 4K data storage, Alexa voice remote and access to popular streaming providers such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and YouTube, plus others.
While it didn’t come out on top when we tested the best streaming devices, it still makes for a great budget purchase, especially if you use Amazon's streaming service. You can easily watch your favorite shows from any provider you use, from Netflix and Hulu to Prime Video (obviously) to Sling and YouTube more—and if you're watching 4K content on a 4K TV, the Fire Stick will deliver every pixel of crisp, sharp picture. It even has more storage for apps and games than any other streaming stick.
Get the Fire Stick 4K Streaming Stick for $49.99
4. The new, waterproof Kindle Paperwhite to read literally anywhere
An unlimited library at your fingertips.
Reviews: 3.3k Rating: 4.2 stars
It’s been practically ingrained in The Office fans to know that #PaperIsLife, but how can we resist the allure of e-readers when we can download the newest reads to our Kindles in a matter of seconds? Never mind the fact that the newest Kindle Paperwhite is now fully waterproof, so you can bring your Kindle into the tub, onto the beach, or even for a rainy afternoon stroll.
While we love all the features of the older model, this all-new Kindle Paperwhite has undergone a serious upgrade that makes it even more incredible of a device. In addition to finally being waterproof, this version is thinner and lighter and it has double the storage so you can download with ease. It can even pair with Amazon’s Audible in case you’d rather listen to your story.
Get the all-new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader for $99.99
5. The Fitbit Versa Smart Watch to exceed your fitness goals
A stylish alternative to the Apple Watch.
Reviews: 4.5k Rating: 3.8 stars
Are you really on a fitness journey if you don’t have a swanky fitness watch on your wrist? We didn’t think so. Climb that mountain, hike those trails, or go for that long jog with your new BFF: the Fitbit Versa. This smart watch looks and functions like an Apple Smart Watch, but it’s a lot more fitness-focused (and a lot more affordable considering current-gen. Apple Watches start a $399).
Packed with tons of features that will take your wellness journey to the next level, the Versa does everything from track your steps, sleep, and activity to showing you text, call, and calendar notifications. Additionally, you can access apps and might even enjoy having a personal trainer on your wrist with personalized on-screen workouts.
Get the Fitbit Versa Smart Watch for $169.95
6. The Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock to make mornings more enjoyable
Wake up with the "sun."
Reviews: 4.2k Rating: 4.1 stars
It’s hard enough trying to get up early in the morning, but in the wintertime when there’s even less sun around? It’s downright difficult. Brighten up your mornings (and mood!) with the hyper-popular Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock. The brilliance behind this unusual alarm clock is that it mimics natural sunlight so you can wake up more naturally no matter when your alarm goes off.
Its gradual increase of sun-like light and calming wakeup sounds (from which, there are five to choose) help you wake up feeling less groggy and more relaxed instead of hitting the snooze button until the last possible minute. It even has a dimming sunset function that’s perfect for using before bed to wind you down for the night.
Get the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock for $137.99
7. The Verilux Happy Light to get through the dark days of winter
Perk up your dreary winter with a light.
Reviews: 4.2k Rating: 4.2 stars
The winter months bring on a lot of changes: we hibernate a lot more, we skip shaving our legs and/or beards for a few months, and, of course, there is a pretty noticeable lack of sunlight. This can leave some of us feeling less chipper than usual. The good news is, you can bring the beautiful (simulated) sunny rays of summer right into your home with the Happy Light by Verilux.
It has 5000 Lux moderate UV filtered output that makes it good for extended use; just be sure to follow the safety instructions. Reviewers say they use it to combat their “winter blues” or Seasonal Depression Disorder (SAD), which is fairly common in the winter months due primarily to a lack of sunlight, and thus a lack of vitamin D. Whether or not this light can actually aid these issues is not for us to say, so definitely speak to a medical professional about the veracity of those claims. If you just want to remember what it felt like for the sun to be up when you get home from work? This could be the answer.
Get the Verilux Happy Light for $39.95
8. An essential oil diffuser to improve the ambiance in any room
Wind down with relaxing scents.
Reviews: 30.8k Rating: 4.5 stars
If you’re a fan of relaxing scents, then look no further than essential oil diffusers. Rather than candles, which need to be watched at all times, or diffuser sticks that dry up too fast, essential oils allow you to fill your home with pleasing smells whenever you want and without an open flame.
You can’t get very far without an awesome diffuser to bring those therapeutic scents to life, though. While there are many different kinds on the market, this one from URPOWER is a highly popular choice. Considering we tested (and loved) the diffuser's previous generation only a few months ago, this new-to-market diffuser is already gaining a big following. It's especially great for larger spaces as it produces more mist than typical diffusers. Some of its features include a six-hour runtime, seven color modes that can be used as a nightlight, an auto-off timer, and a safety feature that will turn off the machine if the water runs out.
Get the URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser for $24.99
9. The Nintendo Switch and the new Super Smash Bros. to reconnect with your inner kid
The best console with the best game.
Nintendo Switch Reviews: 5.8k Rating: 4.5 stars
Super Smash Reviews: 210 Rating: 4.9 stars
Our childhood dreams came true when the Nintendo Switch came out in 2017, and the Japanese gaming giant finally had a console worth bragging about again. With it came the promise to bring back some of our favorite games such as Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Zelda. That promise was truly delivered when Super Smash Bros. hit the shelves (and, as a result, quickly flew off the shelves) in late 2018. It has a ton of new features like new characters, fight combos, and so much more, and being able to play it on a portable multiplayer console that works as fluidly in your hands as on the TV makes this a sought-after game among Nintendo fans new and old.
10. ODODOS High-Waisted Pocket Yoga Pants to run, lift, dance, or lounge
The only yoga pants you'll need are just $20.
Reviews: 6.3k Rating: 4.2 stars
Forget the hefty cost of those designer yoga pants—these ODODOS leggings, which are a best-seller on Amazon, will have you looking and feeling fine in all your workouts (or during those late-night Target runs).
They offer a lot of the same features that some of the more expensive versions do, such as a large range of cute styles and colors and a high-waisted fit that is perfect for hiding those trouble areas. This is one item in your closet that will never go out of style, and these leggings are so budget-friendly you can stock up on as many styles as will fit in your drawer.
Get the ODODOS High-Waisted Out Pocket Yoga Pants for $19.98
11. The PowerLix Milk Frother so you can finally break up with your barista
Upgrade your morning coffee with this gadget.
Reviews: 5.3k Rating: 4.6 stars
Want to feel like a world-class barista in your own home, all the while avoiding the price tag of a fancy coffee that gets cold within minutes anyway because it took you 10 tries to get the perfect shot to share on Facebook?
Give your local coffee shop a run for its money with your very own milk frother that can give you the best of both worlds. With this battery-operated frother (no need to worry about cords and outlets), you can easily whip up your cream, almond milk, oat milk, or whatever else you add to your coffee into a foamy, decadent masterpiece. It does take some getting used to, and you might have to watch a YouTube tutorial to get results you'll love, but practices makes perfect (and lots of test batches of your favorite drinks).
The frother is also fantastic for making cocktails, whether you want a quick stir or a foamier effect.
Get the PowerLix Milk Frother for $14.99
12. The Wyze Cam Smart Indoor Security Camera to keep a closer eye on things
A cheap way to keep an eye on things at home.
Reviews: 4.2k Rating: 4.2 stars
You’ve seen enough horror movies to understand the importance of security cameras. While they can’t physically stop an intruder from coming into your home, having them running does offer a much-needed level of protection for you and deterrence to criminals. This smart security camera, which is a best seller on Amazon, works with Alexa and even recognizes the unique sounds of smoke alarms and CO monitors so it can alert you to these emergencies. While it’s a great price and works well enough, the app is a little buggy. For this price range, we actually recommend the Yi Dome Cam (5.5k reviews and 3.9 stars), which we named the best affordable indoor security camera because it offers the same, if not better experience as the Wyze Cam. And it can also swivel to give you more viewing range, which comes in very handy.
13. The TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses to make all that screen time more acceptable
Look stylish while protecting yourself from your screen.
Reviews: 628 Rating: 4.1 stars
We use the computer for a lot of things: binging Netflix, shopping online and, of course, replaying that cat video from college that we still find funny years later. Oh, yeah and for important work and homework, too. If you want to keep up this sort of computer/TV-obsessed life, your eyes will need protection from the common ailments such as eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and even difficulty falling asleep that many claim can be caused by the "blue light" from your devices.
Now, you can buy glasses with lenses that block this light and are meant to be worn when staring at a screen. These TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses are growing in popularity as a tech and fashion accessory. They're made of plastic so they’re lightweight and the filter on the lenses claim to prevent blue light from passing through the lenses, therefore reducing the common eye problems listed above.
Get the TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses for $16.99
As with the daylight lamp, consult a medical professional about your options if you experience ailments that could be associated with too much screen time.
14. The TruSkin Naturals Vitamin Serum for glowing skin on a budget
Get better skin without breaking the bank.
Reviews: 5.2k Rating: 4.2 stars
Who needs to eat healthy when we’ve found an amazing serum that provides all the skin-radiating benefits of consuming a healthy diet of fruits and veggies? Okay, I kid, but one thing that is serious is the love for this TruSkin Naturals Vitamin Serum, as it has quite a few rave reviews—people have been calling the results “unbelievable.”
The secret to the hype behind this product is in its ingredients, Vitamin C, E and hyaluronic acid, which is one of the best ingredients to combat dry sky. When combined in this serum, they create incredible results that lead to smaller pores, improved skin tone, a reduction of wrinkles and dark spots, and so much more. And at only $20, why not see if everyone else is onto something?
Get the TruSkin Naturals Vitamin Serum for $19.99
15. The SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector because accidents happen
Sleep easy.
Reviews: 33.4k Rating: 4.4 stars
Our bed is our safe haven—there to help us do the right thing, like skipping work to stay in bed all day, and making for a great crumb collector when we have our nightly 10-course snack in bed. Our beds have always been there for us, so it’s up to us to protect them right back with the SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector. This mattress protector effectively protects against dust mites, fluids (such as urine, sweat, water, and wine), allergens, and bacteria. It even has a 10-year warranty so you can rest easy (pun-intended). You know it's gotta be good when something so ordinary impresses more than 33,000 people to write glowing reviews.
Get the SafeRest Queen Size Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector for $26.95
16. The YnM Weighted Blanket for cuddlier nights
It's a big hug in blanket form.
Reviews: 2.4k Rating: 4.4 stars
If you don’t have the comfort of a friend or lover to hold you close at night, then the gravity blanket is totally right for you. It claims that it mimics the feeling of being cuddled. This is done by the “weighted” part of the blanket that encourages restful sleep and relaxation. For the first few days, you may either find it too light or too heavy, but the company claims that this is totally normal and that it takes about two to seven days for your body to get used to it. We tested a few other weighted blankets, if you want to shop around more before making a decision.
Get the YnM Weighted Blanket for $79.90
17. The beloved Instant Pot to make cooking at home crazy easy
What are you waiting for? Get an Instant Pot already.
Reviews: 4.5k Rating: 4.5 stars
The Instant Pot continues to slay each best sellers list it graces, and it's almost always one of the most popular things our readers buy on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and other major holidays. And as far as 2019 is concerned, the cult-favorite Instant Pot is showing no signs of slowing down.
Sure to become your go-to kitchen tool, the Instant Pot combines six separate appliances into one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté function, steamer, and warmer. It’s perfect for those who have busy lifestyles as it prepares dishes up to 70 percent faster than traditional methods. This model may be the most popular, but there are plenty of others that impressed us in our tests of the best electric multi-cookers if you're not sure which model is right for you.
Get the Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker for $69.99
18. The Fire HD 8 Tablet because you don't really need a tablet, but you want one
This table is way more affordable than an iPad.
Reviews: 1.4k Rating: 4.1 stars
In the market for a tablet, but don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars? The Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet just may be your ideal compromise. Touted as being two times as durable as the iPad Mini 4, this tablet is a force to be reckoned with as it comes with a bunch of awesome features within its sleek design and 8-inch screen. Plus, at under $100, it's great for any budget, because you don't really need a tablet.
With it, you can play games, browse the internet, use common apps, use it like a Kindle to read all your favorite books, or watch downloaded movies or TV shows with an Amazon prime membership. It has 10 hours of battery life and 16 or 32 GB of data with a slot for up to 400 GB of expandable storage.
Get the Fire HD 8 Tablet for $79.99
19. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 to actually enjoy the photos you take
Because who doesn't like a polaroid?
Reviews: 2.9k Rating: 4.3 stars
Everything feels like you can have it instantly now, with apps to order delivery and rides, streaming 4K movies over home internet, and WiFi basically everywhere. But we are still connected to the past, a slower time in many ways, so it’s no wonder that the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a hot seller. It plays on two things people are drawn to: instant gratification and nostalgia. In fact, we even chose it as one of the best instant cameras in 2019.
This instant camera earned the "Best Value" award because it comes in fun colors, is very easy to use, and takes great pictures, all at a perfect price point for something you'll use occasionally after the newness wears off (which means no buyer's remorse because you'll get your money's worth). It's also got a unique feature for added fun—the selfie mirror that allows you to check your framing in your reflection next to the lens, making it fun for the nostalgic as well as for the selfie-obsessed.
Get the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 for $49.99
20. Becoming by Michelle Obama to have a great reason to start that book club
This is the book of the year.
Reviews: 7.7k Rating: 4.9 stars
It came as little surprise when Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, became an instant best seller. She is the beloved Former First Lady and wife to Former President, Barack Obama, after all.
Her memoir, which is advertised as “intimate, powerful, and inspiring,” seeks to deliver exactly that as it currently boasts 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon. She shares compelling stories from her childhood, her time attending Harvard Law School, becoming the First Lady of the White House and then eventually leaving that position, and other rare glimpses into her personal life. If you’re a fan of memoirs, politics, inspiring reads, and, of course, Michelle Obama, you should probably add this to your cart or send it to your Kindle.
Get Becoming by Michelle Obama for $19.50
Prices are accurate at the time this article was published, but may change over time.
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