At least once a month, the “what small purchase made a in difference in your life” prompt pops up on Twitter and what often follows is a thread with dozens or even hundreds of people recommending unique products that have made their life a little nicer.
Many of the same areas are covered again and again: what can help us sleep better and eat better? What's something inexpensive but valuable? Is there a "novelty" item that is surprisingly handy and practical?
We’ve tracked down the most highly recommended stuff, from a shirt folding board to a bucket of flaky sea salt, based on the most robust reviews and our own product testing.
For more Endorsed picks, be sure to check out our fully stocked .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who struggles with falling or staying asleep because of too much light.
Why we're endorsing it: A dark room is imperative for healthy and restorative sleep but there are a lot of factors that can disrupt that (including smart devices and early morning light). This sleep mask is like black-out shades for the eyes, ideal for light sleepers who do not want to be disturbed.
Where it could use improvements: The band is not adjustable.
Size/weight/dimensions: One size.
Price (subject to change): $77 at .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who has felt a kink in their neck or suffers from tension headaches.
Why we're endorsing it: This heated neck massager has eight nodes that move in multiple directions to soothe tense muscles and assist with releasing stress. The heating element is optional, and 20 minutes a day will work wonders on a tired body.
Where it could use improvements: Not wireless.
Size/weight/dimensions: One size.
Price (subject to change): $63.99 at .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who accidentally pulls their charger base out of the wall on a regular basis.
Why we're endorsing it: Reading and watching TV and movies on devices in bed or on the couch will be greatly improved by a long cord that doesn’t require huddling near an outlet.
Where it could use improvements: These are not name-brand.
Size/weight/dimensions: Check device ports to ensure the correct specs are met (ie: USB, USC).
Price (subject to change): $15.99/two cords on .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who wants to master making one (or two) perfect cups of coffee without a pod machine.
Why we're endorsing it: Low waste (filters and grinds are compostable), thousands of 5-star reviews and endless possibilities with bean types and grinds.
Where it could use improvements: Mastering it requires some trial and error.
Size/weight/dimensions: 250 ml capacity.
Price (subject to change): $50.99 at .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone with an itch.
Why we're endorsing it: It may seem silly to purchase a back scratcher but the next time it hits a hard-to-reach spot, it suddenly becomes a genius, can’t-live-without-it nightstand item.
Where it could use improvements: Can break if pressed too hard.
Size/weight/dimensions: 8” long (extendable).
Price (subject to change): $5.99 at .
Who it's ideal for: Recall-trained and high-energy dogs.
Why we're endorsing it: It will save the fetch arm from getting sore and owners don’t have to pick up slobbery or muddy balls. Compatible with tennis balls.
Where it could use improvements: The ball might be too flimsy for hard chewers.
Size/weight/dimensions: 26” handle.
Price (subject to change): $10.99 on .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who is constantly juggling overflowing bags of stuff (like groceries or laundry).
Why we're endorsing it: Convenience, safety, four-wheel design, folds up to fit in a small space.
Where it could use improvements: Not lined and no cover.
Size/weight/dimensions: 13 lbs.
Price (subject to change): $129.99 at .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who wants to add a pinch of luxury to every meal.
Why we're endorsing it: Maldon Sea Salt is a favourite of home cooks who love to present a meal with a bit of flourish. The taste is clean and natural, not overpowering. Also makes lovely gifts for a host or hostess.
Where it could use improvements: It’s cheaper to buy boxes in multiples.
Size/weight/dimensions: Varies.
Price (subject to change): $13.98/28-gram box (or buy a bucket of it for $47.73) on .
Who it's ideal for: People who love — or hate — to do laundry.
Why we're endorsing it: This item came up over and over again in the “useful stuff” Twitter thread. Crisp, consistent folding can lessen wrinkles, saves space, and makes dealing with a load of clean laundry a little less painful.
Where it could use improvements: For those who have never used one, watching a YouTube tutorial could help with the learning process.
Size/weight/dimensions: 60 x 0.2 x 72 cm.
Price (subject to change): $19.99 on .
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who wants to incorporate small moments of relief (via acupuncture, massage or physio) at home.
Why we're endorsing it: This mat can be used for yoga, at the gym or a relaxing meditation session.
Where it could use improvements: Doesn’t come with any instructions or tips.
Size/weight/dimensions: 46.99 x 27.79 x 19.51 cm.
Price (subject to change): $38.83 on .
