Tag / credit card holder

by Kelly Mattei

My Favorite Wallet

My favorite wallet.

*As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*

For the past couple of years, I have been carrying a wallet I purchased on Amazon. I suppose it’s a “dupe” of a designer brand, but I didn’t get it because of that. I got it, because I think it’s cute, and because it has everything I need: RFID protection, folded bills space, ID window space, and plenty of credit card sleeves. I love it, and often, someone will ask me about it, so today, I decided it’s time to share the link. It comes in several colors. I have had the green one, like I said, for a couple of years, but I just ordered myself the red one. I’ve also given these as gifts. Purchase it for under $18 here.

If you’re looking for something smaller, something that simply holds credit cards, my daughter has a smaller version that’s just a credit card holder with RFID protection. Purchase it for under $18 here. (Right now, there’s also a 10% off coupon on you can use on Amazon. Just tick the box before putting the item in your cart.)

At these prices, you can buy one for yourself and buy some for gifts too! They make great gifts for recent high school or college graduates…or just for a friend who would like it!

by Kelly Mattei

Best Items I Purchased On Amazon This Year

Best items I purchased on Amazon this year (so far).

The year’s not over, but for those who might want to do some holiday shopping, I have listed more than 20 of my “best purchases” to share, starting in January of 2024. It’s a big mix of price points and products. You might have seen some of them before, but there are likely some you haven’t seen! These would make great gifts for family, friends, or party hosts/hostesses! Here we go…

  • Amazon Fire TV. I purchased one for my daughter’s bedroom at school and then turned around and purchased one for use on our back patio! At $99 right now, you cannot beat the deal on this Smart TV! Get it here.
  • Bible Jar. It’s a little thing that can make a big difference. I sent one to my daughter, and I sent one to myself too! Inside the jar are Bible verses that are color-coded to your needs. Feeling anxious? Angry? Happy? Sad? Lonely? It’s all there, and you can just pull out a color-coded verse. It makes a great gift. Right now it’s priced under $15. Get it at Amazon here.
  • Lolavie Glossing Detangler. I love this stuff! It makes my hair smooth and shiny, and it doesn’t take much to get the desired effect! I stumbled upon it as a free gift when I purchased something, and then I had to go buy it at Amazon! Get it here.

  • Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Terry Joggers. Y’all, I feel like I’m walking around in my pajamas when I go out in these, but they aren’t pajamas. They’re just that comfortable! Pair them with a tunic sweater, and they’re great for airline travel. Priced at $19. Get them here.
  • Colorful Crystal Hoop Earrings. Sure, I have some nicer earrings, but these are colorful and match almost everything! These are great for travel, because you can wear them with so many things, day or night! They’re priced right at under $15, so if you lose one, you won’t sweat it. In fact, go ahead and buy two pairs on the front end! Get them here.
  • Seekway Water Shoes. I ordered these on a whim right before we went to the Bahamas, and after we got there, I realized how smart I was! Wow! I could walk around the beach and sandbars without worrying about stepping on sharp objects. I love them! They come in lots of colors, and the price is right! Get them here.
  • Foot Massager. This is listed as a foot massager, but it’s more of a TENS machine for the feet, and I love it. It folds up nicely in my suitcase, so I can take it anywhere I go! When I have been on my feet all day, it helps my feet and legs relax. Or if I’m struggling with Restless Leg Syndrome at night, this will sometimes help. Priced under $40, and there’s an 8% off coupon you can use with it at time of writing. Get it here.
  • Neoprene Socks. This goes back to a trip to the Bahamas. I purchased these neoprene socks to wear under my fins when I’m snorkeling, so the fins don’t rub blisters on my heels or toes. They work great, and they’re even helpful when walking on the beach too. Priced under $15 at time of writing. Get them here.
  • Personal Air Cooler. Sometimes, hotel air conditioners just don’t get the job done. A fan helps, but a personal air cooler really helps. It’s the difference in good sleep and no sleep. This one is small enough to fit into my suitcase, and from the nightstand, it blows cool air directly on my face or the back of my neck. I love it. Highly recommend, and it’s 30% off right now! Get it here.
  • Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Sled. Greatest sled ever made, if you’re asking me! We have enjoyed Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Sleds for years! It’s fast, sturdy, and somewhat steerable. At $199, it’s expensive, but the kids will love it if it snows! Get it here.
  • JBL Vibe Beam or JBL Vibe Buds. I have purchased both of these wireless ear buds, and I love both of them. I guess it’s just personal preference. I can tell you this…I will not purchase any more Apple Air Pods. I lose them too easily, and these are much less expensive and more comfortable. Get the Beam here. Get the Buds here.
  • Stitch Gun, Tagging Gun for Clothes. Y’all, how did I live without this?!?! It has saved me so many times since I purchased it! Dress too low cut? Put a stitch in it! Bra strap keeps showing? Stitch the shirt to it! And yes, i have hemmed pants with it when necessary. Sooo many uses! I love it! Highly recommend! Get it here.
  • Milani Violet Eyelash Primer. I have tried “high dollar” eyelash primers and none have worked as well as this one. This is a secret I almost kept to myself, but you can get it here! It would make a great stocking stuffer!
  • CorDx TyFast 10 Mins Flu A/B & Covid-19 test. Quick and easy! I used this last week when I needed to know if what I had was a cold, the flu, or Covid. It was a cold. I used something similar earlier this year to find out I had flu, but this one is much less expensive. Keep this in your house this winter! Get it here!
  • Window Alarm System 4-Pack. For peace of mind, I got these for my daughter and all her college roommates. It’s easy to install! Get it here.
  • Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Cream. This is not something I purchased myself, but someone gifted it to me! It’s expensive, but I love it. I use it very sparingly, because it is so expensive. Someone on your list would likely love it! Get it here.
  • Arched Floor Mirror. My daughter needed a full-length mirror for her bedroom in her apartment, and this one does not have to be mounted to the wall. It comes with a stand! Get it here!
  • Round Nightstand Table. When I purchased this for our daughter’s apartment, I thought it was probably going to be junky, but it’s not! She loves it! It required some easy assembly. It looks great in her room! Get it here.
  • Pietro Simone Skincare Dewy Reboot. This serum, while pricy, uses peptides to provide an “intense epidermis reboot.” Love this stuff. A little goes a long way. It would be a great gift for the person who wouldn’t spend it on themselves. Get it here.
  • Rainbow Loom. Hands down, this is one of the greatest inventions ever for kids of all ages. My daughter got her first Rainbow Loom in elementary school. Now that she is a junior in college, she will still pick it up and make some silly rubberband bracelets to relax. It’s a great gift and inexpensive! Get it here.
  • Pawland Wooden Freestanding Pet Gates. My friend, Meg, told me about these when I was complaining about our dogs hanging out in our dining room. These solved the problem! I highly recommend these if you want to make certain spaces off limits to your pets. Get it here.
  • Peter Thomas Roth Instant Eye Tightener. Yes, I bought it, and yes, it works. It’s temporary, but it does work. I had some friends over this summer, and they liked it so much that they went out and bought some too! I haven’t purchased the face tightener, but they said it works too! Get the eye tightener here, and the face tightener here.
  • Hollywood Vanity Mirror. Another purchase for our daughter’s bedroom in her apartment, she uses this every day. Easy setup and operation. Get it here.
  • Credit Card Holder Wallet with RFID protection. I bought one of these for myself when I went to Mexico City earlier this year. Then, one day, my daughter’s friend saw it when we were at dinner, and she loved it! She thought it was a designer label. I ended up ordering them for my daughter and her friend! They make great gifts, and they’re inexpensive. Get the credit card holder here. And the larger credit card wallet here.
  • Thermacell Patio Mosquito Protection. It works! This small machine and its cartridges protect you from mosquitoes. I know, because it even works for me, and mosquitoes seek me out in a crowd! It’s a great gift! Get it here.
  • Deco 79 Recycled Glass Tall Vase. I needed a tall vase for my foyer, and this one did the trick! We love it! Get it here!
  • Meiz Pregnancy Pillow. No, I’m not pregnant. I’m 57, but I love this pregnancy pillow. I have used other brands, but this one is my all time favorite. I sleep so much better with this pillow. The only problem? I can’t travel with it. And yes, it’s also great for pregnant women! Get one here.
  • Lenox Blue Bay Colors Dinnerware. I changed colors in my kitchen this year. I have another “nicer” set of everyday dinnerware, but I wanted to add this to mix and match. I love them. Get them here.
  • Naturalizer Womens Amble Block Heel Loafer. Y’all, these look way more expensive than they are, and I love the tall block heel. They have a little platform, too, so the heel doesn’t feel as tall. I have worn them with pants, but now that it’s getting cooler, I will wear them with dresses and tights too! Get them here.
  • SANTINY Womens Joggers. These are stretchy but look better than joggers, if that makes sense. They almost look like dressier pants. I have them in two camouflage shades and black, and they look great with sweaters or blouses…or even a denim top or jacket. Get them here.

Happy Shopping! All these items have been great purchases (or gifts) for me! ***I might receive commission on items purchased from Amazon through my links.***

by Kelly Mattei

MORE Stocking Stuffers 2023…

MORE Stocking Stuffers 2023…

After listing 18 stocking stuffer ideas a day or so ago, readers submitted me some more ideas.

Here we go…

  • RFID Credit Card Holder. I got one of these small credit card holders for myself before I traveled recently. I have heard so much about criminals using scanners to steal credit card information at sporting events and tourist areas lately, so I decided to protect myself. I got it in yellow, so I could see it easily in my handbag. At only $16.99, it’s a deal. Great for any girl/woman in your family. Get it here.
  • Headlamp. Everyone can use a headlamp at some point around the house. My husband uses one all the time when he’s working on something, so I don’t have to hold the flashlight. Y’all have seen the meme that says, “You think you scare me? I used to hold the flashlight for my dad.” Anyone who has ever done that understands. Energizer makes a great one for just $15.99 for TWO headlamps at Amazon. Dads will love it. And don’t all boys love flashlights of any kind? Get it here.
  • Midcentury Christmas Stocking Stuffer book. Anyone who grew up when I did (60s/70s) will be thrilled to get this stocking stuffer book filled with photos from that great time! Get it here.
  • Genuine Fred Roll o’ Notes. Can-shaped roll of sticky notes? Yes, please. For just $9.99, pick one: fruit cocktail, noodles, beans, or sushi. The recipient will think it’s funny…and useful! Get them here.
  • Football books. Because I love college football, my friend, Maureen, told me to purchase The System during a book fair at our daughters’ school. I loved it, and I’m about to read it again. I recommend it to everyone who likes college football. Have a college football fan on your list? This is a great stocking stuffer. Get it here. There’s also The Big Book of College Football Trivia that would be a pleaser. Get it here.
  • Shower Steamers. I have posted about these before, but I mention them again, because they are awesome. Even my college-age daughter thinks they’re awesome! I’m always proud when I surprise her with something she actually likes. These make your shower feel like a spa! Great for anyone on your list who can use a spa feeling at the end of a long day. Right now they’re just $12.99. Purchase here.
  • Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow. If someone on your list is a fan of Gilmore Girls (like me), they would love this pop-up book. It’s fun and engaging, and it’s only $16.14. Get it here.

  • Pink Picasso Paint-by-number Kits. Again, this is something I have recommended before, and I stand by it. I have a friend who loves these. Great stocking stuffer for kids/teens/moms who need to relax…or for seniors who need an “activity.” My grandmother would have loved this. Back in the day, we sent her coloring books, but she would have loved this. Get it here.
  • FLIKR Personal Concrete Fireplace. I love this. A reader sent me a message about how much she loves using her FLIKR Personal Concrete Fireplace. It can be used indoors or outdoors and burns Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, making it a clean burn and easy to use! On just five ounces of alcohol, it will burn for 50 minutes! (Do not add alcohol while flame is burning!) It even comes with a snuffer! It’s small, only five inches in diameter and five inches tall, but great for ambiance, roasting marshmallows, or providing a little heat. I’m ordering one now. It might be a little heavy in a stocking, so secure the stocking. The company has an outstanding reputation, and this concrete fireplace gets 4.6 stars on Amazon. Get it for as low as $94 here. Or if you’d like to spend less, you can get something similar on Amazon from The Fire Company for just $29 here.
  • Plantar Fasciitis Socks. These aren’t cute, sparkly, or fun, but they can make a big different for someone on your list who suffers from plantar fasciitis…like me. I purchased these for myself to help my plantar fasciitis, and indirectly, my sciatica. I feel like they have helped, so I wear them all the time. Get six pairs starting at $17.99, and they’ll fit right into Christmas stockings. The recipient will be grateful. Purchase here.
  • Car Cleaning Gel. It seems everyone is going crazy over this car cleaning gel, so I purchased some to put in the Christmas stockings of my husband and daughter. It gets great reviews and seems to be popular. At $6.99, I think it’s worth a try! Get it
  • Kendra Scott Necklaces. Until someone told me today, I had no idea Kendra Scott made a football necklace! It’s super cute! See it here. Lots of ladies love Kendra Scott necklaces…good, quality gifts. For more personalize Kendra Scott necklaces, the initial necklaces are great stocking stuffers. See them here. Or check out the whole line here. Some items are on sale right now!

  • Glow City Glow-in-the-Dark Balls. I think these could be fun for the whole family. Get a glow-in-the-dark football or basketball for yard play in the evenings. We have a big park across the street from our house, and I think the neighborhood kids (and adults) would love these. Get the basketball here. Or the football here. They come delated, so they should it in a stocking.
  • Seven Lady 3-D Nightlights. These awesome 3-D night lights offer a baseball player scene, a basketball player scene, and a solar system scene…with remote control and color-changing capabilities. Order whichever one your friend or family member would like. And they’re only $13.99! Get them here.

  • Winter Pom Pom Beanie. I love a good winter pom pom beanie, and I knit my own. However, I can’t knit them for the whole world, so you’ll have to order them for the people on your Christmas list. A great one is the Livingston Winter Beanie with Pom Pom…and it’s lined! Priced at $18.99, it comes in 15 colors! Get it here.

  • Genuine Fred MANATEA infuser. For the tea drinker on your list, this is a great gift…a manatee shaped infuser! They’ll love it, and it’s only $9.96! Get it here.
  • Dry Divas Shower Caps. Y’all, I have been using Dry Divas shower caps for six years. I am a believer in this product! They’re supposed to last three years, but I know I have at least one that’s six years old…and still in great shape. Before I had Dry Divas, I had trouble finding shower caps that actually stayed snug and kept all my hair dry. These are the real deal. Prices start at $25, and it’s worth every penny. If you have someone on your list who likes a good shower cap, this could be a gem for them. To see the one pictured below, click here. To see lots of different colors, click here.
  • Genuine Fred Gifts. Honestly, Genuine Fred has lots of awesome stocking stuffers on their Amazon page. I highly recommend visiting it for fun/funny ideas. See it here.

Those should keep you busy shopping for some stocking stuffers for a while. I’ll have more ideas in a couple of days! Before that, I plan to share all my favorite items I have purchased from Amazon in the last year or two, so check back!

Happy Shopping!