I Shop Amazon for a Living, and These Are My 12 Best Discoveries So Far This Year

As Real Simple's shopping editor, I'm always discovering stylish or clever new products to include in stories, many of which end up in my own shopping cart. And there have been plenty of neat discoveries, like hybrid bowl-plates and an elevated T-shirt, that have caught my attention this year.

These Amazon finds have been some of the most used items in my closet, kitchen, and beyond. Much of my shopping has been devoted to home and kitchen items since moving to a new place, but a few fashion and beauty items also made the list. And almost all of these editor-loved products are under $50.

Editor-Loved Amazon Finds

• Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Instant Read Oven Thermometer, $11 (was $17)
• QQCherry Seven-Day Detachable Pill Organizer, $13
• Amazon Essentials Women's Puff Sleeve T-Shirt, $18
• Silkie Silk Scrunchies Hair Ties Set, $18 (was $25)
• Oxo Soap Dispensing Sponge Holder, $22
• Libbey Small Glass Bowl Lid Set, $22
• The Drop Women's Adeline Mockneck T-Shirt, $30
• Sweese Salad Pasta Bowls Set, $32 with coupon (was $50)
• Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet and Lid, $37 (was $46)
• N/C Canvas Tote Crossbody Bag, $46
• Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $62
• Rivet Canton Deep Mid-Century Modern Couch, $1,108

Like many who move into a new house or apartment, I've been eagerly searching for pieces of furniture and decor to make it feel special. For many months this year, Amazon was one of few retailers that had furnishings in stock and ready to ship, and that's how I found this comfy and chic Rivet mid-century modern couch that I chose for my living room.

To buy: $1,108, amazon.com

The simple and elegant sofa arrived just a few days after I ordered it, and it came with free delivery to my room of choice. I've had it for several months now, and I can't stop raving about its affordable price point and high-end look. I also love its deep and plush seat cushions that make movie nights and entertaining friends even more comfortable.

I've been shopping for my new kitchen quite a bit, too. The hybrid bowl plates that I raved about months ago are still one of my favorite finds of all time — and they're on sale right now. And these Libbey small glass bowl with lids are perfect for serving and then storing snacks, dips, spreads, nuts, candy — you name it. I love that I don't have to dirty another dish or container to store something I nibbled on, like homemade pesto or fresh strawberries.

To buy: $32 with coupon (was $50), amazon.com

Cuisinel's cast iron skillet has been another handy kitchen item. There are so many great cast iron skillets and cookware pieces out there, but I love that this one came with a lid, making it great for recipes that call for stovetop and oven cooking. And I put the included silicone handle covers and pan scraper to use right away.

To buy: $37 (was $46), amazon.com

And earlier this year, I gifted this enameled cast iron Dutch oven to my mom, and she can't stop talking about it. It's a great alternative for those who want the look and functionality of a high-end Dutch oven without the hefty price tag. She has used her elegant ivory one for baking bread, making soups, preparing casseroles, and more. And she can't believe it doesn't retail for hundreds of dollars.

To buy: $62, amazon.com

My wardrobe has also benefited from the product testing and research I've conducted this year. To my surprise, this simplistic shirt has become a new favorite. The $18 piece comes from the affordable Amazon Essentials line, and it features a fun little puff sleeve that makes it look a little more elevated than your basic T-shirt, but with the same comfy feel of a tee. It comes in 11 colors, but the bright pink feels extra fun and unique.

To buy: $18, amazon.com

And I almost never leave the house with this N/C canvas tote crossbody. The roomy bag has enough space to hold the essentials with room for a book and water bottle. It's great for running errands or packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on-the-go. The included shoulder and crossbody straps ensures that you can wear it a variety of ways, making it a fashionable-yet-functional favorite you'll reach for all the time.

To buy: $46, amazon.com

These Amazon finds are just the beginning. Discover more editor-loved finds below, including the affordable silk hair ties that protect my tresses from breakage and the soap-dispensing sponge holder that keeps my sink area neat and tidy.