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‘Basics’ training: Navigating Amazon’s best budget-friendly house brand buys

Amazon Basics products include everyday essentials that are often the best deals on the site

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Costco has Kirkland, Target has Up & Up, Best Buy has Insignia, Kohls has Sonoma. It seems that every major retailer has a budget-friendly house brand. So, it should be no surprise that Amazon, the reigning champion of the online retail universe, would have a house brand of their own – .

Amazon Basics products are competitively priced and are often the best deals to be had on the site. Product categories like home office, kitchen, business supplies and electronics seem to zero in on Amazon Basics’ bread and butter – everyday essentials on the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum.

For those in search of some of the best deals on Amazon, here are some of the best buys.

Electronics

USB-A to lightening ABS charger cable: If you have an iPhone that is older than the 15 models, you will still need lightening cables to get your charge on. Fear not, Amazon Basics has you covered! It even comes in an Apple ecosystem-friendly white color.

Smart power strip: Power multiple devices with this diverse power strip that features three traditional three-pronged AC outlets alongside a USB-A and USB-C port. As an added, modern, bonus, the device can also be controlled by voice after setting it up with the Amazon Alexa app.

Full-size keyboard and mouse combo: Get your typing on with this wireless keyboard and mouse combo. Each device is powered by two AAA batteries (included, but see below for more) and are connected by a small USB receiver that can stay plugged into your computer. The keyboard features 20 shortcut keys while the mouse offers a textured rubber grip.

Batteries

AA 2,400-mAH rechargeable batteries/24 pack: If you want to get more life out of the batteries used in heavy drain devices (such as game controllers), you can spring for the rechargeable options. These AA batteries can be recharged up to 400 times with minimal power loss. The charging device is sold separately.

AAA 850-mAH rechargeable batteries/24 pack: Same as above but the slightly smaller, AAA version. But, with the smaller package comes a longer lifespan – these can be recharged up to 500 times with minimal power loss.

Home office

Computer desk chair with padded armrests: If you have been in the market for a new desk chair recently, you know this rolling, mid-back desk chair is a steal at the price Amazon is selling it at. It has a height-adjustable seat and seat angle, 360-degree swivel and a 275-pound weight capacity. It also features a faux leather padded seat, backrest and armrests as well. Sit in style on the cheap with this office gem.

Under desk foam footrest: Are your dogs aching due to too much standing, walking or lousy shoes? Give them some foot therapy with this foam footrest. It is designed with a high-density foam material that provides optimal support and it features an anti-slip function that will prevent it from slipping and sliding on your floor surface.

School supplies

LCD 8-digit calculator: The calculator has been a savior for those who prefer to have a machine carry out their calculations for decades now. Attempting to figure out how this dual solar- and battery-powered monster can be sold for as cheap as Amazon is offering it may be just as difficult as solving pi.

#2 pencils: Will there ever be a generation of kids for whom the #2 pencil isn’t a staple of their school days? Snatch up these pre-sharpened beauties and write and erase to your heart’s desire.

Tank style highlighters: Is all the text not-worthy of highlighting in textbooks just wasted space? That’s an argument for a different day. Meanwhile, these classic yellow highlighters will highlight all the important passages that actually are important so you don’t have to read the filler material more than once.

Home gym equipment

3-8-lb. hand weights: If you’re aiming to tackle some light strength training, these hand weights are a great buy. They feature a neoprene coating for durability and a non-slip grip to reduce droppage and potential toe breakage. They also have a printed weight number on each end cap and are color coded for quick identification.

Vinyl kettlebell: Continuing along the strength training front, we have the Amazon Basics kettlebell. Customers rave about the smooth handle that is easy to grip and that the size isn’t too bulky. No surprise here, the price is a big selling point for purchasers as well.

Bedding

Micromink sherpa comforter three-piece bedding set: This comforter and sham bedding set offers a cozy layer of warmth and is ideal for any bedroom or guest room. Included are one king-size 104 x 90-inch reversible comforter and two 20 x 36-inch pillow shams in Charcoal.

Kids’ microfiber three-piece sheet set: This standard size toddler bedding set with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and a standard-size pillowcase is constructed of a lightweight microfiber. Customers claim that the sheets are easy to put on and are extremely lightweight. With over 60,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, this set seems to be a worthy addition to your child’s ro

Bathroom

6-piece oversized towel set: Go from soaking wet to dry as a bone in no time flat with the help of this 100% cotton towel set that includes two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths. One of the six color options is sure to match your bathroom, and soft, durable and absorbent cotton is sure to be a hit with your family and guests.

Shower curtain tension rod: A straight-forward, bathroom necessity, the Amazon Basics shower rods range in size from 24 to 108 inches and operate via spring-pull tension. The rods can also be used to hang curtains on windows and closet doors. No drilling or holes needed to install.

Bathtub neck pillow: For those of us who enjoy a toasty Epsom salt bath to soothe sore muscles after workouts, a cushy bathtub neck pillow is a necessity. Amazon Basics’ neck pillow is constructed with a durable, waterproof PVC exterior that is built to last. Seven back-mounted suction cups ensure that the bath pillow remains in place as you veg out and enjoy your at-home spa session.

Dryw Keltz is a freelance writer living in San Diego County. He has written hundreds of news features, human interest profiles, and film and music reviews over the course of his 20-plus-year career. Keltz has a bachelor’s degree in English writing with an emphasis on creative non-fiction from the University of Pittsburgh.