I feel like Amazon is the new Target. Your initial intention is to buy just ONE THING…something basic such as batteries. Simple enough. Fast forward to two hours later and there you are with an asparagus peeler, reversible sequin pillows and a new husband in your cart. How??? If this scenario sounds all too familiar, then you are probably a fellow “Amazon Junkie” like me. Welcome 🙂

Although I’ve had buyer’s remorse following some of my Amazon shopping sprees, I definitely hit the jackpot with this nifty door stop alarm that I purchased on Amazon a few years ago. Whenever I share my travel must-haves, it’s always at the top of my list because it’s an affordable safety gadget that you can easily use on the road and at home.

The GE Personal Security Door Stop Alarm is a door stopper with a built in alarm that is activated by the pressure of an opening door pushing up against the device. I initially purchased the device to keep me safe during my travels but eventually started to also use the device at home since I was living by myself. As crazy as it sounds, the gadget kept “intruders” from entering my unit on two separate occasions.

About two years ago I was alone in my apartment preparing to take a shower when the door stop alarm unexpectedly goes off. I nervously yell from the bathroom “WHO IS IT?”. No response. I yell again. No response. When I hear the door being pulled back shut and then locked, my heart starts racing because I realize that the person has a key. As I’m in the bathroom mentally preparing to fight for my life, the “intruder” yells “Maintenance!”. I’ll spare you all the details about why maintenance didn’t knock before trying to enter my unit but, anyhow, that was the first time that the door stopper was put to the test and it passed with flying colors.

On a separate occasion, a similar incident occurred but this time I was traveling and staying in an Airbnb. Again, maintenance tried to enter the unit unannounced but was stopped by the door stopper. Maintenance claims that they knocked before trying to enter but I didn’t hear anything. Either way, in both cases the door stopper alerted me that someone was trying to enter my unit and prevented the would-be intruders from entering my space.

Considering the peace of mind that the device provides for a reasonable price of less than $15…Amazon can pretty much take all my money lol.

All jokes aside, I am sharing this because it’s a great gadget to have when traveling (especially for solo travelers) and also as an everyday device you can use in your home as well. For anyone who is interested, you can purchase it on Amazon via the affiliate link here.

What’s been your best Amazon purchase? Drop it in the comments below.