This is called a DUST BUSTER or hand held vacuum.  And man is it great!  My mom always had one when I was growing up and it wasn’t until I started having kids of my own that I really saw the importance of owning one myself.

With 3 small children in our home, we are constantly needing to clean up.  It wound up getting frustrating to have to pull out the big vacuum several times a day.  It is just plain easier to grab the dust buster and spot clean the areas that need it and then pop it back on its charger.

I did a lot of research first to find the best hand held vac out there at a decent price.  I decided to purchase the Black & Decker CHV1500 15.6V Hepa Dust Buster because (at the time) it had the highest voltage motor.  This was about 2 years ago, so I am pretty sure that they have come up with an even better one since then.

We love our dust buster so much, we even got the kids an identical toy one so they can join in the fun as well.  We use our hand held vacuum in every room of the house, but the kitchen and living room is where it gets the most use.  It works great after dinner for all those crumbs that fall from the table.  But my favorite use for it as when the kids have their evening snack and they ALWAYS seem to spill some on the floor (right after I get done with the big vacuum of course).  I am able to clean up in no time.

So, if you are a mom and you DON’T have one of these yet, then be sure to ask for it for Christmas!  It is one of the best gifts I have ever gotten for myself.  I am all about making life just a little bit easier.

How about you?  What is your favorite household item?