Life

60 Clever, Cheap Products That Work So Well, You'll Kick Yourself For Not Getting Them Sooner

These game-changers need to join your lineup ASAP.

by Jessica Booth
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Smart shopping doesn’t only mean seeking out the best deals — it’s also about finding products you genuinely love that are functional in your everyday life. There are plenty of enticingly cheap items out there, but if they don’t really add anything, what’s the point in purchasing? The below list features a selection of products that are budget-friendly and so useful that you’ll wonder how you survived without them. Happy shopping.

1A Flexible Phone Mount You Can Clip Onto Your Desk

When you want to view your phone screen easily, whether you’re screening a show or editing videos, this phone holder will come in handy. The clamp easily attaches to a base like a desk, countertop, or table, offering comfortable, hands-free use. It has an adjustable and flexible gooseneck so you can position it exactly where you need to, and the holder should fit any phone.

2Adjustable Shelf Dividers For Handbags & More

A collection of bags can be tricky to store in a neat, organized way, but this shelf organizer makes a big difference. It comes with two sets of four dividers each, which are adjustable to fit bags and items of all different sizes. They’re easy to install, make it a breeze to find what you’re looking for, and help keep things in great condition.

3A Foldable Pillow Tablet Stand With Storage Space

Prop up your tablet or e-reader with ease using this tablet pillow stand. It has a sturdy construction covered in a soft, suede-like material that feels cushy, and it allows you to use your device hands-free. Inside are three compartments for stowing small essentials, like your glasses or a charger, and the whole thing folds to a small size that is ideal for traveling or taking on the go.

4A Handheld Scalp Massager For A Very Deep Clean

You don’t need to go to a pricey salon to get a relaxing head massage. This electric scalp massager has four massage heads with 28 individual nodes and four different settings, all of which work to give you a calming massage that also exfoliates and promotes scalp health. Since it’s electric, it requires very little effort on your part, and the handheld size makes it compact and easy to store.

5A Super Hydrating Lip Mask To Wear While Sleeping

Repairing dry, chapped lips couldn’t be easier when using this hydrating lip mask: Simply wear it overnight. Packed with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea and cocoa butters, this leaves your lips super soft and smooth. Vitamin A helps even out tone and vitamin E protects against further damage, while collagen and hyaluronic acid offer smoothing, plumping benefits.

6Gentle Niacinamide Serum That’s So Affordable

Loaded with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, this serum is powerful when it comes to exfoliating and helping diminish the appearance of pores. It has a lightweight, non-sticky feel and no fragrance, and it sinks nicely into skin, so you can use it during the day or at night.

7A Tiny Remote That Makes Your E-Reader More Convenient

This small remote control acts as a page turner for almost any e-reader and doesn’t require the use of Wifi or Bluetooth, making it very versatile. One piece clips onto the side of the tablet, then you click the button on the remote whenever you want to turn the page. In other words, if you’re snuggled in a blanket, you don’t need to remove your arm to turn the page. It also doubles as a remote control for your phone camera.

8A Laser Thermometer To Get The Temperature Of Almost Anything

This highly rated infrared thermometer (with more than 15,000 five-star ratings) is a must-have gadget for any home. It can take the temperature of just about anything, whether that’s your grill, oven, a vent, or an engine — just aim it and press the button. The large and clear digital screen is easy to read, and it works in seconds.

9Cord Holders That Keep Cables From Falling

It’s hard to believe that something as small as these cable clips could make a big difference in how your desk space looks, but it’s true. These magnetic cable clips, which can attach onto your desk, allow you to securely place cords inside so they don’t fall down or end up in a jumbled heap. They come in a pack of eight in different fun colors.

10A Highly Rated Air Compressor To Fill Up Your Tires Anywhere

Compact and lightweight, this portable air compressor is easy to stow in your car to pull out during emergencies and it boasts more than 70,000 five-star ratings. The programmable inflation, which allows you to set the desired pressure, makes it simple to fill up your tires and will automatically shut off when it reaches the preset pressure.

11Tropical Body Lotion You Spray On For Mess-Free Application

This spray body lotion was made for anyone who gets tired of applying lotion to their body. Instead of putting it on your hands and then spreading it around, this lotion gets spritzed on for a less messy application. It’s made with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, and it has a coconut scent that will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island.

12Best-Selling Tanning Drops For A UV-Free Glow

With more than 6,000 five-star ratings and tons of positive reviews, these self-tanning drops are a customer favorite. Mix a few drops of this into your moisturizer everyday to gradually build a nice sun-kissed glow that doesn’t come with UV damage. You can choose between light, medium, or dark depending on how deep you want your tan to be. It’s also made with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, like vitamin C and avocado oil.

13Magnetic Fidget Toys For Adults Who Can’t Sit Still

Anyone who struggles to sit still or deals with stress or anxiety may benefit from keeping this fidget toy on hand. It consists of four magnetic balls with a silicone covering, each one featuring a different texture for a sensory experience. These can be magnetically rolled together or fidgeted with separately, and come in a small carry case to keep them safe.

14Pimple Patches With Almost 10,000 Perfect Ratings

These popular acne patches are made with an effective yet nondrying formula that works to diminish zits, whiteheads, and blackheads, and is designed for all skin types. This set of 30 comes in three different sizes to handle all sorts of blemishes, can stay on for up to 8 hours, and can be worn under makeup.

15An Easy-To-Install Gadget To Effortlessly Open Jars

This convenient jar opener is a must for anyone for anyone who struggles to get off jar lids. You can easily install it underneath a cabinet for a subtle look, then place a jar of nearly any against it and twist. The teeth grip the lid and open up the seal with almost no effort on your part. “Opens all kinds of caps, all sizes, so easily!” one shopper raved in a review.

16Fan-Favorite Body Lotion With Exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acid

With more than 9,000 five-star ratings, this nourishing body lotion is a favorite among Amazon shoppers. It’s made with vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients to help exfoliate skin and even out tone and texture while also hydrating. It’s made for all skin types, and the convenient pump top makes it simple and mess-free to apply and distribute.

17A Cute Cocktail Shaker With Recipes Printed On It

This cute cocktail shaker makes a great addition to your bar area. It features recipes for seven popular drinks (like a classic margarita or cosmopolitan) so that you always have them easily in reach. This is both functional and decorative, and the 16-ounce size holds quite a bit. The jigger cap and strainer lid make it even easier to serve tasty drinks at home.

18Aerator Spouts That Help Make Any Wine Tastier

Using these handheld aerators can help add just the right amount of oxygen to your wine as you’re pouring, which can result in a better taste. The tapered rubber base ensures a tight fit on almost any bottle, so you don’t have to worry about messy spills, and the spout offers a smooth pour. This comes with two aerators.

19A Refreshing Floor Cleaner That Works Without Water

With a refreshing citrus mint scent, this hardwood floor cleaner will not only make your floors squeaky clean, but will also leave your home smelling fantastic. Just squirt directly on hardwood, tile, marble, laminate, vinyl, and other sealed floors, and mop up. It’s made without harsh ingredients like chlorine or added alcohols. One five-star reviewer wrote that it left their floors “feeling clean and not sticky.”

20Lip Oil That Changes Color Based On Your Skin Tone

This glossy lip serum stands out from the rest because it’s pH activated, so after application, the color changes according to your skin tone. This helps produce the most perfect subtle pink for you, while helping your lips feel softer and smoother. It’s ultra hydrating and shiny, but never sticky, thanks to ingredients like avocado oil, vitamin E, and shea butter.

21A Compact Blender With 47,000+ 5-Star Ratings

This personal blender is perfect to use if you’re making a smoothie for yourself or quickly mixing up a batch of salad dressing. The motor is powerful enough to blend frozen fruit and ice with ease. It comes with a travel lid you can pop on, so you can take the cup with you when heading out. Clean-up is simple and it’s super lightweight, not to mention very budget friendly.

22A Magnetic Screen Door That’s Highly Rated & Inexpensive

This magnetic screen door is a genius way to get a flexible screen door without a hefty price tag. To install, put the included tape around the door frame and attach the screen — that’s it. Once on, this helps keep out bugs and pests while opening easily down the center. Pets can get through it on their own, it offers a nice breeze, and it’s easy to take down as needed. “Looks great and functionally works perfect,” stated one happy reviewer.

23A Cute Hand Lotion You Can Take On The Go

It’s hard not to be charmed by this adorable hand lotion, which comes in a fun banana-shaped container. The shape is fitting, considering this is made with hydrating banana extract, which makes it rich with potassium and vitamin A. “The hand cream is thick, not like a lotion, and it feels more moisturizing,” one shopper wrote in a review.

24Reusable Grocery Bags That Help Keep Food Cool

These reusable tote bags are so much more functional than paper or plastic bags when it comes to your groceries. A large capacity allows them to hold plenty of food, while the durable construction means they can stow heavy items without ripping. They’re insulated to keep contents cool and zip closed so that nothing spills during the drive home. When not in use, they can fold into a compact size.

25An Inexpensive Makeup Kit To Get Salon-Style Brows At Home

This budget-friendly eyebrow makeup kit comes with everything you need to create your version of perfect brows at home. It includes a highly pigmented brow pomade for color, skinny eyebrow pencil for creating precise lines, liquid eyeliner for a defined look, and a double-ended brush. It’s available in 18 different colors so you can find a great match.

26An Oil Dispensing Brush That Makes Portion Control Easy

Maintaining control when pouring oil from a bottle can feel downright impossible, which is why this oil dispenser is so helpful. The top is actually a dispensing brush that allows you to carefully brush oil on food so you have better control over the amount. Just fill the dispenser with your oil of choice, add the top, squeeze to fill it with oil, and brush. The glass makes it durable, and the three-layer brush offers even application.

27A Compact Car Vacuum With Over 158,000 5-Star Ratings

This wildly popular portable vacuum is a favorite for keeping your car neat and tidy. It plugs into the 12-volt port and sucks up dirt and crumbs left on the floor and seats with a powerful suction, and had three attachments for detailing. It comes with a filter brush and spare filter, and everything can be neatly tucked away into the carry bag you can keep in your trunk.

28Bright AirTag Cases With Handy Adhesive Backs

These colorful AirTag cases, which come in a pack of four, make it easy to affix your AirTag onto almost any object. They have an adhesive backing that allows you to stick them onto an object that doesn’t have a pocket to hold them (like a laptop or phone), and the bright colors make them easy to find and fun to look at.

29Textured Shower Gloves That Leave Skin Super Soft

If your skin feels dry and rough, moisturizing with lotion may not be enough. Try using these exfoliating gloves, which have a textured feel meant to help slough away dead skin cells and buildup without irritating skin. This helps leave your skin feeling softer and smoother, and they’re a breeze to use while showering, with just a little soap.

30A Funny Pasta Spoon & Cheese Grater In One

Who says kitchen gadgets have to be boring? This pasta spoon and cheese grater in one looks like a funny one-eyed monster and is too cute to leave hidden in a drawer. It works as both a straining spoon for pasta and other foods, and the back can be used as a cheese grater — so it makes a cute and practical item to have out on the table during dinner.

31Handy Bands That Keep Towels On Lounge Chairs

Nothing wakes you up from sunbathing like your towel whipping in the wind. Prevent that from happening with these beach towel bands. They’re meant to securely fit over the back of your chair, keeping towels down even in breezy conditions. They’re small and easy to pack, but flexible and stretchy enough to work with just about any chair.

32A Funky Drink Sleeve To Keep Beverages Ice Cold

These funny little drink sleeves are perfect for a party or a pool or beach day. They look like miniature Hawaiian shirts and feel tropical and summery, making them great for outdoor use. They fit nicely over standard cans and even bottles, keeping drinks cool and preventing sweating that can get your hands wet.

33A Rotating Tabletop Mirror That Gives Off Bright Light

Make your vanity area more functional by simply adding this light-up tabletop mirror. With bright LED lights and three color modes, you can apply makeup and do your hair without having to squint. It offers adjustable brightness and rotates 360 degrees to hit every angle, and the round shape makes it look cute. Touch control makes it a breeze to use and its aluminum frame is built to last.

34A Cat-Shaped Holder That Keeps The Sponge Out Of The Sink

The sponge you use in the kitchen can quickly get musty hanging out in a dirty sink. Instead, stick this cute cat sponge holder onto the wall, then slip your sponge into it. It’s fun, it’s quirky, and it works. It has a strong suction cup so it won’t leave any damage behind and a tight grip so the sponge won’t fall.

35A Tissue Box That Can Hold Small Accessories

This multifunctional tissue box is handy to have anywhere, especially in a smaller bathroom or space. It goes over your tissue box, and features a small shelf for tiny essentials, like jewelry when you’re showering, as well as a lip that holds your phone or eyeglasses. The solid color makes it more aesthetically pleasing than most tissue boxes, too.

36Cushioned Inserts That Make Shoes Comfier

Don’t swear off those uncomfortable (but cute) shoes just yet. First, try these arch support inserts, which come in a pack of two. Made of a soft gel, these offer just enough cushioned support to mold to your feet and offer a more comfortable feel. They’re washable and reusable, with an adhesive backing that resumes stickiness when air dried. Choose between low or high support.

37A Food Storage Container With A Section For Toppers & Add-Ins

This compartmentalized food storage container was made for anyone who likes taking yogurt on the go. The large container is insulated to keep contents cold, with a leakproof lid and a separate compartment for dry ingredients — this is perfect for yogurt and granola, so they don’t get mixed up and soggy before you eat. It also comes with a spoon, and is also microwave-safe and great for hot ingredients.

38A Glass Pitcher & Cold Brew Coffee Maker In One

This heavy duty coffee maker is a versatile piece you’ll use more than you think. It works as a standard glass pitcher with a leakproof lid, though you can also fill the included and removable filter with coffee to make tasty cold brew at home. It holds up to one quart and is easy to clean, with a sturdy handle for easy pouring.

39An Aesthetic Ceramic Soap Dish That Drains Water

If you use bar soap, a soap dish is necessary for storage, and this is one of the chicest options out there. Made of heavy-duty ceramic with a marble finish, it has a cool look to it and the elevated shape keeps the soap off your countertops. The angled holder also allows water to drain out, helping keep it dry and grime-free.

40A Stainless Steel Rocker Knife For Easy Slicing

Add this mezzaluna knife to your arsenal of kitchen utensils for fast and efficient chopping. The arched, semi-circle design makes it a breeze to rock and chop up vegetables and salads in seconds with super sharp blades. Blade protectors keep it safe in storage and the stainless steel construction makes it durable and easy to clean.

41Clips That Keep Zippered Bags Tightly Closed

Once you start using these zipper clips on your luggage, you won’t travel without them. Sturdy and easy to use, these clip onto each zipper of your suitcase and keep them from opening up unexpectedly. They also make it harder to open your luggage, so offer an extra layer of protection. Great for use on airplanes especially, they come in a pack of four for a low price point.

42Cute Cooking Rings To Make Perfectly Round Eggs

Anyone can use and appreciate these egg rings, but cat lovers will love them the most thanks to the adorable design. These rings go in your pan and help you make perfectly round eggs that are great for sandwiches. They’re coated in silicone that is easy to clean and nonstick, and the handle allows you to latch them onto the side of your pan.

43A Super Absorbent Dish Mat Available In Tons Of Colors

If you don’t have space for a traditional dish drying tray or just don’t want something constantly sitting out, try this dish drying mat. Made of soft and absorbent microfiber, this sops up excess water from damp dishes to protect your countertops. Because it’s so flexible and soft, it’s easy to take out and put away as needed. It’s available in 20 colors and two sizes so you can find what works best for you.

44A Divided Storage Bin Perfect For The Bathroom

Give your bathroom a clean and organized look with this soft storage bin. It comes with adjustable dividers that create up to seven different sections, and is a perfect space for stowing things like pads, tampons, and extra toilet paper. Place this on the back of your toilet bowl or in a cabinet — it has handles and a lid for added convenience.

45A Chic Garlic Container With A Lid For Grating

Your garlic is happiest out of the fridge and sitting in a container on the counter, and this garlic keeper is the perfect place to store it. It’s made of ceramic with a smooth look that gives it a simple and chic decorative look. Even better: The lid doubles as a grater, so you can mince your garlic in seconds.

46Inserts That Keep Your Purse Super Neat

Large tote bags or handbags can easily get messy, becoming a jumble of items. Add these purse organizers — the set comes with two compartmented pouches that make it so much easier to keep items neat and tidy. Several pockets give each item a home, and they’re made of easy-to-clean neoprene that is flexible and lightweight.

47Adhesive Trash Bags That Are Perfect For Road Trips

Keep a pack of these stick-on garbage bags in your car at all times — they’ll definitely come in handy. Each one has an adhesive strip on the back that allows you to hang it from the dashboard, a door, or the center console. When full, it seals closed so you can throw it away without making a mess. These are great for road trips or anytime, and take up hardly any storage space.

48Vent Covers That Give You More Control Over Room Temperature

You may not be able to remove annoying vents completely, but you can get a little more control over them with these transparent vent air deflectors. These covers are easy to install, they go over your vents, they’re subtle, and they redirect hot or cold air. Shoppers have seemed happy with them too. “I like the adjustability to fit register length,” one wrote in a review, while another said, “The magnets are very strong.”

49A Deep & Durable Ramen Bowl With Space For Chopsticks

Chic and sturdy, these ceramic ramen bowls are a must-have if you love eating bowls of ramen at home. They’re available in three different solid colors, like bright white for something simple or deep green or light pink for something a little more fun. These are deep with a wide opening, and they have notches to stash your chopsticks, which is functional and great for presentation.

50A Cute Holder For Pens Or Makeup Brushes

This heart-shaped storage container is both adorable and versatile. It can be used to store so many things, whether that’s makeup brushes on your vanity, pens at your desk, or toothbrushes in your bathroom. Because the items are held upright, without touching each other or anything else, it’s especially great for things you want to keep clean (like makeup brushes). There are lots of compartments and the silicone is flexible and easy to wipe clean.

51A Compact Hairbrush With Hidden Storage

You’ll want to have this compact hair brush on hand whether you’re going on vacation, commuting to work, or simply heading out for a few hours. It’s small and lightweight enough to fit in your bag, with a mix of boar and nylon bristles to get through tangles easily. The best part, though, is the hidden storage that holds about 20 hair ties so you’re never without one when you need it.

52A Couch Caddy That Offers A Safe Spot For Drinks & Snacks

This soft and durable couch caddy makes it even comfier to spend hours on the couch or in bed. It sits upright and shouldn’t topple over, with five different sections that can securely hold cups, mugs, small bowls, and a remote control. The removable cover makes it so easy to wash and keep clean.

53A Cute Tote Bag That Can Hold Up To 2 Bottles Of Wine

At first glance, this looks just any other colorful tote bag — but a closer look reveals it’s actually hidden storage for up to two bottles of wine. An insulated and zippered pouch inside fits over 50 ounces of liquid, while a hidden spout makes it so easy to pour the wine into your glass (though it’s worth noting this works with any drink). It also has plenty of storage for your essentials, as well as sturdy straps to take it anywhere.

54A Durable & Sturdy Cast Iron Pan That Comes Pre-Seasoned

This pre-seasoned cast iron skillet pan is the kind of thing you buy and use for years, and maybe even pass down one day. Super durable and versatile, this is oven-safe and can be used as a skillet or frying pan whether you’re using a stove or grill — and it’s great for camping too. The dual handles make it easy to move around and the even heat retention is ideal for cooking all sorts of food.

55An Alligator Garlic Press Too Fun Not To Use

Swapping out boring kitchen utensils for more fun ones, like this alligator inspired garlic press is a quick way to add whimsy to the kitchen. To use, fill the head with garlic, then press down to crush it into a finely minced pile. This comes with a convenient cleaning brush to keep it from getting clogged, and the brush can fit inside so you’ll never lose it.

56A Glass Container That Helps Herbs Stay Fresh Longer

When left in flimsy plastic bags or containers from the grocery store, fresh herbs can spoil quickly. This glass herb keeper protects them and has space for water at the bottom to keep them properly hydrated. It holds a good amount of herbs, won’t take up a lot of extra space in the fridge, and the sleek look is really nice.

57A Cheese Board With Built-In Utensil Storage

If you love serving a good charcuterie board, then you need this wooden cheese board. It offers plenty of space for a variety of items, with different compartments to keep crackers, fruit, and cheese separated. One of the best features is the hidden pull-out drawer, where you can stash the four included cheese knives,

58A Space-Saving Dish Rack With A Nearly Perfect Rating

This 4.5-star-rated dish drying rack manages to both take up less space than your average rack and also fit an impressive amount of dishes. That’s all thanks to the expandable design, which allows you to pull a second rack out from under the first one when you need the space, then push it back in when you don’t. An automatic drainage system keeps it dry, while nonslip feet keep it firmly in place.

59Tweezers That Have A Bright LED Light To Help You See

Add these illuminating tweezers to your beauty routine to make it easier to tweeze your brows or stray hairs. It has a bright light at the tips that streams right where you need to see, so you can use it even in a room with dim lighting. This is precise and great to use for small, wispy hairs.

60A Sturdy Silicone Whisk That Mixes Quickly

This spatula whisk will quickly replace any old whisks you have in your kitchen. Wide nylon fins make it easy and fast to mix up even the thickest of batters, preventing overmixing and making baking feel a little more simple. It’s coated in silicone that is easy to wipe clean, and is stain- and heat-resistant, with a durable stainless steel handle.