Life

50 Things That Make Life Easier That You'll Wish You'd Known About Sooner

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

by Rebecca Martinson
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Life isn't a cakewalk. If it were, we'd all be millionaires sipping mimosas on our oceanfront property. And even if I've finally come to the realization that I'll probably never own a beach house, it doesn't mean that my next 50-ish years have to be hard, either. There are tons of little things you can do to improve your everyday routine — without totally breaking the bank. The simplest one? Checking out all these brilliant products on Amazon that make life easier.

From miniature vacuums to toilet night lights, your options are nearly endless when you're browsing the virtual aisles of Amazon. Got a closet that's overflowing with clothes? Make sure to check out the premium storage bags I've included. Not only are they large enough to fit an entire queen bedding set, but each order also comes with a free travel pump — just in case your suitcase won't close during your next trip. And if you couldn't care less about traveling? There are still heated lunchboxes for warm meals, shower liners with handy pockets, and even a shampoo brush that vibrates to massage your scalp.

Let's face it: life isn't easy. But you know what is? Adding a few of these clever products, which each cost less than $50, to your shopping cart. So what are you waiting for? There's a stain remover in here that works on red wine — and I think I can hear it calling your name.

1This Smartphone Mount That Clips To Your Car's Air Vents

Just stick this magnetic mount to the air vents in your car, and you'll be able to use your phone hands-free while you're driving. You can swivel it around to adjust the viewing angle, and it's designed to work with any type of phone, including Apple and Android models.

2A Little Vacuum For Cleaning Up Everyday Messes

Why bust out your giant floor vacuum for a small mess when all you need is this tiny vacuum? It's ideal for desktops and keyboards — plus, it runs for up to 400 minutes using just two AA batteries (not included).

3These Hooks That Hang From Your Headrest

Don't let your handbag or grocery bags spill out all over your backseat — loop them onto these headrest hangers instead. Each one is so sturdy that it can hold up to 18 pounds, and the hooks rotate to keep them out of sight when they're not being used. Choose from two colors: beige or black.

4A Nonstick Skillet That's Divided Into 3 Sections

Not only do the dividers in this skillet let you cook three different dishes at the same time, but it also features two layers of PFOA-free nonstick coating. The steel handle is riveted to the pan for added strength, and the silicone grip keeps your hands safe from burns.

5The Vacuum Attachment That Fits Into Tight Spaces

Need to clean the tight nooks and crannies around your house? These vacuum attachments aren’t only great for air vents, drawers, and other cramped spots, but the tubes are also flexible enough to vacuum around delicate items (such as fake flowers), according to users.

6A Stain Remover That Powers Through Red Wine

No need to worry about spilled red wine anymore — this stain remover can wash it away. The ultra-gentle formula is safe to use on all types of fabric, no matter how old the stain is, and it doesn't contain peroxide, chlorine, sulphates, or parabens. Reviewers have even successfully used it to remove blood and grease stains, too.

7This Bluetooth Speaker For Playing Tunes In The Shower

Not only is this Bluetooth speaker waterproof, but it also has a wireless range of up to 33 feet so that you're not glued to it. The battery lasts for up to 10 hours, and the suction cup on the back makes it easy to mount to your shower wall.

8A Cupholder That Holds Your Drink While You Soak

Stick this cupholder to the side of your tub or shower, and you'll be able to enjoy a glass of wine or can of beer while you bathe. The suction cup is so strong that it's able to hold up to 7 pounds, and you've got options when it comes to colors — black, blue, clear, and more.

9The Alarm Clock That Slowly Brightens To Wake You Up

My favorite way to wake up is with light gradually brightening my room, which is why I'm in love with this alarm clock. Simply set the time you'd like to wake up, and it'll slowly grow brighter until you're awake. And if you don't wake up? There's a backup alarm, just in case.

10A Chopper That Minces Up Garlic For You

Don't get your hands sticky with garlic juice — use this chopper instead. You can adjust how coarse the chop is by rolling it around less.The best part is that it can chop up to three cloves at once.

11This Band That Keeps Your Fitted Sheet In Place Without Damaging Them

It's annoying when the fitted sheet on my bed rides up, which is exactly why I ordered this giant elastic band. Unlike regular fasteners and pins, you don't have to puncture your sheets to put it on — simply wrap it around your mattress and it's ready to go.

12A Teapot That Dispenses The Brew Directly Into Your Mug

Just combine hot water with your favorite blend of loose leaf tea in this teapot and in minutes, it’ll dispense tea directly into your mug. The built-in strainer keeps your tea leaves from slipping through, and the drip tray makes everything mess-free. Plus, it’s microwave-safe, so you can heat up water without a kettle.

13The Handle You Can Use With Your Tumblers

It doesn't matter what brand of tumbler you have — this handle is designed to fit most of them, including Yetis. It's ergonomically designed for comfortable use with both hands, and the rubber rings on the inside keep the handle firmly in place. Choose from more than 12 colors, as well as sizes ranging from 12 to 64 ounces.

14A Pack Of Tongs That Double As Spatulas

Unlike regular tongs, these stainless steel tongs feature a silicone hammock spanning both ends to give you added control over whatever you're grabbing. They're even heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

15These Big Storage Bags That Help You Save Space

Got an overflowing closet with no space to spare? Make sure to grab these vacuum storage bags. A single pack comes with five extra-large bags that can each fit an entire queen bedding set. Your order also comes with a free hand pump to use them while traveling.

16This Wristband That Holds Your Essentials While You Exercise

Sometimes workout clothes don't have pockets. Thankfully, this wristband wallet offers a place to store your cash and keys while you're on the move. It's made of a comfortable cotton-elastic blend for a snug fit and features a handy zippered pouch for you to access your valuables. Plus, it's available in various colors and sizes.

17The Tabbed Sticky Notes That Are Perfect For Extra-Long Ideas

I genuinely prefer these extra-large sticky notes to regular ones, especially when I'm working in my notebook. The tab at the corner makes it easy to skip around to specific places whenever I need to look something up, and the water-based adhesive doesn't leave behind any gunk when you move the sticky notes around.

18An Alarm Clock On Wheels That Forces You To Get Up

If you have a habit of hitting the snooze button way more than you should, this alarm clock all but guarantees you'll get out of bed. Once the alarm goes off, the wheels on the sides send it rolling around the room so that you have to get up to turn it off. It works on all types of floors, and it only requires four AAA batteries (not included).

19This Bluetooth-Enabled Tile That Helps You Find Lost Items

Just attach this Tile Mate to whatever you need to keep track of (like your keys or wallet), and you'll be able to locate lost items using the downloadable smartphone app. The Bluetooth signal is able to track down your stuff from up to 200 feet away — plus, it's compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

20A Night Light That Gently Illuminates Your Toilet

Turning on that harsh ceiling light when you're using the bathroom at night can feel like a shock when you're sleepy. This toilet night light, on the other hand, gently illuminates your way to the bathroom so you're not left squinting at bright light. Choose from eight different color settings, as well as a rotating carousel mode.

21The Tool That Helps Defrosts Meat Up To 7 Times Faster

Forget to take something out of the freezer in time for dinner? Pop it underneath this Thaw Claw in a sink filled with cold water — the claw will keep your meat submerged so that it thaws up to seven times faster, and the suction cup on the bottom anchors it to your sink. (If you're using the Thaw Claw to prep frozen meat, just make sure to follow the USDA's suggested methods for doing so safely.)

22An Apple Corer Made From Stainless Steel

Whether you're baking pies or looking for a quick snack, this apple corer can help. The ergonomic handle is coated in nonslip to keep your hands steady, and the blades are made from durable stainless steel. Choose from two colors: red or black.

23This Super Discreet Toilet Paper Dispenser

Tired of running out of toilet paper while you're using the bathroom? Just stuff a few extra rolls into this discreet toilet paper dispenser. The top doubles as a shelf where you can put decorations, books, or even just your phone, and the dispenser's narrow design makes it great for tight spaces.

24A Batter Dispenser For Pancakes & More

Making pancakes, cupcakes, or even brownies can be messy, but this batter dispenser helps to keep drips and spills to a minimum. It has measurement markings on the side so you can keep track of how much you've used. All you have to do is squeeze the trigger that's built-into the handle to release your batter.

25These Transparent Patches That Help Heal Blemishes

The next time a stray pimple pops up in the middle of the day, try covering it with one of these acne patches. They're infused with tea tree and calendula oil to help reduce inflammation, and they're also clear so that they're less visible on your face.

26A Lunchbox That Heats Up Your Meals

Prefer hot lunches over cold ones? This electric lunchbox only takes about 30 minutes to warm up a meal, and the compact design features a convenient carrying handle. The inside is made from stainless steel, and you've got options when it comes to colors — orange, green, or blue.

27This Shower Liner With Handy Pockets

Add some more storage to your bathroom with this shower liner, which features mesh pockets where you can store soap, scrubbers, and even devices like your phone so that you can keep an eye on your notifications while you suds up. It's made from PEVA, and the pockets can each hold up to 1 pound.

28A Cup That Lets You Eat Cereal On The Go

Simply fill the two chambers in this travel cup with milk and cereal, and you'll be able to enjoy a "bowl" while you're out and about — no spoon required.. The separate chambers keep your cereal crunchy and milk-free until you tip it towards your lips. Plus, it's dishwasher safe.

29These Refrigerator Shelf Liners That Are Antibacterial

Not only are these shelf liners completely waterproof, but they're also antibacterial to help keep germs from running rampant in your fridge. The non-slip backing keeps them from shifting around, and you can even trim them to fit smaller drawers. Choose from two colors: green or clear.

30The Window Tint Film That Keeps Your Home Cool

Keep your home cool in the summer — without having to draw the curtains — with this window tint film. The cling film secures to the window, so you don’t have to deal with any permanent installation, and it blocks up to 98% of UV rays. Plus, it creates a mirror-like surface on the exterior, so anyone on the outside won’t be able to see in.

31The Shampoo Brush That Massages Your Scalp

Unlike other shampoo brushes, this scalp massager features two speed settings to soothe your scalp while you shower. The bristles are made from soft rubber, and you can choose from several colors including pink, green, and blue.

32A Personal Blender That Doubles As A To-Go Cup

You don't need to dirty up a blender and a travel cup when you're using this personal blender. The blending jar transforms into a convenient to-go cup once you pop the sip top on, and the blender itself uses six blades to crush through ice, fruits, and more. It's BPA-free and rechargeable via USB.

33This Water Flosser That Comes With 4 Sprayer Heads

I use this oral irrigator every morning, and can confirm that it does a great job of flossing my teeth before I brush. It's waterproof so that I can even use it in the shower, and the battery lasts for up to 10 days when fully charged. Each order comes with four sprayer heads, and there are three cleaning modes depending on how sensitive your gums are: normal, soft, and pulse.

34A Pack Of Smart Plugs That Let You Control Devices With Your Voice

After you pair these smart plugs with Alexa or Google Home, you'll be able to control your devices using voice commands — all from the comfort of your couch. There's no smart hub required, and they'll even let you set schedules so that your lights are on when you come home.

35The Water Fountain Made For Pets

I've noticed that my dog drinks way more water ever since I got him this pet water fountain. Not only is he more hydrated, but I also enjoy the sound of trickling water in the background while I work from home. It runs quietly so you hardly notice the motor, and the water flow is even adjustable.

36A Plush Bath Pillow That Attaches To Your Tub

If you're looking for more support while you soak, add this bath pillow to your tub. It uses two foam panels to cushion your neck and head, and it stays in place with the help of seven strong suction cups by Gorilla Grip. You can also buy a three-panel pillow for additional back support.

37These Drain Snakes That Are Cost-Effective

Got a clogged tub or sink? Instead of reaching for a chemical solution, try threading one of these flexible snakes down the drain. They're easy and quick to use, and the thorns on the sides latch onto hair and any other debris that's stuck in the pipe. The best part? They're way cheaper than calling a plumber.

38This Silicone Drain Cover For Jacuzzi-Like Baths

This drain cover features a rounded design to fit all types of overflow drains so you can take deeper, jacuzzi-like baths without worrying about water escaping the tub. It's constructed from food-grade silicone — and it's even guaranteed not to fall off.

39The Windproof Umbrella With A Built-In Flashlight

While many umbrellas invert in strong gusts of wind, this one is windproof. It also features a convenient flashlight built into the handle and a button that both opens and closes the top. Many reviewers have raved about how the "light is great" and confirmed that the entire umbrella feels very "high-quality."

40A Champagne Stopper That Saves Your Bubbles

Don't feel like you have to finish that whole bottle of champagne — save some bubbly for later with this stopper. It's designed with a pump to increase the pressure inside and seal the bottle, and it's even 100% leakproof.

41This Pet Brush That Cleans Itself At The Touch Of A Button

Simply press the button on the handle, and this pet brush will shed away all the collected hair without you having to pick it out manually. The bristles are designed to gently get rid of mats, without scratching your pet's skin.

42A Handy Fabric Shaver That Gets Rid Of Lint & Pilling

Keep clothes and upholstery looking brand new with this fabric shaver that comes with three interchangeable blades for removing pilling on all kinds of materials, including cashmere, wool, cotton, fleece, acrylic, rayon, and polyester. This helpful little gadget also has a lint remover on the other end, so you can remove any fuzz.

43The Cleanser That's Formulated For Makeup Brushes

When your makeup brushes are caked in product and dirtier than ever, it's time to give them a scrub with this makeup brush shampoo. The formula is paraben-free as well as hypoallergenic, and many reviewers have raved about how it left their brushes looking "like new."

44A Set Of Silicone Covers To Keep Your Fingers Clean

Made from food-grade silicone, these finger covers are perfect for keeping your hands clean from cheese dust, chip crumbs, and more. They're designed to fit on fingers of all shapes and sizes, and they're even heat-resistant — just in case you pick up something that's a little too warm.

45These Tongue Scrapers That Help Freshen Your Breath

When you're aiming for extra-fresh breath, these tongue scrapers can help. Each one is made from surgical-grade stainless steel — plus, they are easy to clean and don't leave behind a metallic taste.

46This Microwave Breakfast Cooker For Quick Meals

You don't need to dirty up your stove when you're rushing to get out the door in the morning — pop an egg and some bacon into this microwaveable cooker, and you'll have breakfast in just a few minutes. It's also totally BPA-free.

47A Watermelon Slicer That Makes Perfect Wedges

Slicing up a melon is no picnic, but this watermelon slicer makes it so much easier. After halving the watermelon, just insert the dual-blade tool and slice. Then, simply squeeze the handles to lift out a perfect wedge that’s ready for eating.

48The Spiralizer That Makes Delicious Veggie Noodles

Sweet potatoes, zucchinis, cucumbers — you name it, this spiralizer can make delicious vegetable noodles with it. Each order includes 10 interchangeable blades so that you can also make ribbons, crinkle chips, and more. Plus, it even comes with access to four recipe e-books.

49A Bidet That Upgrades Your Toilet — At A Fraction Of The Cost

A toilet with a built-in bidet can run you hundreds of dollars — but this bidet offers the upgrade for under $50. It comes with all the parts and tools needed to attach it to your toilet, and it's "easy" to install, according to reviewers. Plus, the hygienic nozzle guard shields the sprayer so that it stays clean for future use.

This article was originally published on