Life
63 Most Genius Things On Amazon Under $1
Amazon
Why drop a fortune on everyday items that you need for around the house when you can find absolutely genius things on Amazon for under $1? It seems like a no-brainer.
Whether you're shopping for cool devices that can make cleaning your microwave so much easier or you're looking to upgrade your storage game, the online retailer is the perfect place to go if you're looking for cheap AF items that are actually pretty practical. Since reviewers on Amazon also tend to be some of the most brutally honest and passionate ones around, you can use that feedback to figure out which stuff under $1 is worth coughing up the cash for and which items you might as well just skip over.
It might seem impossible, but you could end up saving hundreds of dollars (seriously) on things you'd need around your home anyway. From sponge holders to kitchen utensils and so much more, this slideshow is filled with the best and most innovative products under $1 available on the site now. The best part about it? If you love a few things you find through this, you don't have to wait until a rainy day to buy them. You can afford to stock up and splurge today.
1. A Silicone Sponge That Won't Scratch Up Your Dishes
Creazy Silicone Dish Washing Sponge, $.90, Amazon
This silicone sponge is one of those low-key genius inventions that you'll wish you tried a lot sooner. Flexible and soft, it's an amazing alternative to traditional sponges and rags, which can become germ traps before you even know it. The sponge is squishy and can be ideal for cleaning tough corners and cups that are normally hard to scrub.
2. This Handbag Insert That's Great For Organizing Cosmetics, Smartphones, And The Works
If Lovey Women Travel Insert Handbag, $.98, Amazon
Tired of messy purses where you just can't find a thing? This wine-colored insert is the organizational cure. It's designed to hold cards, smartphones, keys, makeup, and all your other essentials. Made from resilient nylon, it also comes with four small pockets, two zipper pockets and five mesh ones, so virtually more space than you might know what to do with. "Super helpful with organizing my purse. Fits perfectly and has more slots and pockets than I thought from the picture," one reviewer described.
3. A Drain Protector That Looks Just Like A Little Flower
Hosaire Flower Drain Protector, $.49, Amazon
Drain protectors are just one of those practical purchases that you need to make at some point, and if you haven't yet, this one is the one to buy. Beyond its cheapness, this protector is durable and cute. Shaped like a flower, it's made with silicone and is designed to fit most shower, sink, and tub drains.
4. This Angry Mama That Makes Sure Your Microwave Is Clean AF
Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner, $.16, Amazon
Weird, wacky, and ridiculously effective, the Angry Mama is an innovative microwave cleaner. All it takes is a little water and vinegar, and it steams away messes and softens hard-to-clean spots, so you can scrub them away with ease. "Works great! Microwave has never been cleaner, except when it was first installed," wrote one reviewer.
5. This Super Luxurious Sleep Mask That Can Help You Get A Great Night's Sleep
Simply Gorgeous Black Sleep Mask, $.73, Amazon
Lightweight and soft to the touch, this black sleep mask is a luxurious pick-up, even when you're shopping on a budget. It comes with two straps, which you can adjust for comfort. While reviewers say this mask does let some light in, they say it's still terrific when you're looking to relax and unwind.
6. An Eco-Friendly Grocery Bag That You Can Reuse Over And Over
Reusable Grocery Bag, $.99, Amazon
Trendy and practical, this reusable grocery bag is a good investment if you're trying to be more environmentally-friendly. The net bag is well-made, durable, and machine-washable.
7. This Slicer That Works With Any Kind Of Cheese
Liobaba Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer, $.99, Amazon
This stainless steel slicer makes slicing and serving cheese easier. It's ergonomically designed, easy to clean, and won't rust in the dishwasher. Plus, it's good to have around for dinner parties.
8. A Set Of Wine Stoppers That'll Keep Your Vino Delicious
CHICTRY Wine Stopper, $.01 (2 pack), Amazon
If you love wine, you know that you can never have too many wine stoppers. This affordable two-pack is made from plastic and silicone and they're designed to be completely leakproof. In the process, these easy-to-insert stoppers (which fit with most standard size wine bottles) can help to preserve the taste of your favorite open bottle of wine, until you're ready for your next glass.
9. This Scalp Massaging Brush That Can Help Eliminate Dandruff
GreatFun Silicone Massager Brush, $.99, Amazon
This silicone brush comes with firm yet flexible silicone bristles that exfoliate the skin on your scalp, helping to boost blood circulation, which in turn can help reduce flakes and the severity of dandruff.
10. An Easy Way To Brew Loose Leaf Tea
Hosaire Tea Infuser, $.39, Amazon
Tea lovers who prefer loose leaf to bagged will love this tea infuser from Hosaire. It comes with a hook, which you can use to hang onto a teapot, while the ball itself contains your favorite loose leaf options. Since it's stainless steel, it won't rust and is designed to be really sturdy, too. "Good tea infuser- works well. I love how easy it is to use while holding my favorite loose teas.
11. This Silicone Funnel That Can Prevent Kitchen-Related Spills
Liobaba Anti-Spill Kitchen Funnel, $.99, Amazon
This genius silicone spout snaps to any nearly any pot or pan to make it easier to pour liquids without spills or drips. While it looks weird at first glance, it's curved to fit most pots and can help make pouring soups and other liquids much easier than it might normally be. Since it's also resilient against high temperatures, you can get a ton of use out of this in amazing ways.
12. A Lightweight Case For Storing False Eyelashes
BEAUTYVAN False Eyelash Storage Box, $.95, Amazon
Pretty, pink, and perfect for storing your falsies in, this storage box is a total steal. One reviewer raved: "This case was worth it! It is super adorable and is small enough to fit any makeup carry bag or organizer."
13. This Wall-Hanging Storage Container That Can Bring Order To Messy Closets
Wall Hanging Storage Bag, $.49, Amazon
Is your closet a bonafide disaster? This polyester storage bag can save you a ton of space while also helping you organize even the messiest closets. Available in a range of colors, these pockets are surprisingly hardy and reviewers say they work best for storing smaller items, so think spices or other odds and ends.
14. A Makeup Brush With An Almost Perfect Five-Star Rating
Toraway Makeup Brush, $.99, Amazon
A makeup brush for under a dollar might seem questionable, but the fact is, reviewers on Amazon love this thing. Made with firm yet full bristles, this brush helps clear away excess oil from skin and can be a great pick for spreading foundation on the face. "I love this brush! Super light and fluffy. It applies foundation very lightly which is perfect for me since I don’t really use much foundation," wrote one reviewer.
15. This Set Of Incredibly Handy Cleaning Gloves
CTlite Cleaning Gloves, $.99, Amazon
At first glance, these might look like your standard rubber gloves, but if you take a closer look you can see that they actually have a scrubbing layer that you can use to scrub off set-in grime on your own, without a sponge.
16. An Ultra Portable Carrying Case For Your Earbuds
Zerone Portable Earbud Travel Carrying Case, $.68, Amazon
This carrying case has a hard outer shell that can protect earbuds from external damage. It also comes with a carabiner, so you can attach it to your backpack for added convenience.
17. This Adorable As Heck Cable Protector That Looks Just Like Your Favorite Animal
Pinly Animal Cable Protector, $.01, Amazon
Protect cables while you're charging up your smartphone or tablet with this super-cute animal-themed protector. It comes in a bunch of variations, so whether you love polar bears, sharks, or penguins, you can also find the perfect one to fit your desk.
18. An Organizer So You Can Stash Your Sponge
LiPing Sponge Holder, $.99, Amazon
Keeping your sponge on the edge of your sink can make it a major breeding ground for bacteria. While it's icky to think about, there's an easy solution: grab a sponge holder like this one. It'll mount directly to your sink and is roomy enough that it can fit your sponge and a scrubber. Plus, since it's silicone, it's less likely to cultivate mold like other holders can with extended exposure to moisture.
19. This Vegetable Spiralizer So You Can Add A Special Touch To Every Meal
JDgoods Handheld Spiral Vegetable Cutter, $.50, Amazon
Wish you had a way to spiralize your veggies but don't want to drop huge bucks for a device you may not even use that much? This spiralizer is what you've been waiting for. Compact and made with stainless steel blades, this cutter is the right size for most veggies and can keep your hands safe as you do, plus it comes with three cutting heads, so you can find the best one for what you're cooking.
20. A Minimalist Wallet That You Can Take On-The-Go
21. This Scrub Brush That Can Make Gunk Vanish
Lavany Scrub Brush, $.01, Amazon
This sponge works to remove dirt and stains, but it won't leave scratches the way that some abrasive sponges can. It also comes with a handle, which makes it easier to use, especially for more involved jobs.
22. A Cute Little Coin Purse That's Big Enough To Fit IDs Too
Toraway Wallet, $0.59, Amazon
This change purse is as adorable as it is cheap, and reviewers say that while it takes forever to ship, it's totally worth having once you get it. Decorated with cacti, this wallet has a vibe all its own. Made with artificial leather, it's also big enough that you can stash cards, cash, and other smaller items.
23. This Makeup Organizer For Neater Countertops
Cloudro Cosmetic Storage Container, $0.01, Amazon
Cluttered countertops can make it hard to find what you really need when you need it. This colorful container is designed to change all that. It's spacious enough to fit lotions, nail polish, sprays, or any other cosmetic product you might have. And because it's also decorated with distinctive flowers, it's sure to stand out on your countertop, but in a good way.
24. A Toothbrush Holder You Can Take On-The-Go
Portable Toothbrush Holder, $0.99, Amazon
A toothbrush holder like this one is essential if you're planning for any kind of overnight trip or extended travel. Available in a variety of colors, this holder comes with air holes, which help prevent bacteria from growing inside, plus it's big enough that you can actually fit two toothbrushes at once if needed. You can also fit this in a backpack, purse, or suitcase easily, so it's ideal for an on-the-go lifestyle.
25. This Brush That Makes It Easier To Apply Eyeliner
Creazydog Eyeliner Brush, $0.99, Amazon
Made with a wooden handle and soft fibers, this brush is perfect for applying eye make up.
26. A Small Dustpan That's Great For The Office
Broom Dustpan, $0.99, Amazon
Adorable tiny (but still practical) this small broom dustpan is perfect for small apartments that are short on storage space. Made from plastic with hard wire bristles, this duo can make short work of messes and is great for keeping dust and dirt from piling up.
27. This Set Of Cleaning Brushes That Can Get In Tight Places
LiPing Tool-Cleaning Drink Straws, $0.01 (Pack of 10), Amazon
These cleaning straws are a must-have if you're trying to clean bottles, colanders, straws, or other utensils that have tight crevices. Made from stainless steel with nylon bristles, this 10 pack comes with different thickness sizes for the bristles, so you can definitely find the right one for your cleaning needs.
28. A Spoon Rest That Can Contain Every Mess
Sttech1 Kitchen Pot Lid Holder, $0.01, Amazon
This brilliant spoon and spatula rest is designed to prevent your utensils from becoming contaminated and keep your countertop clean.
29. This Eyeglass Cleaner That Can Eliminate Smudges
LiPing Glasses Cleaner, $0.01, Amazon
This two-piece glasses cleaner can get rid of even the most stubborn smudges. It's made with plush microfiber and is designed to clear glasses off without leaving behind any scratches.
30. A Donut Maker That'll Make A Great Gift For Loved Ones
Highpot Doughnut Maker Mold, $0.01, Amazon
Making your favorite breakfast treat is about to get a whole lot simpler. This doughnut maker mold makes the process of creating this delicious snack even better. This mold, which is made from durable plastic and stainless steel, can streamline everything and help you make the perfect dozen.
31. This Small Colander Spoon That's Great For Cooking
LiPing Round Colander Spoon, $0.01, Amazon
Colanders typically take up a lot of space, but this colander spoon is a terrific alternative. Safe to use on non-stick surfaces and easy to clean, this reusable colander is made from stainless steel and is actually great for camping or fishing trips too, since you can easily transport it from place to place.
32. This Weird But Genius Spill Stopper That's Also A Great Conversation Starter
Vibola Spill Stopper Lid Cover, $0.01, Amazon
Designed to look like a man dangling from the edge of a pot or pan, this spill stopper is a hilarious and super-practical buy that's also really creative too. Made from silicone, it helps get air circulating in pots or pans and prevents soup or other fluids from spilling over. Since it's made from silicone, it's also super flexible and resilient.
33. A Quick And Easy Way To Make Sushi
Hongxin Sushi Maker, $0.94, Amazon
Making homemade sushi is easy to do with this lightweight sushi maker. All you have to do is fill the cash with rice and other ingredients, then press it down. You'll have the best bite-sized roll you want and you can save tons of money in the process doing it at home.
34. This Mini Light For When You Need To Illuminate A Room
Kasstino Portable Mini Pocket Card, $0.99, Amazon
Small and nifty, this mini LED light gets glowing reviews from reviewers and has a near-perfect five-star rating on Amazon. With its double-sided USB design, this little lamp turns on using fingerprint control and allows you to adjust brightness as needed. "This is definitely one cool mini light," raved one reviewer. Another noted: "I bought two different kinds and these are SO VERY bright."
35. A Device That Takes The Frustration Out Of Slicing Garlic
Longay Garlic Slicer, $0.50, Amazon
Slicing or mincing garlic can be positively grating sometimes. What you need is a slicer like this one, which was created to simplify the process and makes it so that all you need to do is insert a clove, then run it against the grater. Chopped garlic will come out the other side, making it easy to cook and sprinkle more garlic into your favorite dish as you need.
36. This Collapsible Funnel For Pouring Liquids
Mini Collapsible Funnel, $0.99, Amazon
No matter what you're transferring into a bottle, having this collapsible funnel can make all the difference. Heat resistant and made from flexible silicone, this funnel can be pressed down and easily stored so you can take it with you anywhere. Because it's also stain resistant, you don't have to worry about wine or another liquid impacting the color of the funnel.
37. A Toiletry Bag That's Perfect For Trips
Storage Toiletry Bag, $0.99, Amazon
Thanks to its compact size and drawstring top, this little pouch is prefect for when you're traveling. Made from resilient nylon and cotton, it's also waterproof and comes with three mesh pockets inside for added storage. "Good bag for the price," one reviewer wrote. "My daughter uses it for her contacts and contact solution while traveling."
38. This Super Soft Microfiber Hair Towel
BEAUTYVAN Microfiber Towel, $0.99, Amazon
Microfiber hair towels are a little beauty secret that can make a big difference on your hair. Available in a variety of colors, this one is super absorbent and comes with a button and loop, so you can secure it in place. "Soft [and] super absorbent, easy to use, no more bulky towels on your head to dry your hair. Great value," wrote one reviewer.
39. A Plastic Bag Storage Holder That's More Versatile Than It Seems
Ninasill Garbage Bag Holder, $0.29, Amazon
Whether you need a little spare trash bag or a holder for your cleaning rags and plastic bags, this organizer is versatile enough to do it all. Made from durable plastic, this is easy to install on a cabinet door or drawer and can be easily moved when it's not in use. One reviewer wrote: "Best purchase ever! Super convenient to put where you use your cutting board. I basically use this over a regular trash can."
40. These Mermaid-Themed Brushes That Have A Five-Star Rating On Amazon
BEAUTYVAN Mermaid Brush Set, $0.01 (10 Pieces), Amazon
These mermaid brushes are easily one of the best deals in this roundup, not to mention on Amazon as a whole. Made using super-soft nylon, this 10-piece set comes with everything you need to apply flawless foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and more. Reviewers rave that this set is cute as can be in person and the bristles feel amazingly smooth on skin.
41. A Set Of Fuzzy Gloves That'll Keep Your Hands So Toasty
BEAUTYVAN Faux Rabbit Fur Mittens, $0.97, Amazon
Comfy and warm AF, these faux fur mittens are a must during the chillier months of the year. Since they're made with knitting wool, they can stretch to fit any hand size and are incredibly soft to the touch. "The cutest gloves. They keep my hands warm while allowing me to use my fingers. Great purchase," wrote one reviewer.
42. This Multi-Functional Peeler That Works On Veggies And Fruit
Hongxin 3-in-1 Rotary Vegetable Fruit Peeler, $0.79, Amazon
This three-in-one peeler can help you eat healthier than ever and makes it easy to slice, peel, or shave your favorite fruits and vegetables. Each blade offers something specific: the julienne blade is perfect for zucchini, while the precision blade shaves fruits and tomatoes with ease. For carrots and potatoes, you can use the power blade and get the perfect slice.
43. A Travel Roller Bottle That You Can Use With Lotions And Serums
Hoshell_Beauty Travel Roller Bottle, $0.01, Amazon
Traveling with this roller bottle can be amazingly convenient, especially if you're trying to pack your favorite lotion, serum, or cream. Designed to be completely leakproof, this comes with a soft tube that's lightweight but still resilient enough to store any skincare item you might have.
44. This Juicy-Looking Sponge That Can Add A Pop Of Color To Your Kitchen
Vibola Antibacterial Fruit Sponge, $0.01, Amazon
This fruity sponge is cute AF and works wonders if you're doing light washing on China or other delicate dishes. Silicone and completely antibacterial, this sponge comes in several varieties, including sponges shaped like oranges, apples, and avocados.
45. A Shaker Bottle That You Can Literally Take Everywhere
Bonison 25 Oz. Shake Bottle With Flip Top, $0.99, Amazon
This shaker bottle is one of the best deals on Amazon, especially if you lead an active lifestyle and have been looking for cheap bottles. It comes with a circular loop where you can hook a carabiner and features a spout and flip cap with a stopper, so leakage is less likely to happen. This bottle is also BPA-free, easy to use, and available in a range of colors.
46. These Wearable Nail Polish Removers So You Can Still Do Chores
Bestpriceam Wearable Nail Polish Removers, $0.29, Amazon
Tired of waiting for nail polish remover to work its magic and make faded polish history? This 10-piece set of wearable removers can work wonders so you don't have to take extra time out of your busy day to remove polish. Since these fit almost any finger size, they're also ideal for almost all hands and can be a great way to stay active around the house while still taking care of beauty needs.
47. A Roomy Bag That You Can Use For Storing Laundry
IEason Storage Bag, $0.38, Amazon
These spacious bags are the kind of great find that you can only nab on Amazon because of how affordable and durable they are. Ideal for stashing the laundry on your to-do list, these are made from waterproof nylon and come with a convenient drawstring top, so you can maximize how much you can fit in each bag.
48. A Potato Slicer That You Can Use For Making French Fries
Highpot Potato Cutter For French Fries, $0.01, Amazon
Make restaurant-style french fries right at home with this potato cutter, which is designed to make it easier to make big batches at once. Since it's made with tough PVC and stainless steel, this cutter can slice through even the toughest potatoes and can also be great to use with other veggies.
49. This Stylish Lunch Bag That Can Fit So Much Grub
Fitfulvan Lunch Bag, $0.49, Amazon
This lunch bag is cute, compact, and costs less than 50 cents. And as if that wasn't enough, you can also snag it in several colors and patterns, so get ready to stock up.
50. A Comb That Works On Every Type Of Hair To Minimize Damage
LiPing Professional Hairdressing Comb, $0.01, Amazon
It might not seem like it, but this comb is actually incredible on a variety of hair types. Designed to help minimize hair damage, the bristles on this comb can help to keep your hair healthy while also reducing breakage and split ends.
51. These Mini Plastic Containers For Lotions, Pills, And More
Luhan Clear Plastic Containers, $0.01 (Set of 5), Amazon
Whether you're trying to store pills, lotions, sunscreen, or another skincare item, these plastic containers are an essential buy. With this set you get five mini ones, and since they're reusable and easy to travel with, you can bank on having them for many trips to come.
52. A Vibrant Whisk That's Made From Heat-Resistant Silicone
Lusun Silicone Whisk, $0.49, Amazon
This ball whisk is more than just a pretty addition to your kitchen: it also can be ideal for whisking sauces, eggs, and so much more. Featuring silicone-coated metal wires that are heat resistant, this whisk won't scratch or damage pots and pans, either, which makes it great to use with stainless steel cookware.
53. This Plastic Bag Dispenser That Can Keep Your Utility Closet So Organized
Jareally Bag Holder Dispenser, $0.99, Amazon
Plastic bags have a million uses around the house, but storing them can cause a million problems unless you have a dispenser like this one. Created with polyester mesh cloth that won't wear, this dispenser is ultra durable and has a hanging design, so you can hang it from a door or pull bags out from the bottom, once inserted. "The bag holders are great and hold a ton of plastic bags. They are made very well and are sturdy," one reviewer wrote.
54. A Macaroon-Shaped Storage Container That Looks Sweet Enough To Eat
Dodoing Mini Macaroon Storage Box, $0.32, Amazon
Eager to add a little sweetness to your bureau or vanity table? You can with this mini storage box, which comes brightly colored and shaped just like a mouthwatering macaroon. Whether you're storing jewelry, earbuds, or pills, this storage box is made from plastic and will keep your valuables secure.
55. This Jelly Lipstick That Comes With A Flower Inside
iLH Flower Crystal Jelly Lipstick, $0.01, Amazon
This crystal jelly lipstick may look clear, but it actually changes colors when it's applied to your lips. As if that wasn't magical enough, it also has a flower in the center for a one-of-a-kind look that you'll love showing off.
56. A Multi-Tool That Can Be Anything You Need It To Be
Cinhent Multi-Tool Kit, $0.49, Amazon
Part spork, part multi-tool, the Eat'N Tool was forged using nickel-plated stainless steel and functions as a screwdriver, bottle opener, and so much more.
57. This Chopper That Dices Up Even The Toughest Veggies
WaiiMak Food Chopper, $0.75, Amazon
Mince and store garlic or other veggies with this versatile chopper. Safe to use in the dishwasher and easy to clean, this slicing tool keeps unwanted odors away from your hands. It also comes with a removable container so you can store diced food after you're done cutting it up.
58. A Set Of Reusable Stainless Steel Straws That Are Great For The Environment
Kemilove Drinking Straws And Cleaner, $0.92, Amazon
Unlike plastic straws that are harmful to the environment, these 10.6-inch stainless steel options are reusable and insulating. They're resistant to rust and scratches, and because this pack comes with a cleaning straw, you can keep them clean for years to come.
59. This Mesh Bag For Transporting Laundry
IEason Mesh Bag, $0.01, Amazon
For delicates that need to be washed separately from other garments, this mesh bag can be total must-have. Made from polyester yet ventilated for better airflow, it's a bag that works well for storing and transporting bras, lingerie, underwear, or other attire that's made from more sensitive materials.
60. This Five-Star Rated Medicine Case That Reviewers Say Makes Traveling So Much Easier
IEason Medicine Case, $0.29, Amazon
Take the stress out of traveling with medications with this compact case, which comes with four slots that are large enough to fit pills of all sizes. Because of how resilient this plastic case is, you can take it with you on-the-go without worrying that pills will get crushed or damaged. Reviewers say that this case also ships quickly and because it has a see-through cover, it's easy to see which pills you need for a given dosage.
61. A Flexible Headband That Stays Put
ReNext Unisex Black Metal Hair Band, $0.93, Amazon
This metal hair band is totally on trend right now, but that's not the only reason to love it. Great for all hair types, this black spring-style headband can help you style your hair with ease and keep it out of your face, especially when you're working. Because of how lightweight it is, this band is also surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods. One reviewer raved: "I love this headband! I wear it days in a row!"
62. These Latex Sponges For Precise Application Every Time
Jushye Makeup Sponges, $0.01 (Pack of 9), Amazon
You'll feel like a makeup pro with these small latex sponges, which are perfect for evenly distributing foundation and ensuring you get a smooth blend every time. This pack comes with nine mini puffs that reviewers also say are super easy to clean and maintain, too. "Love these small little sponges soft on skin but it’s a dense material sponge firm. Way better than my big one that doesn’t last past the first washing," wrote one reviewer.
63. A Kneading Mat That Bakers Will Absolutely Love
Rolling Kneading Mat, $0.65, Amazon
Love baking but always feel like you never have the right surface to knead dough out on? This silicone mat is the solution you've been waiting for, since it provides the perfect surface to roll out dough. Resistant to extreme temperatures, this soft mat works on a variety of surfaces and is a must-have for bakers.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments. This article reflects price at publication and may change.