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65 Cheap Things That Are So Genius That They Seem Expensive
You'd think products this brilliant would cost a lot more — but they don't.
Sometimes the simplest items that solve a problem or make your life easier wind up being the MVPs of your home. And while helpful and reliable tools and goods might seem expensive or tricky to come by, they’re easy to spot if you know where to look. That’s why the list below is full of affordable products that are so genius, they seem expensive. So scroll on for smartly designed cooking tools, clever space-saving storage, fun cosmetics, and much more.
1Double-Decker Food Container That Keeps Your Toppings Dry
This clever divided portable food container is here to put an end to sogginess for good. The set includes an insulated stainless steel cup on the bottom plus a transparent waterproof container that locks into the lid and sits on top. This way, you can store toppings, sauces, dressings, and more in a separate compartment, so everything stays fresh for meal time.
- Available colors: 3
2Under-Eye Brightener That Also Improves Skin Texture
One of the smartest ways to spend your money is by purchasing products with multiple benefits, like this under-eye brightener. It works to conceal dark circles, but since the formula uses ingredients like shea butter and hyaluronic acid, it also adds moisture to the skin for a smoother look. Better yet, this creamy concealer is cruelty free as well.
- Available colors: 2
3Multipack Of Highlighters With A Glittery Finish
Not only are these chic glitter pastel highlighters lovely to look at thanks to their aesthetically pleasing rectangular shape, they’re super practical as well. Each one has both a pointy tip for writing and underlining and a wide side perfect for highlighting. Plus, the muted pastels are much less harsh on the eyes than traditional neon hues.
- Available colors: 4
4Ice Cube Tray That Creates Perfect Cylinders For Water Bottles
Huge water bottles have become a new way of life, so opt for this tumbler ice cube tray when it comes to keeping your drinks cold. The silicone mold allows you to create three different sizes of cylindrical ice, perfect for dropping into your tumbler without them getting in the way of your straw. And since these hollow ice rings are larger than standard cubes, they won’t melt as quickly either.
- Available colors: 5
5Stylish Mini Portfolio That Holds All Your Important Car Documents
Be prepared on the road at a moment’s notice with this faux leather car registration holder. It comes in a range of attractive prints and classic hues so that you can stay organized and make a statement at the same time. Inside, there are three transparent pockets and card slots for safely stowing your registration, license, insurance information, and more. Just snap it closed and toss it in your glove compartment and everything will be ready when you need it.
- Available colors: 14
6Highly Rated Zig-Zag Blade For Crispy Crinkle Fries & More
Elevate your meals with this genius crinkle cutter. It features an easy-to-grip handle attached to a wavy stainless steel blade. All you have to do is press it downward into potatoes, zucchini, or other vegetables to create custom crinkle slices perfect for roasting or frying. Amazon users are delighted by this little kitchen tool, too, with over 8,000 of them weighing in to give it an excellent 4.7-star overall rating.
7Sleek & Modern Wireless Lamp That Can Be Moved From Room To Room
You can have attractive accent lighting in any room of the house thanks to this portable LED lamp. It boasts a spherical bulb that sits atop a pedestal with a sleek arched handle for easy carrying. Just power it on with the touch of a button and recharge it via USB cable for battery life that can last up to 12 hours.
8Brush-Tip Pen That Makes Your Diamonds Sparkle Like New
This convenient little Diamond Dazzle stick is an excellent hack for polishing up your rings in between professional cleanings. Just twist the end to dispense the cleaning solution and apply it to your diamonds and other gems with the brush-tip applicator. In seconds, it buffs away oils and buildup for a shinier finish with minimal effort.
9Multilayer Serving Bowl That Holds Your Snacks & Your Shells
This smartly designed double-dish serving bowl is here to make snacking and cleanup more streamlined. In the center, you’ll find a sleek white bowl perfect for storing your food, and around the perimeter, there are three compartments for holding any snack debris. Enjoy olives with pits, nuts with shells, and anything else without the evidence littering your table.
- Available colors: 2
10Twinkling Lights That Add Magic To Your Shower Curtain
Instantly add more charm and ambience to your bathing routine with these shower curtain fairy lights. The set comes with 10 hooks and strands with a total of 180 LED bulbs that give off a gentle, warm glow. You can even set them to different lighting modes, like twinkle, flash, wave, and more. Try hanging the lights in a window, too.
- Available colors: 2
11Whimsical Flower Candles That Are Bound To Make You Smile
Why settle for standard tapers when you could have these charming flower candles instead? The set comes with three different candles, each with a unique petal hue, complete with a soy and paraffin wax base. The wick gives off a smokeless burn that can last for up two hours, creating a glowing garden effect.
12Glossy Lip Pen That Plumps & Tints With A Click
This lip-plumping pen is soon to become a makeup bag staple. It features a hydrating formula that dispenses when you click the top of the tube like a pen. Its cooling sensation helps to plump the lips and the neutral hues add just a hint of color. As Amazon user Julie Campbell wrote, “This lipstick is smooth, creamy, and has great staying power. I love it!”
- Available colors: 8
13Magnet-Mounted Wrap Dispenser With A Built-In Cutting Blade
Make cleaning up and storing leftovers a breeze with this genius magnetic wrap dispenser that’s so easy to maneuver. The mount will stick to metal appliances thanks to the magnetic base and can hold rolls of cling wrap, aluminum foil, and more. Just pull out the length you need and slide the cutting blade to trim it to size.
14Multipack Of Luxurious Clay Masks For At-Home Pampering
Give yourself a spa treatment right at home with this clay mask variety set — comfy sweatpants not mandatory (but encouraged). Each set comes with five different formulations of masks, including a version for pore cleansing, moisturizing, brightening, and more. The set even includes a flat applicator brush for easy use.
15Absorbent Stone Caddy For A Clean & Dry Sink Area
Store your kitchen essentials and keep your counter cleaner all at once with this instant-dry sink caddy. The little stone stand has a pedestal design and is made from diatomaceous earth, a porous material that absorbs liquid in seconds to reduce puddles and buildup. It’s perfect for storing dish brushes, sponges, toothpaste, and more.
- Available colors: 3
16Hands-Free Water Dispenser That’s Sleek & Unobtrusive
Meet your hydration goals with ease thanks to this desktop water bottle dispenser. Simply insert the hose into a jug of water situated anywhere below the base of the pump. Then, choose between a free-flowing or pre-measured setting to dispense your water with the touch of a button. The base holds a convenient USB port for easy charging.
- Available colors: 3
17Smooth & Creamy Contouring Formula With A Sponge-Tip Applicator
Save time and frustration with this liquid contour stick that makes application so easy. The applicator has a cushy sponge-tip applicator that goes on smoothly — all you have to do is blend. It has a subtle, shimmery finish and comes in expensive-looking packaging, complete with a geometric tube and gold accents.
- Available colors: 9
18Handheld Tire-Inflating Tool You Can Take With You On The Go
Why risk getting stranded with a flat tire when you can just toss this portable tire inflator and air compressor in your trunk instead? It has a rechargeable battery that can fill up to eight tires on a single charge. Just attach the hose to the valve and press the button. As a bonus, it even has an LCD pressure gauge display, so you can keep an eye on air loss too.
19Automatic Soap Dispenser That Doles Out A Rich Foam
Turn your bathroom or kitchen into a convenient hygiene palace with this mounted foaming soap dispenser. It comes with an adhesive mount to stick to a wall of your choosing and uses automatic sensors to dispense a pre-measured amount of soap, delivered in the form of a rich, sudsy foam. And since it’s rechargeable, you can keep using it refill after refill.
20Open-Sided Bowls For Transporting Your Food From Cutting Board To Dish
Sometimes a small change can have a totally innovative result, and these food prep bowls for cutting boards prove it. Each bowl has a rounded base and an open front, allowing you to slip the ledge underneath a cutting board, so you can scrape in chopped food with ease. The prep bowls also feature convenient side handles to make maneuvering them around your kitchen a breeze.
21Inconspicuous Lights That Provide An Elevated Accent Glow
For a minor addition that can have a huge impact, these motion-sensor LED lights can’t be beat. They react to movement, powering on accordingly to improve both ambience and safety in areas like stairways, bathrooms, under cabinets, and more. These battery-operated lights can run for up to 100 hours and come with both adhesive tape and screws for installation.
22Soothing Gel Moisturizer That’s Safe For Acne-Prone Skin
For a nourishing addition to your skin-care routine, look no further than this balancing gel moisturizer that’s earned impressive reviewer ratings. The lightweight, non-greasy formula uses powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pores and it won’t clog your skin, either. Amazon user Ikra Seker wrote, “[It’s] perfect for my skin! It's lightweight yet deeply hydrating, and it leaves my face feeling smooth and refreshed without any greasiness. Great for maintaining balanced, healthy skin. Highly recommend!”
23Rotating Organizer With 4 Tiers Of Transparent Storage
Keep your bathroom and vanity countertops looking tidy thanks to this clever swiveling organizer. Each of the four compartments rotates outward for access, then spins right back in for compact, protective storage. And thanks to the clear construction, it’s easy to keep tabs on your items and monitor supply levels.
24Easy-Access Bag Holder That Frees Up Cabinet Space
This plastic bag holder solves the age-old problem of stuffed cabinets overflowing with extra grocery bags. All you have to do secure it in place with the included adhesive stickers and fill it from the top with your excess bags. Then, pull one out from the slot on the bottom whenever you need it, just like a tissue.
- Available colors: 5
25Magic Root-Concealing Spray That Can Stretch Your Salon Visits
If you want to conceal grown-out roots, this color touch-up spray is a handy little tool to keep in your makeup kit. The quick-drying formula will sink in fast and you’ll enjoy a temporary color boost that will last until your next shampooing. It comes in a handful of shades that blend in with a variety of hair hues.
- Available colors: 5
26Magnetic Jewelry Clasps That Put An End To Fussy Hooks & Claws
For jewelry that’s 10 times easier to put on than those with traditional closures, look no further than these magnetic necklace clasps. Each set includes both a loop and a claw clasp that secure to your existing jewelry. From there, you can rely on the strong magnets to do the opening and closing for you. They’re made from durable stainless steel and are coated in real 18-karat gold for a luxe finish.
- Available colors: 3
27Spring-Loaded Drink Organizer That Will Make Your Fridge Look So Professional
Get a fridge fit for a kitchen pro with barely any effort thanks to this drink organizer. It features two spring-loaded rows that force a new can or bottle into the front position when one is removed, ensuring you won’t have to rummage around to grab your next drink. This spacious organizer can hold up to 10 bottles or cans at once, but you can opt for other sizes, too.
- Available sizes: 4
28Pretty Pastel Lids With So Many Kitchen Functions
Elevate your cooking with these silicone lids that are as pretty as they are practical. The pastel set includes six sizes, so they’re bound to be compatible with your existing pot and pan collection. They’re great for covering a simmering pot on the stove, shielding your microwave from splatter, and covering bowls to keep food fresh in the fridge, too.
29Spill-Proof Coaster That Perfectly Cradles Your Mugs & Cups
For more sipping and less spilling, look no further than this unique table coaster. It features raised, slanted walls that help to deter bumps that might cause a spill. And not only is there a convenient slot for your mug’s handle, but the base also features a grippy rubber material that sticks to your surfaces without any adhesive, helping ensure everything stays put.
- Available colors: 2
30Sliding Bin That Creates Bonus Storage In Your Deeper Drawers
If you’ve filled your drawers with shallow items and bemoan the wasted space on top, this sliding drawer bin is the answer to your prayers. It has an expandable design, so it can fit a range of drawer depths and sits directly over the frame, allowing you to stack more items on top. It conveniently slides from side to side, allowing you to access the things stored below it, too.
31Cute & Quirky Cable Protector With A Charming Heart Motif
Protect your tech accessories and add some personality at the same time with this adapter and cable protector. The silicone protectors slip over the both your outlet adapter and your cable connection ends to shield them from scuffing, twisting, fraying, and other forms of wear and tear. The set comes complete with heart adornments and a convenient cable clip for keeping everything together.
- Available colors: 6
32Magnetic Car Mount That Also Charges Your Phone
Ensure you’ve got a fully hands-free phone setup in your car with this MagSafe car mount charger. It attaches to your car’s vents and both displays and powers your phone at the same time with the MagSafe connection that can support up to 20 times the weight of your phone. The rotating design also means you can display your device either horizontally or vertically, too.
- Available colors: 3
33A 2-Tier Makeup Kit With Plenty Of Compartments
Beauty lovers rejoice, because this double-layer makeup bag offers up far more storage than typical toiletry cases. It has a deep center well with a built-in divider plus a bonus center flap that holds stretchy pockets for brushes and tools. The top layer provides a large transparent pocket that’s great for storing bigger palettes or spill-prone liquids.
- Available colors: 4
34Sparkly Under-Eye Patches With Moisturizing & Soothing Ingredients
Indulge in some at-home pampering with these colorful under-eye patches with a glittery sheen. They use ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosemary extract to add nourishing moisture and calm puffiness around your eye area. And because they’re unscented, they’re a better option for sensitive skin, too.
- Available colors: 4
35Storage-Enhanced Tissue Box Cover With A Classic Textile Finish
Add a spare compartment for extra living room or bathroom essentials with this tissue box cover with storage. It has a magnetic lid that flips open, allowing you to drop your tissues inside. Along the side, there are two tiers of storage for stashing odds and ends. It’s finished off with fabric for a cozy linen look.
- Available colors: 7
36Vertical Mouse That Might Make Work More Comfortable For Your Wrist
Your workstation might benefit from this vertical mouse with its unique design that some people find easier to grip and maneuver. The angle places your wrist and forearm in a hand-shaking position, which may help relieve tension during long hours of work. And thanks to the rechargeable battery, it’s wireless as well.
- Available colors: 4
37Innovative Measuring Cup With A Built-In Digital Scale
This clever digital measuring cup allows for more precise measuring for cooking and baking with much less fuss. The measuring cup sits inside the scale attachment which can show the weight of the cup’s contents in grams, ounces, and more. It has an impressive 4-cup capacity and is removable for easy washing, too.
- Available colors: 3
38Textile-Covered Draft Stopper You Can Easily Reposition
This door draft stopper is a simple solution to blocking cold air coming in, climate control leaking out, or even noises from the other side of the door. It’s stuffed with a sand and a cotton-like fill to help insulate the crack underneath your door, and since it’s freestanding, you can easily move it from room to room. Simply hang it on your doorknob from the woven rope handles when not in use.
- Available colors: 8
39Highly Rated Makeup Primer To Lock Your Looks In Place
Extend the longevity of your makeup look with this power grip primer from cult-favorite skin-care brand e.l.f. It has a gel consistency that won’t clog pores, but better yet, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to moisturize as it primes. It’s loved by plenty of Amazon reviewers, too, over 26,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.
40Powerful Glowing Serum That Brightens & Exfoliates
Level up your skin-care routine with this glow-boosting serum. Not only does it include vitamin C to help brighten skin, it’s also packed with glycolic acid, which is a gentle chemical exfoliant that can help resurface texture. Its lightweight formula can even be mixed into your daily moisturizer for an efficient and nourishing application.
41Mini Spotlight Lamps That Create Ambience & Drama
Try something new and create a show-stopping lighting setup with these LED spotlights. They come in a pair and feature easy-to-push power buttons on the cords that can be operated with a tap of your hand or foot. Simply angle the head of the light to highlight a plant, art piece, or anything else deserving of its own personal spotlight.
- Available colors: 2
42Massaging Scalp Brush That Feels Like A Relaxing Salon Scrub
Make sure your hair-care routine isn’t neglecting the rest of your head with this scalp brush. It’s made of flexible silicone with massaging bristles that help buff away dead skin and product buildup from your scalp to leave it squeaky clean. And thanks to the easy-to-grip ergonomic handle, it’s super comfortable to use as well.
- Available colors: 2
43Stunning Decorative Lamp Made With Real Dried Floral Accents
If you’re looking to spruce up your space, reach for something unusual like this dried flower lamp. It has a wooden frame with three rows of pendants hanging from the top, each with a unique dried flower in the center of a resin disc. And thanks to the strip of LED lighting at the bottom, it provides a pleasant glow that’s not too harsh.
44Extra-Long Scrubbing Brush To Clean Narrow Water Bottles
If you appreciate how water bottles can help with hydration, but don’t appreciate how tough they are to clean, this bottle cleaning scrubbing brush can help. It comes with two interchangeable heads in different sizes, both complete with nylon bristles. And thanks to the long, thin handle, it’s easy to clean even deep and slim bottles.
45Stick-On Towel Bar You Can Mount Almost Anywhere
This adhesive towel bar makes a great accessory for extra storage in your kitchen or bathroom. It’s sleek, simple, and because it’s waterproof, it’s safe to use near sinks. Better yet, the stainless steel finish is bound to blend in with your appliances and hardware, too.
- Available colors: 8
46Festive Food Stencils To Elevate Your Coffee, Baked Goods, & More
Add a little something special to the drinks and treats that come out of your kitchen with these coffee decorating stencils. The set comes with dozens of stencils in a range of designs including stars, snowflakes, animals, and more. And to help bring your latte art to life, the set also includes two stainless steel shakers for powdered sugar, coffee grounds, or anything else you’d like to use as a garnish.
47Adjustable Light For Growing Tall & Healthy Plants
If you struggle to provide enough natural sun to your greenery, this plant grow light is a great problem solver. It has an adjustable pole that can extend from 14 inches all the way up to 61 inches tall in order to fit a variety of plant sizes. The circular LED bulb includes a range of colors for diverse lighting scenarios that meet plants’ needs for proper photosynthesis and flowering.
- Available colors: 3
48Compact Warming Device For Luxurious Steamed Hand Towels Any Time
Heated towels aren’t just for fancy restaurants anymore thanks to this mini towel warmer. All you have to do is add water to the tank through the side well, insert your towels, and choose your warmth setting. As a bonus, there’s even a port for adding an essential oil of your choosing to create warm, scented towels.
- Available colors: 3
49Discreet Container To Hide All Your Messy Cables
Give your work space a clean and polished look with this cable management box. The spacious box fits your surge protector and plugs — just feed the wires through the cutouts along the side and back. The attractive white colorway paired with the sleek bamboo lid give it an attractive and neutral look that you’ll be proud to display.
50Swirling Star Projector That Turns Your Room Into A Celestial Galaxy
Transport yourself to another dimension with this star galaxy projector that creates stunning displays on your walls and ceilings. Control it with the accompanying app or remote control to adjust the colors, the lighting mode, or set it on a timer. And thanks to the built-in speaker, you can enjoy these celestial projections with simultaneous music.
51Mini Blender That Creates Smoothies To Take On The Go
Make delicious blended drinks with fruits, veggies, or any mix-ins of your choosing with this portable smoothie blender. It couldn’t be simpler to operate, since it powers up with just one button. The best part is the cup attachment, which not only has convenient measurement markings, but an included travel lid as well.
- Available colors: 7
52Highly Rated Jar Opener That’s Easy On Your Hands
Why struggle with stuck lids when you can just set up this jar opener instead? It fastens underneath a shelf or cabinet with screws and adhesive and uses a V-shaped nook with grippy teeth to help you twist open jars with just one hand. The result is less time spent straining your hands and wrists and more time enjoying your delicious condiments and more. It’s beloved by Amazon users as well, a whopping 27,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.
53Exfoliating Mask That Goes On Like A Gel & Then Peels Away
Add some pampering with a purpose into your skin-care routine with this calendula-infused peel-off mask. It uses ingredients like salicylic acid to help cleanse and buff away dead skin and niacinamide to refine the look of pores and texture. Your skin will feel super soft thanks the inclusion of calendula, and as an added perk, it’s super fun to peel the mask away when the treatment is done.
54Moisturizing Lip Butter You Can Use As A Balm Or A Mask
Your dry lips are crying out for this propolis honey lip butter. Its soothing ingredients, including real manuka honey, peptides, and shea butter, help to hydrate lips for up to 12 hours at a time. As Amazon user Gabriela Barbosa wrote, “I noticed that even after hours of wear, my lips feel nourished and protected, especially during the colder months when dryness is a big concern. The compact packaging is super convenient to carry around, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.”
- Available colors: 4
55Oversized Desk Topper That Works As A Mouse Pad
Not only does this desk pad shield your work surface from scratches and other damage, but you can use it as a giant mouse pad, too. It comes in a range of rectangular size dimensions and features a nonslip faux suede backing to help it remain sturdy atop your desk. And since it’s waterproof, you won’t have to sweat accidental spills, either.
- Available colors: 22
56Elevated Laptop Stand For More Properly Aligned Workflow
Get your workstation in tip-top shape with this laptop stand that boasts a near-perfect 4.8-star overall rating. The sturdy aluminum frame elevates your machine to eye level to help reduce strain on your neck and back. And since it has an open construction that allows for proper airflow, your machine is less at risk for overheating, too.
- Available colors: 6
57Multiuse Storage Bins For A Neat & Tidy Fridge
Create the Pinterest-perfect kitchen of your dreams with these refrigerator organizer bins. They come eight to a set and are perfect for storing everything from beverages to produce in fridges and pantries alike. And since they have built-in handles and a clear construction, they’re easy to move around and provide lots of visibility for your items.
58Wall-Mounted Sunglasses Holders That Keep Your Frames Within Reach
Organize your sunnies and turn them into decor at the same time with this sunglasses holder. It’s made from sleek acrylic and secures to walls with either the included adhesive tape or screws. Each order comes with two panels, allowing you to store up to 14 sunglasses at once.
- Available colors: 3
59Striking Ring Holder That Doubles As Sculptural Art
If you’re looking to try something a little more eye-catching than your standard jewelry box, this hand-shaped ring holder ticks all the boxes. It has a clear construction with a glossy finish and the upward-angled fingers are perfect for holding rings, small bracelets, and more. Better yet, it’ll add so much character to your dresser or vanity.
60Charming Succulent Push Pins With An Earthy Vibe
Secure your essentials in place with these decorative succulent push pins with lots of lifelike details. Swirling petals and textured leaves give off an organic feel in any space while still providing all the functionality you need. They come 24 to a set in a range of colors and are safe to use on bulletin boards, cork boards, maps, and more.
- Available colors: 11
61Sweet & Sentimental Locket Necklace That Holds A Personal Photo
This personalized locket necklace makes a wonderful gift or keepsake because it can hold a cherished photo. It features a unique envelope shape, a fun twist on the traditional heart design, and is made from sturdy stainless steel. For and even more bespoke experience, when you order, you can opt to have it engraved as well.
- Available colors: 4
62Practical Pot Lid Holders You Can Hide On The Backs Of Cabinet Doors
If you want more storage but don’t feel like staring at it all the time, these universal pot lid organizers are a great find. They fit a range of lid sizes and can be installed on walls or on cabinet doors if you’d prefer to keep them out of sight. And since both the holder and the adhesive to install it are waterproof, you won’t need to sweat it if your lids aren’t totally dry when you put them away.
63Innovative Makeup Brush Holder You Can Use 2 Ways
Finally, a customizable storage solution for your beauty products has arrived in the form of this makeup brush holder. It has a rectangular design and a grippy silicone center with a hollow frame. Orient it horizontally and store your brushes from the top, or stand it up vertically and you can insert brushes in both sides for extra storage.
- Available colors: 4
64Water-Activated Toilet Paper Stamp That Creates A Great Impression
Impress your guests with this unexpectedly fun toilet paper stamp. Just stretch the silicone stamp over your faucet and dampen the top. Then, press your toilet paper upward into the stamp to leave an impression in the shape of a star. But if stars aren’t your motif of choice, you can opt for the quirkier smiley-face option instead.
65Versatile Kitchen Bowls Suitable For Both Prep & Serving
Save your money and your sanity with this mini prep bowl set that will have you doing fewer dishes. Each bowl in the set comes with a matching lid, ensuring you can use them for storing leftovers as well as serving. And since the bowls have handy measurement markings along the side, they’re especially helpful as you’re cooking and prepping.