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Money-Saving Products That Are Totally Genius

Unexpected ways to save on everything.

Written by Megan Harrington
Money-Saving Products That Are Totally Genius
Amazon
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Everything is more expensive these days, so if you're trying to stick to a budget, this list will be your go-to if you're looking for those money-saving hacks that are hiding in plain sight. It’s packed with tons of products that can keep dollars in your wallet by helping you save on everything from dry cleaning costs to food prep. Whether you choose one or a dozen, these finds will save you a ton of money — sometimes in some unexpected ways.

1A Treatment Spray That Can Save Stained Clothing & Upholstery

Keep this stain-treater spray around instead of tossing stained clothing or upholstered furniture. The spray works on most stains, including those that are already set in, and it can remove messes from grease, coffee, fruit juice, and more. It’s easy to spritz on, and since it’s made from a gentle and biodegradable formula, it can be less irritating to sensitive skin. This comes in a pack of two.

2Use These Roll-Up Compression Bags To Avoid Paying For Checked Luggage

Checking a bag can add extra expenses to travel, but these compression bags are designed to help you fit everything into a carry-on. The kit comes with 20 compression bags in various sizes, and the design makes it easy to remove excess air — without tools or a vacuum. They’re also made from a durable, reusable material and can also protect clothing from spills, dirt, and dust.

3These Easy-To-Clean Meal Prep Containers To Make Money-Saving Snacks

Make bringing your own money-saving lunch on the go easier with these glass meal prep containers. The set of four features separate food compartments and a size that fits in most lunch bags and backpacks. They’re also oven- and microwave-safe without the lids, and everything can go in the dishwasher when it’s time to clean up. And they feature a removable silicone ring for a leak-free seal.

4A Monthly Planner That Makes Budgeting Simple & More Aesthetic

Easily keep track of where your money is going with this chic vegan leather budget planner. It features space for planning your budget, keeping up with your calendar, tracking expenses, and paying attention to savings and debt. It’s complete with extra thick paper and stickers to make budget planning a bit more aesthetic.

5These Water Monitors That Help You Avoid Hidden (& Pricey) Leaks

Avoid expensive leaks and repairs before they happen with these super low-profile water monitors. They feature both a dripping and a leaking alarm, and since it’s wireless, it’s easy to set up and monitor. It also has a low battery alert and an adjustable alarm that can be muted once you find the leak.

6A Travel-Ready Water Flosser That Saves On Disposable Options

Constantly buying disposable flossers can be expensive, but this portable water flosser is a budget-friendly alternative. It features a travel-ready design with a collapsible water tank, multiple pressure levels, refillable tips, and easy USB charging. And once the battery is full, it’ll last for up to 40 days.

7This At-Home Kit That Saves A Ton On Dry Cleaning Trips

This at-home dry cleaning kit can freshen up delicate fabrics while avoiding costly trips to a professional. The kit comes with six easy-to-use cloths that clean multiple delicate items in the dryer. They’re formulated to be gentle on fabrics but still work hard to remove odors, stains, and wrinkles from your dry-clean-only items.

8A Cleverly Stretchy Cover To Prevent You From Tossing Brown Avocados

Use this avocado holder to keep your favorite green fruit from going bad. This stretchy pod is shaped to perfectly hug an avocado half and prevent it from browning or getting squished. The holder also eliminates the need for baggies and other single-use plastics. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup (when you get around to the other half of the avocado).

9This Super Quick Nut Milk Maker To Save On Your Favorite Milk Alternative

Grab this quick-to-use nut milk maker to create your own dairy alternatives at home and save a ton on pricey cartons of nut milk. It includes a reusable mesh filter for straining out ingredients and a spill-proof lid to store the milk in the fridge. The glass carafe is dishwasher safe and, if you need inspo, the kit comes with a recipe book with instructions for making all different types of beverages.

10A Chic Mesh Bag That Makes Bars of Soap & Shampoo Last Longer

Opting for soap and shampoo bars instead of liquids can save a ton of money, and this chic mesh storage bag helps them last even longer. The mesh material encourages airflow and is machine washable for long-lasting use. This stylish mesh bag also makes it super easy to take your bars on the go and keep track of what is what.

11These Bottle-Emptying Caps That Prevent Wasted Products & Ingredients

This bottle-emptying kit helps you to use every last drop of things like soap, body wash, or even your fave food condiments. They work with all standard screw-top bottles and come with multiple adapters to get the right fit. Once the cap is on, gravity and a quick squeeze of the valve are all it takes to use any remaining product.

12A Deli Meat & Cheese Keeper That Can Prevent Wasted Charcuterie

This compact, airtight container is the perfect spot for storing deli meats and cheeses to keep them around longer. The silicone seal is designed to extend the life of your food, and the clear lid lets you see which cheese or charcuterie supplies are inside. There’s also a special area for keeping track of expiration dates and contents.

13This Clever Little Holder To Stop Wasting Laundry Detergent

This laundry detergent holder sits at an angle, so there’s no need to lift bulk-sized bottles to get the last bit of detergent. The drip catcher with molded edges is especially useful as it collects excess detergent, preventing a mess and saving on waste. The holder also comes with a strap to keep the bottle in place and rubber feet for added stability.

14These Compact Smart Plugs That Can Save On Electric Bills

Turn devices on and off from anywhere with this indoor smart plug (even if you forgot to turn the lamp off before running out the door). Simply control the plug via the Roku Smart Home app, and the device also syncs with smart home systems like Alexa and Google. These budget-friendly plugs also come in a two-pack and are slim enough to fit side by side in the same outlet.

15These Adorable Dishcloths That Save So Much Money On Paper Towels

These absorbent Swedish dishcloths are a go-to alternative to pricey paper towels. They’re designed to be safe for various surfaces, like wood, marble, and steel, and they can absorb up to 20 times their weight to handle all manner of spills. The cloths can be used over and over again, and if they get extra grimy — they can go in the dishwasher or even the washing machine.

16This Ultra-Sleek Storage Basket That Helps You Reuse Plastic Bags

This over-the-door storage basket is a great spot for keeping plastic bags, so you can grab them and reuse them. It holds up to 50 grocery store bags while still looking sleek and hangs over standard cupboard doors (so no drilling or hardware is necessary). Plus, it’s cleverly padded with foam to prevent scratches and scuffs.

17These Whitening Strips That Save On Pricey Teeth Appointments

If you love a teeth-whitening treatment, skip expensive appointments and use these at-home whitening strips instead. They contain an 8% hydrogen peroxide formula that’s designed to remove stains and whiten teeth in just a few days. It’s also formulated to take care of enamel and sensitive teeth. And they have a nonslip design to keep them in place without leaving behind any residue.

18An Herb Saver That Prevents Wilted Greens & Saves Fridge Space

If your greens always get wilted or slimy before you can use them, this herb saver can extend their shelf life by up to three weeks. The extra-large design is perfect for all sorts of herbs or even vegetables like asparagus while also being slim enough to fit anywhere in your fridge. It also features air vents and a water reservoir to keep produce hydrated and fresh.

19These Game-Changing Spatulas To Prevent Wasted Skin Care & Makeup

These flexible spatulas ensure you’re using every last bit of your expensive skin care and makeup products. They come with two sizes and feature a silicone rubber tip that’s great at scraping the sides and bottoms of jars. The spatulas work well on any cream-type product, and they’re easy to wipe clean (or throw in the dishwasher if they’re really grimy).

20This Root-Concealing Powder That Saves On Hair Touch-Up Appointments

Save money on salon visits by simply patting on this root touch-up powder instead of booking an appointment. The easy-to-apply powder stays on for up to 48 hours (or until you shampoo) and is formulated to stay on your hair follicles and scalp without clogging pores. It also comes in over a dozen colors, so you can get the perfect match.

21These Food Block Makers To Store Way More Leftovers In The Freezer

This food block maker helps to store leftovers and freezer meals more efficiently by freezing them into slim blocks. The device stands vertically for mess-free filling and holds quart-size plastic food storage bags. It also has silicone bands that expand and help to keep the contents in a rectangular shape. Plus, you can simply pop out the bags and reuse the containers once they’re frozen.

22This Spray To Quickly Clean Makeup Brushes (Instead Of Replacing Them)

Freshen up your makeup brushes by simply spritzing on this quick-drying cleaning spray. It’s designed to be misted onto your brushes after every application (even if you’re putting on makeup on the daily), and it can even extend the life of your makeup tools. To use — simply spritz the bristles and wipe away any residue, no scrubbing needed.

23Use These Simple Food Saver Sheets To Avoid Tossing Out Rotten Produce

These chemical-free sheets are an easy way to keep food fresher and reduce waste. Simply pop one almost anywhere you have food: the fridge, the fruit bowl, or even produce bags or cartons. The sheets are BPA-free and contain plant-based ingredients that can extend the life of food. Plus, when their maple scent starts to fade, you’ll know it’s time for a replacement.

24Save On Multi-Surface Cleaner With This Spray Bottle & Concentrated Tablets

This all-purpose cleaning solution kit is an easy way to cut down on plastic while also saving money. It comes with a chic, reusable spray bottle and four concentrated tablets that dissolve in water and form a powerful cleaning solution. These budget-friendly tablets are also plant-based and free of potentially irritating ingredients such as chlorine bleach, VOCs, or dyes.

25A *Genius* DIY Butter Maker That Can Save On Grocery Bills

This mini butter churn is fun to use, makes delicious homemade butter, and can reduce grocery bills. Simply add room-temperature whipping cream to the churn, shake it like a cocktail shaker, and you’ll have homemade butter in about three minutes. It also features a ramekin to separate your new fancy butter and also offers convenient storage.

26These Silicone Covers That Preserve Leftovers & Partially-Eaten Produce

These silicone sleeves can stretch to cover partially eaten fruits and veggies, saving money on produce and preventing food waste. The round sleeves are designed to hug produce like tomatoes, bananas, and lemons, and the BPA-free silicone is durable and rip-resistant. Plus, these clever sleeves are dishwasher-safe, making maintenance simple.

27Save On Olive Oil With This Precise Dispenser That Prevents Spills

This precision pour oil and vinegar dispenser reduces the chance of spills, so you don’t waste any pricey cooking oil. It features two flow speeds— a drizzle option and a pouring option while the drip-free spout eliminates mess. The stylish glass and stainless steel design looks chic with all sorts of decor, and everything comes apart for easy cleanup.

28This Electric Lunchbox To Easily Save On Hot Takeout Lunches

This electric lunch box is such a breezy way to have a hot lunch on the go and skip pricey takeout. The stylish lunch box features a tight-sealing lid that reduces spills and it also comes with a convenient carrying handle. The cord detaches to limit clutter and the inner container and lid are both dishwasher-safe.

29A Magnetic Meal Planner To Prevent Wasting & Overspending On Groceries

This magnetic meal planner pad can help you remember and use up ingredients you already have while also preventing overspending at the grocery store. It features a side with a shopping list and a side with spaces for planning Sunday to Saturday meals. The paper is a generous size, so you can write a little bigger, and the sheets rip off cleanly when it’s time to take your list to the store.

30A Fridge Deodorizer To Neutralize Smells For 10 Years With 1 Purchase

Neutralize odors in the fridge or small spaces for up to a decade with this stainless steel deodorizer. The long-lasting deodorizer doesn’t require any batteries, electricity, or filters to work, so you’ll only have one purchase for up to 10 years of a clean-smelling fridge. It’s less expensive than carbon or baking soda over the long run and has a sleek metal design you won’t mind looking at.

31This Kit That Dries & Organizes Your Food Storage Bags

This genius kit perfectly dries your reusable or plastic food storage bags and then organizes them so they’re ready when you need them. The rack features wide prongs for holding bags, a vented bottom that encourages drying, and a matching storage bin. Plus, it has a handle to carry this clever kit from the counter to the cupboard.

32These Easy & Precise Eyebrow Razors To Skip Pricey Brow Treatments

These brow razors come in a super budget-friendly pack, so you can whip one out and touch up the shape of your brows whenever you want, without scheduling a pricey appointment. Each one is complete with a precise design and a safety cover on top for storage.

33Save On Pricey Candles With These Flameless Ones That Never Melt

These flameless candles are battery-powered, so they won’t melt down like traditional wax versions. Instead, they feature a flameless LED light that emits a cozy glow without messy smoke or drips. And you can use the included remote control to turn them on and off, set timers, and adjust brightness from across the room.

34These Barely-Noticeable Draft Stoppers That Can Save On Your Energy Bill

These stick-on flexible door draft stoppers can reduce energy loss and help you save on power bills. The draft stoppers are made from silicone that conforms to the shape of the door and won’t scuff or damage floors. You can cut them for a custom fit, and the draft stopper features an easy-to-use adhesive for quick installation.

35These Fillable Touch-Up Pens That Can Save You From Hiring A Painter

Skip professional painter fees and do touch-ups yourself with this fillable paint pen. The clever design features a syringe that allows you to draw up any sort of latex paint. Once filled, the pens keep paint fresh for years, and the compact brush heads make it easy to touch up even hard-to-reach areas like baseboards and trim.

36A Quick-To-Use Pump To Make Pricey Bottles Of Wine Last Longer

If you don’t finish a bottle of wine, this aerator and pump kit will keep the vino fresh for up to two weeks. The kit features an aerator that improves the taste of even inexpensive wine, two vacuum-seal stoppers, and a wine-saving pump that removes any excess air and keeps things fresh until you’re ready for another glass.

37A Flexible Jar Spatula To Stop Wasting Your Fave Condiments

Get every last bit of mayo or jam with this platypus-shaped scraping tool instead of throwing away the last bit of your fave condiment. The flexible silicone design can fit into narrow jars and crevices to scoop out and then easily spread jellies and condiments. This little BPA-free platypus can also go in the dishwasher.

38A Tofu Press For Takeout-Worthy Tofu In Your Own Home

Save money on takeout and make your own restaurant-quality tofu dishes at home with this easy-to-use tofu press that feels professional. It features two pressure levels, so it creates a perfectly pressed result on both firm and soft tofu. The six simple parts make it user-friendly, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance.

39These Sleek Airtight Containers To Inspire You To Actually Meal Prep

Whether you want to meal prep in bulk or keep your leftovers fresh, this set of sleek and slim food storage containers is a must-have. The set features 10 containers and matching lids — all of which are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. The durable BPA-free design also features a lid with an airtight seal that prevents messes.

40A Cozy & Aesthetic Smart Light Bulb That Can Also Cut Power Bills

This Roku smart bulb is an easy way to customize your home’s cozy lighting (and keep things powered off when not in use). The bulb features adjustable brightness, temperature, and color settings and the ability to set light schedules and create fun presets. Headed out of town? There’s even a “vacation mode” so you can make it seem like someone’s still at home.

41These Magnetic Vent Covers That May Increase Energy Efficiency

These magnetic vent covers are designed to help you control your home’s energy usage, enabling you to optimize your heating and cooling by boosting or blocking air depending on room usage. Their easy-to-use magnetic design also conforms to the shape of the vent to create a complete seal, which is ideal for blocking air in empty rooms.

42A Water-Only Makeup Removing Cloth Instead Of Tossing Makeup Wipes

Skip the pricey single-use makeup remover products and clean up with this reusable cleansing cloth that only needs water to work. It’s designed to remove everything from mascara to lipstick after running it under water and to even be gentle enough for sensitive skin. The cloth is machine-washable, and it comes in a ton of fun colors, as well as this black cloth that’ll never need to be bleached.

43These Genius Reusable Coffee Pods That Save On K-Cups

If you’re dropping tons of money on K-cup pods, these reusable pod filters are a budget-friendly alternative that lets you buy a big bag of bulk coffee beans. They’re designed to work with most Keurig coffee makers and feature a tight-fitting lid seal and a durable stainless steel mesh body for easy brewing. You can use them for both coffee and tea, and they’re dishwasher-safe.

44These Easy-To-Wash Baking Mats To Swap Out Foil & Parchment Paper

Buy these silicone mats once, and you won’t need to buy aluminum foil or parchment paper for baking for a very long time. Their BPA-free design is reinforced with fiberglass mesh and can be used for temperatures between 40 and 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Each mat can also be used up to 3,000 times and is easily wiped clean with just soap and water.

45These Sleek Containers Designed To Prevent Lost Hair Accessories

Organize and keep track of your headbands, hairbrushes, and clips with these stackable acrylic containers (so you can stop replacing disappearing hairbands). The transparent, rounded design features a slotted side that’s ideal for storing headbands, and they come in two different heights for versatile storage.

46These Cleaning Erasers That Save Expensive Shoes From Stains

Extend the life of your pricey shoes with these cleaning erasers. They feature two layers that remove scuffs and dirt from white uppers and soles. They just need a bit of water to start working, and the white portion will naturally disintegrate as you scrub. Plus, the erasers’ compact size is perfect for taking with you on the go.

47A Genius Scrubber That Helps You Avoid Replacing Old Window Screens

If your window screens are looking tired, refresh them with this easy-to-use mesh scrubbing tool. It features long fibers that can give screens a deep scrub to make them easier to see through. You can also pop on an included handle, and in addition to screens, it can wipe down upholstery and carpets.

48A Genius Container That Can Preserve Bagels Without Plastic Bags

This clever little bagel keeper extends the life of baked goods and lets you skip buying single-use plastics and baggies. It’s airtight, waterproof, and designed to keep your bagels or rolls fresh for days. Plus, it can go in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, making it convenient for speedy breakfasts.

49A Chopper Tool To Avoid Splurging On Pre-Cut Veggies At The Grocery Store

Skip the convenient (but expensive) pre-cut veggies and quickly prep your own with this versatile chopper. It comes with four stainless steel blade options, so you can prep anything from chopped onions to impressive zucchini spirals in a flash. It also comes with a soft-grip handle and a nonslip bottom that keeps things stable.

50These Washing Machine Cleaning Packs To Avoid Re-Washing Musty-Smelling Clothes

Dirty washing machines can leave clothes smelling musty, but these packets give all of the machine parts a deep scrub — so you only need to wash clothing once. They make it easy to remove buildup and deodorize both front and top-loading machines. Plus, they come with a little card to remember to wash your washer every month.

51This Chic Coffee Maker To Skip Buying Overpriced Cold Brew

You can enjoy delicious, barista-level coffee at home with this cold brew maker. The kit comes with a durable, shatterproof carafe and an ultra-fine filter that keeps grinds separate from the cold brew. The pitcher also has a leakproof lid, and once the cold brew is made, it can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

52This Reusable Iced Coffee Cup That’s 100% Leakproof & Comes With 2 Straw Options

Make it look like you splurged on a coffee with this insulated tumbler, a great way to bring your at-home brew with you during your commute. This insulated double-walled cup is bound to become your new best friend, as it’s completely leakproof, shatter-resistant, and easy to clean. It comes with two straws—one metal and one plastic—and doesn’t produce any condensation. It’s a chic way to save a few bucks every morning.

53This Trending Bath Sponge That Saves On Exfoliators (Like Sugar Scrubs)

This trending net-style sponge comes in a ton of fun colors and is a budget-friendly alternative to pricey exfoliating body washes and sugar scrubs. It’s exceptionally stretchy, so it’s perfect for reaching every part of the body, and the textured surface can whisk away dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. Plus, it’s made of machine-washable nylon that you can use again and again.

54This Guacamole Keeper That Keeps Your Favorite Dip Fresh

Use this dishwasher-safe food storage container to keep dips and spreads fresh — even guac. It has a 4-cup capacity and an airtight seal that prevents oxidation and browning on things like guacamole. And the container is super user-friendly — just firmly press down on the lid to seal things up.

55A Fridge Turntable To See All Your Ingredients (So You Don’t Waste Any)

The refrigerator turntable helps to keep track of ingredients, so you’re not wasting anything that might be hiding in the back of the fridge. It rotates a full 360 degrees on a stainless steel ball bearing and features nonslip feet that keep it in place. It also has a universal fit for almost every type of fridge or cabinet, and no assembly is required.