I admit to being an emotional shopper. When life feels especially difficult, I turn to shopping to manifest a small corner of control. They don’t call it retail therapy for nothing! The best is when I find a low-priced gadget that fulfills an actual need. I’m all for splurges, but when it comes to everyday products, what I’m looking for is solid value.
You’re reading this because my emotional journey via shopping can benefit you, too! I’ve put together a list of my favorite cheap gadgets that work so well, I’d recommend them to anyone. (But especially you.) I hope you find something interesting that will help you regain control over one little pocket of your life, whether it’s reducing foot pain or a new way to make dessert!
This Whale Butter Dish Has Built-In Measuring Lines
One of my kids recently broke our glass butter dish, so I went on Amazon to find a new one. I was delighted to find this Whale Butter Dish, which is an upgrade in every way. It’s the prettiest shade of turquoise, includes built-in measuring lines, and it looks like an adorable whale!
This Cactus Humidifier Takes Up No Room
My skin tends to get dry, but I hate how much space our large humidifier takes up. Problem solved – this little tabletop humidifier does a great job of adding moisture to the air without taking over your whole desk or bedside table. It’s ultra-quiet so that it won’t disturb your work or sleep, and it has an automatic four-hour shutoff for safety. And it’s totally cute.
This Dough Press Makes Perfect Dumplings and Hand Pies
I’ve been thinking about taking my deep love for dumplings to the next level with this set of three Dough Presses. When fully opened, the backside cuts a perfectly sized circle from dough. Then, place the dough in the press, add the filling, and close it to seal and crimp the edges. Easy and fun!
This Microfiber Duster Cleans Awkward Spaces
This Microfiber Duster is an indispensable tool in my cleaning arsenal! The length lets me clean large areas with one sweep, while the tip is small enough to fit into smaller spaces. When it gets dirty, I take it outside and shake it, and when it’s really dirty, I toss it in the laundry.
This Ingenious Sound Amplifier Phone Stand Makes Work Calls Twice As Loud
This cheap and nifty product attaches to your phone base to amplify the sound, making calls twice as loud. The silicone gadget also doubles up as a stand, and your phone can rest horizontally and vertically. This makes it perfect for FaceTime and Zoom calls.
This Mini Ice Cream Machine Makes One Pint at a Time
If you don’t want to invest in a full-size ice cream maker, this Mini Ice Cream Machine is a fun alternative! Simply chill in the freezer ahead of time, pour in ingredients, then flip a switch to churn. One satisfied customer gave it five stars and wrote, “I am an ice cream lover and was looking to buy an ice cream maker, so I can make it at any time at home. You can make a smaller portion just for yourself or more servings to share with others.”
This Thermos Keeps a Can Cold for 3 Hours
I have a problem: I love my Diet Coke to be ice-cold, but I don’t like watering it down with literal ice. The solution? This Thermos is designed to keep a can of soda cold for three hours! I also appreciate that it’s thin-walled, so it isn’t too bulky in your hand.
This Bike Phone Mount Is a Lifesaver
If you’re an avid biker and like to use GPS during your ride or just want easy access to your phone, this bike mount is an absolute must-have. It’s 100% waterproof, fits a variety of cellphone styles, and fits any road or mountain bike. The dual zippers make it convenient to open or close while riding.
These Individual Cupcake Containers for Bake Sales and Gifts
I’m ordering these Individual Cupcake Containers, so I’ll be ready the next time my kids’ school asks for baked goods! They’re earning top marks from Amazon customers; one reviewer wrote, “I purchased these to use for the cupcakes I made for my son’s drive-by graduation party. We received lots of compliments from our friends and family on how nice they looked. They appreciated the individual containers, and nearly all of them assumed we purchased them from a bakery.”
These Bamboo Charcoal Deodorizers Really Work
I recently picked up these bamboo charcoal deodorizers and love how they work to remove tough odors and keep things fresh. They’re especially helpful since my kids are sensitive to artificial smells like in the disposable air fresheners, and we’re using less plastic this way, too.
This Self-Cleaning Broom Works Harder So You Don’t Have To
The most annoying part of cleaning is having to clean your cleaning implement when you’re done. This self-cleaning broom does the hard work for you – you just sweep up the mess, then draw the bristles through the “comb” and voilà – you’ve got yourself a clean broom ready for the next round of crumbs! It comes with a dustpan and stands up on its own, so it’s easy to store anywhere.
This Whisk Wiper Saves Every Drop
I’ve been doing a lot of baking lately, so I’m excited about this new gadget: the Whisk Wiper! You get a metal whisk with a silicone attachment that swipes every bit of batter from the whisk in one easy motion. Such a smart idea!
This Bathtub Faucet Filter Reduces Chlorine and Adds Healthy Minerals
If you’re concerned about the purity of your water, this Bathtub Faucet Filter is an easy and affordable solution. Simply loop the bag over the faucet and let the water run through the filter. It lasts for 100 baths, removes chlorine, and adds magnesium and zinc (super-healthy for skin and hair!).
This Brownie Pan Gives Every Brownie Crispy Edges
If you’re still making brownies in a boring old 9X13 pan, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the best brownie pan ever! The divided compartments yield 12 perfectly shaped brownies with deliciously crisp corners. One reviewer recommends this Ghirardelli brownie mix for the perfect fit.
These Button Covers Prevent Tiny Holes in Your Shirts
I kept getting tiny holes near the front hem of my t-shirts. I was mystified (and mad!) until I realized the problem was the button on my jeans. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: these silicone button covers. I have one on every pair of jeans and shorts, and they stay in place through the laundry. No more holes!
This Carpet Deodorizer That You Sprinkle On and Vacuum Up
I have three kids and a dog, so my area rugs get dirty and stinky. I use a foaming cleaner for spots, but I’ve found that this powdered carpet deodorizer is the best way to eliminate odors. Sprinkle it on, wait a few hours, then vacuum. It doesn’t leave behind any cloying perfume, but instead gets rid of odors permanently.
These Scrubbing Gloves Protect Hands While Cleaning
Get protective gloves and silicone scrubbers combined into one clever product! These Scrubbing Gloves are handy for washing dishes, scrubbing the bathroom, and even washing the car. They protect hands against high heat and harsh chemicals while making it easy to scrub away grime.
This Corn Peeler Earns Rave Reviews From Customers
If you rarely cut corn off the cob, you probably don’t need this gadget. But if you frequently find yourself thinking there must be a better way to process fresh corn, this Corn Peeler is for you! Check out the user reviews for tips from customers who LOVE this product!
This Cup Holder Clips On Exactly Where You Need It
I bought this Clip-On Cup Holder so my daughter would have a safe spot on her desk to put her water bottle. It clips onto any surface up to 1.5 inches thick and has a cut-out to accommodate a coffee cup’s handle. It’s really sturdy and comes in a bunch of colors.
This Dog Treat Pouch Clips Onto Your Pocket or Belt Loop
When you’re training a dog to walk nicely on the leash or other necessary routines, it’s helpful to keep tiny treats ready. This dog treat pouch works beautifully! The soft silicone pouch has a magnetic closure, making it easy to reach in for a treat (and then it snaps shut automatically).
These Food Huggers Protect Produce and Double as Jar Lids
How many times have I smashed plastic wrap onto a cut onion and wished for a better, more sustainable solution? Enough times that I went on Amazon and found these Food Huggers! These stretchy silicone gadgets slip onto produce or jars, forming a secure seal without resorting to single-use plastic.
This Frywall Stops Grease Splatter
Every time I sauté chicken or fry bacon, I’m sad, knowing I’ll be scrubbing grease from the stovetop later. Maybe this Frywall will cheer me up! It’s made of silicone, withstands up to 450 degrees, and fits 10″ frying pans perfectly.
This Bad Air Sponge Neutralizes Odors and Doesn’t Just Cover Them Up
I’m not a fan of “air fresheners” that depend on perfumes. Usually, I dislike the cloying scent more than the original odor! That’s why I’m a fan of this Bad Air Sponge, which literally soaks up smells through what one reviewer calls “some sort of sorcery.”
This Leaf Shine Spray Cleans Dusty House Plants
I have a bunch of houseplants that I love, so I wasn’t too happy when I saw how dusty they were getting. I found this awesome product, and my plants have never looked better! Mist on this Leaf Shine Spray, wipe with a soft cloth, and plants look refreshed and healthy.
This Letter Holder Makes Me Feel Better About Paying Bills
I didn’t have a designated spot for mail, which caused a medium-sized problem when I lost track of an important letter for a while. Enter this cute metal Mail Holder, which does its job very well. It comes in three colors and is just the right size to hold important letters.
This Microwave-Safe Bowl With Built-In Spoon and Toppings Compartment
I recently made a pot of chicken tortilla soup and wanted to pack a bowl to-go for my husband’s lunch, but I quickly realized our food containers weren’t cut out for the job. So I ordered this microwave-safe bowl that’s perfect for soup, chili, oatmeal, and other spoonable meals. It’s cleverly designed with a spoon and toppings container built into the lid.
This Owl Planter Set That Customers Call “Adorable”
It’s hard to find good-looking home decor on a budget, so I am really excited about this Owl Planter Set. It includes a bamboo stand and three porcelain planter pots with subtle owl designs. Each pot is about 2.3 inches tall, making it the perfect size for small succulents.
This Mini Trash Can Fits in Your Car’s Cupholder
Keep your car neat with this Mini Trash Can, perfectly sized for the cupholder or side pocket. It has a cute push-in lid and is the ideal size for tissues, parking tickets, and other bits of garbage that would otherwise end up cluttering your ride.
This Is the Best Mini Rice Cooker Under $20
When you only need a small amount of rice, this Mini Rice Cooker is just the ticket! Measuring 8 by 5 inches, it takes up very little space (and looks so cute you won’t mind leaving it out all the time). It makes up to two cups of rice at a time and includes a measuring cup and rice paddle.
These Nonstick Cooking Rings for Breakfast Cooked With Love
Show someone how much you care by cooking pancakes or eggs in these heart-shaped Nonstick Cooking Rings. They’re earning great ratings from Amazon customers, and the reviews are full of handy tips. Many customers recommend using cooking spray to ensure food comes out perfectly.
This Pickle Jar Has a Lift-Up Strainer
My husband has started making his own pickles, so I’m getting him this Pickle Jar to encourage more of this tasty hobby. Made of sturdy plastic with a secure lid, the killer feature is the lift-up strainer that lets you access the food without dipping fingers into the brine. Works great with olives and maraschino cherries, too!
This Pour Over Coffee Maker for a Smooth Brew With No Filters
I’ve tried just about every method for making coffee, and this Pour Over Coffee Maker remains one of my favorites for a smooth, no-frills brew. No electricity or paper filters necessary! Just put grounds into the included metal filter, pour in hot water, and delicious coffee is on the way.
These Refrigerator Liners Make an Old Fridge Look Fresh
I inherited an old refrigerator when I bought my house, and it looks every bit of its age. These Refrigerator Liners have spruced things up nicely! They make my fridge look clean and tidy and can be tossed in the wash when they get grubby.
This Setting Spray Helps Make-Up Last All Day
I saw a TikTok video raving about this Setting Spray and had to try it for myself. The results are fabulous. Not only does it set my foundation with a beautiful matte finish, but it helps my make-up last all day long.
These Silicone Heel Cups Make Your Feet Feel So Good
Treat your feet to these Silicone Heel Cups to absorb pressure and prevent pain. One customer gave them five stars and wrote, “They feel strange at first, but they cushion the heel great! I’ve worn them at the gym, all night at work, and after only a few days, I’ve noticed a huge difference. My pain is almost completely gone!”
This Sinus Rinse Bottle That Customers Call “Cheap and Easy to Use”
There are fancier gizmos that promise to flush your sinuses, but you can skip the higher price and unnecessary features and get down to business with this no-frills Sinus Rinse Bottle. It’s earning solid ratings on Amazon, with customers praising its simplicity and value.
This Skeeter Screen Patio Egg Uses Natural Oils to Repel Mosquitos
Hang this Skeeter Screen Patio Egg to repel mosquitos and other flying insects naturally. The secret is the included bottle of natural oil, which smells nice to humans but terrible to bugs! One customer gave the product five stars and wrote this review: “Natural mosquito repellant that actually works! Works within a 20-foot radius and works best within 10 feet. So if you have a small patio, this is the ideal product.”