Genius doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, a lot of my fave finds and regularly-used items cost less than a pretty penny, so to speak. With how the world’s been doing lately, people losing jobs and businesses losing revenue, it’s doubly important to save where we can without sacrificing needs.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite finds from Amazon that meet that ten-dollar mark – and wave to it from behind the line. Some of the items, such as the biodegradable pet wipes and silicone cupcake wrappers, are much gentler on the environment than their disposable counterparts. I hope you’re able to find some of these products useful or intriguing. At the very least you can sit back, relax with some freshly-popped popcorn, and watch the rest of the year unfold.
These Hypoallergenic Wipes Are Just What Your Pup’s Paws Deserve After a Long Walk
The weather is cooling down and with the colder winds comes rain and mud. park time and walkies. Excited dogs won’t be put off though, and washing their paws every time you come home from a damp walk is going to become a huge hassle. Biodegradable wipes are a great solution to that. The fabric is tough enough to handle their nails while offering an easy, gentle clean. I can also carry it with me so that we can do the cleaning before we go back inside.
These Hair Clips That Look Like They’re Straight Out of the 80s
There are unlimited uses for this 10-pack of neon hair clips I found in Amazon’s Hot New Releases category. I use them to section my hair when I’m drying or styling it, but you could also use them to keep your hair out of your face when applying makeup or when washing your face. These are designed to avoid leaving creases or marks in your hair so all you see is your stunning style.
This Vet-Recommended Toothpaste and Brush Set Will Brighten Your Pet’s Smile
Most people don’t know that dogs require dental visits every year, including cleaning! You can reduce the frequency of those visits, however, by cleaning their teeth regularly. I use this vet-endorsed enzymatic toothpaste and it does the job well (never use human toothpaste!) Your dog and your wallet will thank you for saving them, trust me.
This Scalp Massager Lathers Your Shampoo While Circulating Blood
I love a good head massage; it’s the main reason I used to visit hair salons. Since that isn’t possible at the moment, I’ve resorted to finding the best ways to achieve that level of relaxation at home. I purchased this silicone scalp massager that also works in my shampoo better than my fingers could. I’ve also used it while taking a bath or watching TV, and I like that it doesn’t take a lot of hair with it as it goes.
This Blender Bottle Is Perfect For Trips to the Gym
Blender bottles were never really on my radar until I started working out at home recently. They’re great for mixing up those protein powders without the hassle of stirring (and let’s be real, that method never churns out smooth goodness). This one on Amazon is less than ten bucks, fits in your cupholders, and is air-tight to prevent leaks and spills.
This Mini Scale Will Make a Huge Difference to Your Cooking Routines
Having a food scale has truly changed my life, I’ve gotta say. Especially when it comes to baking, where precise measurements are so much more important than in cooking, being able to measure to the ounce instead of doing a rough guesstimate using cups and teaspoons has made such a huge difference in the results. Like they say, cooking’s an art but baking’s a science. Or is it the other way around?
This Iron-On Adhesive Makes Sewing Projects Easier and Faster
I do a lot of my own hemming and hawing sewing and after years of stubbornly refusing to try adhesives, I finally gave it a shot. I’m so glad I did, too, because it’s saved me a plethora of time and effort that I could be otherwise putting towards other tasks and projects. These iron-on adhesives are great for tailoring clothes or linens, as well as fixing rips and other sewing needs.
This Box of Disposable Masks is Great For Keeping in the Car
Remember when masks cost like an entire arm back at the start of the pandemic? Good thing we’ve made progress since then. You can get a whole box of these babies off of Amazon for less than ten dollars. I personally keep mine in my glove compartment, as I usually wear reusable cloth masks. But if I ever forget to bring one with me, I have this backup supply ready to go.
These Command Strips Let You Personalize Your Space Without Upsetting Your Landlord
Renters will know the anxiety and hassle that comes with the territory- the sprucing up of it, that is. Enter command strips in all their perfect glory. I swear they make ’em these days for virtually anything you want to put on your wall. Photos? Check. Wrought iron coat hooks? Check. The absolute, unnatural disaster that was season 8 of Game of Thrones plus the massive disappointment from its entire fanbase, such that we’re still talking about it today? Eh … one day.
This Breakfast Blend From Starbucks Allows You to Start Your Morning Right
Nothing says ‘good morning’ better than your first cup of Joe, am I right, everyone? Amazon has some great coffee selections and huge variety. If you’re just looking for something simple and traditional, look no further than the Starbucks Breakfast Blend that Amazon carries for less than ten bucks.
These Patterned Cloth Masks Are Great For Little Ones
I like getting my masks from Amazon, like these ones, which are made specifically for kids. They function like they’re supposed to and are easy to wash between uses. And with cute patterns like rocket ships and dinosaurs, your little ones might actually want to wear them!
These Lunch Chillers Will Keep Your Food From Losing Its Cool
Now that we’re starting to return to a semblance of normal life, some of us are heading back into the office for work. It’s important to keep meals fresh, especially if there’s no communal fridge (which there may not be, due to restrictions). Having these ice packs on hand are a great option. They’re slim and won’t leak like other forms of cooling gels. You can also pack ’em for a picnic or a camping trip.
These Oven-Baked Buddy Treats Will Have Your Buddy Over the Moon
We love homemade goodies and that includes treats made (with love) in our homeland. These oven-baked crunchies are a huge hit with my fur babies. I personally love that it contains natural bacon and cheese without the use of any artificial flavorings or colors. My dogs deserve the best, after all.
These To-Go Fruit Pouches Are Actually Resealable
As a grown-up adult, I find it increasingly difficult to eat fruit the way I did when I was a kid. It’s like my taste for fruit specifically is Benjamin Button. So, I personally love these fruit “squeezies”. Of course, regular people seem to like them for their kids, and these make great lunch box fillers. They’re also resealable, in case you can’t finish it.
This Kitty Clumping Litter Removes the Extra Step of Scenting the Area
This kitty litter does more than just clump: it keeps itself smelling fresh as in those Febreeze commercials where the woman sits in a room full of garbage. It’s made for multi-cat households and uses “ClumpLock” technology to seal in odors and liquids.
This Container of Chia Seeds Will Go a Long Way On Your Road to Healthier Eating
Chia seeds have long since dominated the health foods market and for good reason. You can use them in basically anything and everything. The pudding itself is super filling and nutritious and you never need a huge amount. Therefore, a big box like this one will last you forever.
​This Ring Sizer Means Your Jewellery Will Stop Dictating Your Lifestyle Choices
Do you ever find a super pretty ring that’s just slightly too big for you? Or maybe you’ve slimmed down since you’ve worn some of your jewelry or you inherited a couple of beautiful pieces that don’t quite fit. You, my friend, need to get yourself a couple of these ring sizers. Clear and unnoticeable, they’re essentially insoles but for your fingers.
This Adhesive Remover Is An Actual Miracle Worker
I do a lot of thrifting for household items, which is great because you can stumble across some amazing finds. Unfortunately, a lot of the stores like to use superpowers on their price stickers, and it makes it impossible to get rid of the excess stickiness without an hour’s worth of scrubbing. Enter Goo Gone: it does exactly what I mentioned but in a fraction of the time. And best of all, barely any elbow grease involved.
These Cat Treats Will Tempt Your Kitty into Submission
We’ve all seen the commercials. And while these temptations treats might not have your cat doing literal cartwheels in front of you, they are a great training aid. At under 2 calories per treat, you can let the training sesh run a little longer without your kitty’s waistline taking more than it can handle. Who knows, maybe the two of you can work on the catwheeling together. See what I did there?
These Gold-Toed Socks to Spruce Up Your Footwear
Autumn’s a-coming and with it the winds from the north. Get your feet dressed up in some weather-appropriate attire without sacrificing style. These trendy socks have gold tips so you can walk your way towards good fortune … or something?
This Box of Instant Chicken Ramen is the Perfect Mix of Tasty and Convenience
Ah, college. What a time to remember. And reminisce about the days and days of ramen noodles we ate, while at the library past midnight, as exams loomed ever nearer. Make sure to relive those memories fondly and call back to them with these hearty chicken broth noodles. They’re super flavorful and I like the convenience of not having to make a big lunch some days.
This Lace Fastening System Makes Going Out Easier
Tying my laces has just gotten to be one of those nuisance-y things that I loathe doing but must if I want to keep my head attached to the rest of my body. I’m always on the lookout for ways to cut that step out of my life forever. I picked up these locked laces and I feel like I can finally breathe. At least, until I get to the top of the stairs.
These Glass Screen Protectors Makes Sure Your Phone Will Survive That Drop
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped my phone and I bet you can’t tell me your number, either. Thankfully, I’d invested in these tempered glass screen protectors early on. Now, when I pretty much spike my Pixel into the next dimension, its delicate flower of a screen won’t get busted up- merely the expendable bodyguard.
These Welch’s Fruit Snacks Make Fruit Fun and Tasty
Did you think that that was a picture of real fruit? I bet you didn’t, you smart cookie, because it’s obviously candy. But, the good news is that Welsh’s Fruit Snacks are made with fruit as their first ingredient. So, if you do happen to sub these in for your daily serving of oranges and pineapples, you wouldn’t need to feel entirely guilty. Just don’t confuse them with your daily multivitamin.
This Thermometer Ensures You Never Have to Cook Your Steaks Via Guesswork
Steaks and other meats are fickle things and need to be handled with care when cooking. This especially goes for chicken and pork, as they can carry awful diseases. Having a meat thermometer for when the occasion arises has been so nice. I don’t have to guess or take the dish out of the oven as often. It’s really one of those things you’ll be glad you have even if you don’t use it regularly.
This Kitchen Timer Is As Easy to Read As It Is to Use
My oven uses a super quiet, dinky little beeping to let me know when something is done cooking. I think it’s just really shy, so I get it. Of course, I still need to know if my food is going to catch on fire because I didn’t release it from its sweltering prison in time, so I had to find a better system. Cue these digital timers. They’re loud, easy to read from across a room, and having two means I can use the other one around the house. Batteries are included.
These Reusable Baking Cups Are Super Environmentally Friendly
Sustainability is the new orange. No, that’s silicone. Wait, neither of those are colors. Actually, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re doing all we can to protect Mother Earth from ourselves. That means bake sales and silicone cupcake liners. These reusable bad boys are superb alternatives to their paper counterparts. They don’t stick to the goodies and are easy to wash. The planet will thank you for making the swap.
This Hyaluronic Lip Gloss Plumps and Hydrates For Your Perfect Pout
Oh my gosh, I loved lip gloss as a preteen/teen. Back before I was experienced enough to be self-conscious about how dry my lips are. Now, I rarely wear gloss because of how much it chaps my mouth. So, I was extra pleased to find this hyaluronic plumping gloss that both moisturizes and makes my lips look fuller. Talk about best of both worlds, right?
This Vaccine Passport Holder is the Perfect Way to Show You’re Protected
Declare your vaccinated state loudly and proudly with this elegant “vaccine passport” holder. Now that borders are opening back up, people are definitely looking to start traveling again. Being able to keep your proof of vaccination with your passport and other important documents saves you a lot of hassle and headache. With places rolling out requirements for this proof, you’ll be showing it a lot. Definitely a worthwhile purchase.
These Wine Yeast Packets Are the Next Big At-Home Activity
Last year was the sourdough craze. I’m calling DI-wine this winter. To take this hobby off the ground, you’ll need some starter yeast that you can buy in packs from Amazon. Reviewers seem to have great results and speak to the ease of use. And also- don’t use bread yeast, no matter how much you have leftover from your sourdough shenanigans.
These Toilet Bowl Stickers Keep Your Bathroom Clean and Fresh
I, like nearly every other person in this country I’m sure, simply despise cleaning the toilet. Even if it’s not particularly gross, there’s a general feeling of … ickiness. These toilet stamps have helped with that aspect a lot, actually. With every flush, the water activates the gel, automatically cleaning and freshening your lavatory without you having to lift a finger – or a brush.
This Coffee Scoop is Legit Missing From Your Life
I’d always thought I was one of those geniuses who didn’t need a coffee scoop to make good coffee. And while I was kind of right, it is very difficult to get consistently well-brewed coffee without measuring. I finally bit the bullet and shot my pride with it at the same time and added this OXO coffee scoop to my cart. The change in quality is actually noticeable.
This Gourmet Popcorn is Easy to Make and Will Make Movie Nights Easy
A lot of us are still more comfortable enjoying some activities from the safety of our own homes. This includes going to movie theatres. With so many people in close proximity, you can’t help but feel better watching films from your couch. Even better, the popcorn doesn’t cost an hour’s wages, especially if you go with these Orville Redenbacher kernels. If you have a hot air popper, great; but if you don’t, it’s super easy to make on the stovetop.
These Soup Bone Chews Are Packed Full of Nutrition
Soup bones are an Asian cuisine delicacy and it seems like our dogs are catching on. These chicken-and-veggie chews are packed to the edges with nutritious goodness and will keep your pooch busy with how long they last. Of course, if your dogs are anything like mine, they’ll find a way to make it disappear before you can finish your Zoom meeting.
This Aerosol-Style Spray Bottle Works For Everything From Hair Oil to Essential Oils
I love making my own fabric sprays and air fresheners and these spray bottles are my favorites for those purposes. They spray out in a fine mist rather than chunky spurts and are incredibly durable. I also bought ones to store a DIY leave-in conditioner and a homemade toner.
This Classic Card Game That Will Bring “Oneness” to Your Family Vacation
Does this game even need an introduction? By way of that, let’s all take a moment and reminisce about the last time we played Uno. Do you feel warm and fuzzy or more cold and murderous? Anyway, now that we’re going on trips again, Uno is the perfect game to tuck away into your carry-on and whip out during take-off/traffic. Just make sure to have a safety plan for when you’re met with the dreaded +4.
These Waterproof Cases Are the Key to Superb Adventure Pics
For those who love to be in the outdoors doing … whatever it is y’all do out there, a frustrating issue to run into must be how to keep your phones safe. Besides the holy grail that is glass screen protectors, you’ll want something that can withstand the wet – glass won’t cut it for that. These touch-receptive, waterproof phone cases might be just what you need. They come in a pack of two, so you and your boo can both have peace of mind when you’re out on those white water rafts.
(Protip: Less adventurous folk, these are actually great for using at restaurants, especially ones that serve finger foods).