Life is hard and adulting is even harder. Even when you have a handle on the big stuff, like rent or taxes, the tiny details end up churning together to become one big headache. It might seem like tackling all of these issues would cost a pretty penny, but there are so many solutions to your problems that cost less than $20! Discover all the nifty inventions and other innovative products you can afford right now with this helpful round-up.
This Brilliant Drain Snake
Drain clogs are an inevitable part of life, but dealing with traditional drain snakes or harsh chemicals can be just as undesirable as the clog. This drain snake takes the elbow grease out of removing hair or other gunk without the need for a power drill. You can twist the handle while the flexible wand — thin enough for any standard drain or grate — is in place so the micro-hooks can grab onto any debris. Each of the five included 18-inch wand refills is also disposable, so you don’t have to clean up any grime.
This Space-Spaving Hanger Set
It’s okay if you don’t have the walk-in closet of your dreams; you can still fit all of your clothes comfortably with the right hangers. This four-pack of metal hangers extend horizontally to hold 12 items or vertically with a six garment capacity. The heavy-duty hangers can hold up to 30 pounds vertically, so they’re perfect for your heavier coats and sweaters.
This Leather Cleaning Brush for Your Blue Suede Shoes
From shoes to jackets, nubuck to suede, this handy brush will keep your favorite clothing items and accessories looking fresh. There are nylon bristles for light scuffs and a welt surface for those more intense marks and stains. You can use it with or without cleaning sprays or foams and the side brushes get into hard-to-reach crevices.
This Essential Cleaner
If you need a powerful cleaner that will do most of the work for you, you need this cleanser. Simply use a sponge or rag to apply it to anything from your car’s exhaust pipe to your shower door to a rusty grill to the kitchen sink. In addition to providing a deep clean, it clings to vertical surfaces so it can work its magic and leaves everything sparkling.
This Makeup Brush Shampoo
For a more delicate cleaning job, get your makeup brushes ship shape with this shampoo. The plant-based shampoo is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free, so you don’t have to worry about skin or conscience irritation. If you wouldn’t use hand soap to wash makeup off of your face, why would you use it wash makeup off your brushes?
This Flexible Toilet Brush
Instead of scratching up your toilet bowl with a standard brush, upgrade to this silicone brush. A curved handle and flexible bristles on the side and top of the brush allow you to gently but efficiently clean your toilet. The top bristles are especially adept at getting underneath the rim of the bowl. The silicone material combined with the bristle spacing minimizes drippage, so you can transfer the brush back to its holder without making a new mess!
This Produce-Saving Container
These Rubbermaid containers come in a few different sizes and they all accomplish the same great feat: extending the life of your produce. The small and medium sizes can do this for less than $10 a pop! A special tray in the lid keeps moisture away and a small vent regulates the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the container to delay spoilage. Are you thinking “all that cool technology probably means these containers aren’t dishwasher safe?” Well, you’re wrong! All of the parts can be tossed into your dishwasher without worry.
This Tiered Wall Organizer
Reduce your desk clutter by making use of your wall space with this cascading organizer. It has six pockets that hold standard letter-sized documents. Each section is color-coded and can hold 50 sheets of paper. If you need to take it with you, an elastic cord closure secures it in an accordion folder-like style.
This Motion-Activated Light Strip
Closet missing a light? Or maybe your counters could do with some under cabinet lighting? Grab this 14-inch LED light stick to illuminate your way! It holds 36 LEDS and automatically turns on if there’s motion within 10 feet. It’ll turn itself off after about 20 seconds if there’s no further motion, but you can also switch it into the on position if you know you need more time. You can mount it with screws or 3M tape and charge it via USB.
This Counter Gap Cover for Your Stove
Depending on how large the gap is between your stove and the counter, you’re dropping anything from crumbs to silverware between there. Seal the gap to prevent food and liquid spills from getting into tight spaces. The heat-resistance silicone can stand up to whatever you have cooking and will sit perfectly in place (or can be cut to fit odd counter surfaces).
This Auxiliary Cable for Your Car
Look, there are so many things you can use this cable for, but you probably need it in your car. Your old cable is barely able to handle the tunes blaring from the phone you refuse to upgrade lest you lose your headphone jack. It’s okay. Cling to your “old” tech with this reliable auxiliary cable. At 4 feet long, even someone in the back of an SUV can throw on their favorite song with ease.
This Pie Crust Shield
Most seasoned pie bakers know to throw some foil around their crust to prevent it from burning, but it’s a pretty wasteful hack. This reusable alternative comes in 9 and 10-inch sizes as well as minis for 5-inch pies. The crust shield also helps pot pies and mini pies to rise — all with picture-perfect crusts. The dishwasher-safe shields are made from durable aluminum to last you for years to come.
These Eyeshadow Shields
If you’re tired of getting eyeshadow fallout on your cheeks and under-eye area, invest in these little shields. This pack of 30 is a great line of defense against eyeshadows and clumpy mascaras alike. The shields adhere to your face securely, so it’s generally recommended to do your eyes before your foundation and concealer. Some users, however, find that they can remove the shields just fine, provided that they’ve applied setting powder beforehand.
This Excellent Pill Organizer
There hasn’t been too much innovation in the pill organizer game. Generally, you can expect separation by day of the week or you might get lucky with morning and night compartments. This organizer takes it a step further. Each day of the week comes in its own container which can be stacked in a modern holder. The individual containers have the day of the week on the side and four compartments marked on top: morning, noon, evening, and bed. From your prescriptions to your vitamins, you’ll never take a pill at the wrong time again!
This Simple Organizer Turns Your Drawer into a Spice Rack
If you don’t have enough counter or cabinet space for your spices, there’s still an easy way to see them at a glance. This pack of six drawer liners fits most drawers and can be cut to fit smaller ones. Each liner can hold up to 24 bottles in its grooves and the soft, foam base keeps the spices from rattling and rolling around.
These AirPod Hooks
We all know that the biggest running joke about AirPods is that they seem to be designed for you to eventually lose them. These little silicone hooks attach to the earbuds (they also work on Apple’s EarPods!) so you can secure them on your ears. The hooks come in black, white, and blue and they’re activity-friendly. The silicone is soft on your ears while also being sweat and water-resistant for added durability.
This Brilliant Batter Bowl
How would you like to simplify pretty much anything about mixing batter? This batter bowl comes with a handle and spout for effortless, controlled pours. The non-skid base prevents the bowl from sliding around your countertops. If that weren’t enough, it easily holds 8 cups of batter and has bright red measuring lines inside. From pancakes to cupcakes, your cake game is about to receive a serious upgrade!
This Seamless Underwear
If you’re not comfortable wearing thongs, finding underwear that won’t create panty lines in tight garments can be difficult and often expensive. This pack of five hipster panties comes in a few different colors and patterns while providing an invisible seam underneath your skinniest jeans. The only downside is that this underwear runs a bit small and you’ll only get the full effect with a good fit, but reviewers enjoy the soft, breathable fabric.
This Auto-Off Plug for Your Flat Iron
Never worry that you’ve burned down your home again with this safety outlet. From flat irons to coffee pots to smartphone chargers, this outlet will see to you that your electronics won’t stay on for too long. The timer can be set to one, two, four, or eight hours, so you can even use it for things like Christmas lights. There’s also a “hold” setting if you need long-term power one day.
This Warming Ice Cream Scoop
Want some science with your ice cream? This scoop uses a biodegradable, thermal liquid in its handle that transfers heat from your hand to the bowl. The warmth, combined with the scoop’s sharper than usual edges, cuts through hard ice cream as though it were butter! It comes in black and silver, and it doesn’t use any batteries or electricity. Just make sure you only hand wash it!
This Cheese Grating Container
Grate enough cheese or veggies for days to come with this little gadget. The bowl comes with three lids: a fine grater, a coarse grater, and an airtight cover. The bottom of the bowl is made of non-skid material, so the container stays put while you grate. Reviewers love how easy it is to grate even the hardest ingredients and that all the parts can be cleaned without issue.
This Fume-less Oven Cleaner
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be dangerous or difficult. This spray works in cold ovens, cutting through tough grease build-up and that batter you spilled when you slid the oven rack back in too fast. The fresh lemon scent replaces the fumes of other products and the cleaner is so safe to use that you don’t even need gloves! Users have also found great success cleaning broilers and grills with this simple, effective spray.
This Colander for Your Sink
This seems simple, but every day you don’t own one is a day wasted. This flat colander lives best at the bottom of your sink. It’s small straining holes make it easy to wash, cut, and peel produce without clogging the drain. Then, you can just shake any peels into the trash or compost heap. It can also hold up in boiling water, so you can (carefully!) flip pots of pasta, potatoes, or any blanched veggies. Still not sold? It’s recyclable, dishwasher-safe, and thin enough to store with your cutting boards.
This Pasta-Measuring Tool
If you always make the wrong amount of spaghetti, scoop up this tool. This dishwasher-safe hook has four different openings to measure out portions for up to four people. The stainless steel tool is great for families and dieters alike. The curved openings make it easier to use than similar tools that require you to thread holes with bunches of pasta.
This Broom for Pet Owners
This innocuous broom is the latest weapon in your battle against fur and not-so-adorable bodily functions in your home. Your furry pal can’t control their shedding or bladder, but now, you can easily clean it up. The flexible bristles on this broom grab onto hair, pulling it out from wherever it lurks thanks to a telescopic handle. Any, ahem, liquid accidents can benefit from the squeegee action at the broom’s edge. Beyond pet mishaps, the squeegee works well on tough stains on hard flooring in addition to windows and showers.
This Perfect Lunch Utensil
You’ll only need to throw one of these funky utensils in your lunch bag from now on. The flexible, titanium utensil combines a fork, spoon, and knife. The serrated knife edge is dull enough so it’s not casually dangerous, but sharp enough to handle most foods. Many reviewers particularly enjoyed using this flatware on camping trips as an alternative to multiple pieces of cutlery or plastic utensils.
This Emergency Sleeping Bag
Ideally, you’ll never have to use this, but you’ll be glad you have it. Whether you stow it in your car or hiking pack, this sleeping bag is an emergency essential. It fits into the palm of your hand when rolled up and transforms to 7×3 feet when laid flat. The interior of the puncture-resistant sleeping bag uses a reflective material that uses your body heat to protect you from harsh weather. As added bonuses, the paracord string can be used for repairs or as kindling and the included survival whistle is loud enough to cut through a storm.
This Wood Polish Makes Shabby Furniture Chic
If you have or recently acquired some wood furniture that’s seen better days, you can easily restore it to its former luster. In addition to gently polishing the surface, this conditioner adds a protective wax coating. Oils in the formula prevent drying and fading while leaving behind a soft sheen. This polish also works wonders on light scuffs and scratches as well as old water marks.
This Dog Poop Bag Holder
When you’re out for a stroll with your pupper, the mood definitely takes a turn once they poop, especially when you’re quite some distance from home. Instead of holding a bag of excrement for the rest of the walk, pop the knot through this carrier. It hooks onto your end of the leash loop so you have a free and clear hand. People with more than one pup and dog walkers are particularly fond of this brilliant invention.
This Thick Yoga Mat
If you’re like me and you don’t have the best knees in the world, it might feel like yoga isn’t for you. Those wafer-thin “mats” seem laughable to your wrecked joints. This yoga mat is a ½ inch thick and uses high-density foam to protect your delicate joints from the harsh, unforgiving floor. Both sides of the mat feature non-slip grooves and it comes with a carrying strap. You can get it in a few bright colors or keep things simple with a black or grey mat.
This Face Toner
I’ve always said that toner is just diluted witch hazel that smells nice. If you’re going to invest in toner, you might as well go with an OG witch hazel brand. Thayers is getting close to two centuries of herbal remedies and they have no problem getting into the toner game. This formula uses their famous witch hazel along with soothing aloe vera and fragrant rose petals for a refreshing experience.
This Cleaning Tool for Your Cast Iron Pan
We all know better than to sully a cast iron skillet with soap, but what about the caked-on on food and grease water is no match for? This set of two pan scrapers were designed to clean any shaped pan thanks to four, differently curved corners. The dishwasher-safe scrapers can be used on all cookware without risk of scratches or collecting food particles in chainmail.
This Stackable Shower Caddy
This caddy is perfect for those little bars in walk-in showers while also being able to hook onto certain towel racks. You can buy more than one and stack them for more storage or to color-code toiletries. The caddies hang at an angle so that water can drip away from the base and they can dry faster.
This Rust Stain Remover
Whether it’s a crusted bike chain or iron buildup on your shower walls, rust is no match for this gel spray. It clings to where you need it without running or needing any scrubbing. From hard water to harsh climates, rust won’t have to ruin the look of your home or property anymore.
This Lengthening Mascara
Who needs false eyelashes when you have a powerful mascara? This little tube from L’Oreal Paris packs a serious punch when it comes to volume and length. This popular dupe for a similar Too Faced mascara comes in a few shades as well as in washable and waterproof formulas. Both formulas last all day without flaking or clumping, leaving you with completely flutterable eyelashes.
This Little Dusting Wand
Sometimes your culinary dusting needs a bit of precision. From powdered sugar on french toast to cinnamon atop your coffee or milkshake, a little goes a long way. Get a controlled dusting with this little wand. It fits into most dry goods containers for easy access and opens with a twist of the handle. This is also a great tool for flour dusting when you’re rolling out dough!
This Natural Serum
As I’ve slowly descended into the labyrinthine depths of Korean skincare, I’ll admit that I play outside the rules a bit. This cold-pressed rosehip seed oil has taken the spot of “serum” in my skincare lineup and I can’t get enough. Despite having combination skin, I haven’t experienced excess oiliness, but it’s a definite boon for anyone with dry skin. It moisturizes without clogging pores and softens the appearance of wrinkles while stimulating collagen production.