Working with a budget can be tricky. On one hand, you want to make sure you’re spending within your means…but on the other hand, saving money is boring. (That mentality is definitely why my credit card bill is always suspiciously high every month.) Thankfully, there’s a happy middle ground between saving and spending: only forking over your hard-earned money on cheap things that won’t break the bank, like all the items I’ve gathered for you below.
And I know what you’re thinking — “If this stuff is so cheap then why should I bother buying it?” For starters, “cheap” doesn’t mean “poorly made” or “flimsy” anymore. Over the years its definition has evolved to simply mean that an item has a low price, not that it’s a total hunk of junk. And for two, not only are the items you’ll find below cheap, but they’re also incredibly useful. From rose quartz face rollers to smart light switches, there’s a little something in here for everybody to appreciate — all priced at less than $30. Keep scrolling for more.
This Rose Quartz Roller That Helps De-Puff Your Face
Ever notice how your face can look a little puffy in the mornings? This roller can help ease away inflammation simply by smoothing it all over your face. It’s made from real rose quartz stone — not plastic — and each order even includes a gua sha scraper to help drain the lymphatic system in your cheeks.
A Lip Balm That Costs Less Than $4
Chapped lips are no one’s idea of a good time, making this lip balm a super-smart investment for less than $4. Shea butter works to hydrate dry skin, while the apple flavor comes from natural sources — not chemicals. Plus, the formula is even gluten-free.
A Facial Spray That’s Oh-So Soothing
Aloe, chamomile, lavender — those are only a few of the soothing ingredients you’ll find listed on this facial spray. Give yourself a spritz whenever you’re feeling hot, or even if you just want to give yourself a quick refresh if you feel like you might smell funky (trust me, we’ve all been there.)
These Lids That Let You Save Open Cans For Later
Whether you’re working with canned tomatoes or pet food, these lids are designed to fit onto standard-sized cans so that you can save whatever is inside for later. Their airtight seal helps keep everything fresh — and since they’re reusable, they’ll even help you save money over time when compared to plastic wrap.
A Cup That Turns Drinks Into Delicious Slushies
Instead of wasting money on a slushie from the store, why not make your own using this cup? All you have to do is add your preferred liquids (juice, soda, etc.) to the cup, then give it a few squeezes. The proprietary freezing liquid inside the cup’s walls will cause your liquid to half-freeze, leaving you with a delicious slushie at a fraction of the price.
This Neon Sign Is So, So Affordable
Try and guess how much this neon sign costs — if you guessed any number other than $11, you were wrong. Not only is it shockingly affordable, but it also comes in a variety of shapes to suit any style: lightning bolts, clouds, lips, and more.
These Hair Clips That Can Handle Thick Manes
Got a thick head of hair that most clips can’t handle? These ones are specifically designed for thick manes, as their extra-strong springs help keep your ‘do in place. “So I have really thick hair and as does my daughter and we went through clips left and right trying to find the right ones for us,” wrote one reviewer. “These are perfect and so durable. I wouldn’t buy anything else because these are the go-to for sure.”
These Mug Organizers That Help You Open Up Cabinet Space
If you’re running low on cabinet space in your kitchen, consider using these organizers to help open up some room. They let you stack mugs on top of each other without the risk of any chips — and since one size is made to fit all, you can rest assured that they’ll work with nearly any mug in your kitchen.
This Leakproof Lunch Box Is Perfect For The Kiddos
I’m not usually a fan of silicone containers, but this bento box is perfect for my babies! It’s made out of 100% BPA-free materials that are dishwasher/microwave safe and leakproof. My kids love opening the lid with the push of a button, and I love that it has dividers and is super easy to clean. It’s the best lunch box we’ve had yet!
These Acne Patches That Work Absolute Wonders
Waking up with a brand-new zit on your face is not a great way to start your day — that’s why I’m a huge fan of these acne patches. They’re lined with hydrocolloid serum that helps absorb pus, allowing your blemishes to flatten out quickly so that they’re hardly noticeable. Plus, you can even blend the patches underneath makeup for a near-invisible look.
The Tiny Microphones That Pack A Punch
Not only do these mini microphones only cost $9, but they also work exceptionally well when recording audio on your phone, or even for making TikTok videos. Many reviewers were blown away by how good the sound quality is. Bonus: they’re just so darn cute!
A Makeup Mirror That Helps You Draw Winged Eyeliner
Drawing eyeliner wings is never easy — but this makeup mirror can at least make it easier, as it offers two- and three-times magnification so that you can get an up-close view of your lids. And with 21 bright LED bulbs built into the main panel, you shouldn’t have any problem doing your makeup no matter how hard your room might be.
A Purse Organizer That Takes Up Hardly Any Space
Running out of closet space for your purses? Not a problem — just hang this organizer over your door. Six pockets give you ample room for all your bags, and each pocket is completely see-through so that you always know which bag is where. Plus, you can also use it for scarves, umbrellas, and other accessories.
A Smart Light Switch That You Can Control Remotely
Wait a second — did you turn the lights off before you left the house? It won’t matter as long as you have this smart light switch installed, as the free downloadable app lets you turn your lights on and off remotely. You can also put them on schedules so that they’re on when you come home or even control them using voice commands if you pair it with Alexa / Google Home.
These Blockers That Keep Toys From Sliding Under Furniture
It’s almost too easy to lose stuff underneath your couch, making these blockers a must-have — especially if you have kids or pets at home. They’re completely clear so that they’re hardly noticeable and stay firmly in place using the double-sided adhesive that comes included with every order. And if you ever need to adjust them? The adhesive easily peels off without leaving any residues on your floor.
These Flowing Shorts With Thousands Of Positive Reviews
Don’t take it from me — with thousands of positive four- and five-star reviews, it’s clear that these athletic shorts are a total steal at just $19. “My favorite shorts ever,” raved one happy customer. “I love these because they fit so comfortably and are so flattering on the body. I have these in 4 different colors and will be buying more.” Just make sure to order one or two sizes up, as some reviews noted that they can run small.
Make Your Business Magnetic!
I’ll admit it, I throw away business cards. Yes, I know, I’m a horrible person. It’s not that I don’t want to keep them, I just don’t have anywhere to put them! That’s why I recommend these business card magnets for small business owners. People actually use magnets so the chances of them keeping your business card are much higher. They also make a great gift for fellow boss babes.
A Bath Pillow That Brings The Spa To You
A day at the spa can cost a pretty penny, but you know what costs less than $30? This soft bath pillow that keeps your head and shoulders supported. Unlike some pillows, this one is made with breathable mesh to help it dry extra-quickly, all while six suction cups on the back keep it from shifting out of place while you’re relaxing.
This Micellar Water Is Perfect For Lazy Skincare Days
Sometimes I’m just too tired at the end of the day to give my face a thorough cleanse. Instead, I’ll just give it a quick cleanse using this micellar water. It removes everything from oil to waterproof makeup — no rinsing or heavy scrubbing required. And unlike some cleansers, this one is suitable for all types of skin.
These Dishcloths That Are Way More Absorbent Than Paper Towels
Using paper towels to clean around the kitchen might be convenient, but it’s also incredibly wasteful — that’s why I like to use these Swedish dishcloths instead. Not only are they reusable, but they also hold way more liquid than paper towels. Once they get too dirty to use, simply toss them into the wash for a quick clean so that you can reuse them again and again.
These Shoe Organizers That Slide Right Underneath Your Bed
You aren’t going to put on those winter boots in the middle of July, are you? In that case, open up some closet space by putting all your seasonal footwear into these organizers. They easily slide underneath your bed to help save space, and the sturdy handles on every side make it easy to pull them out when you need a pair. Choose from two colors: beige or black.
A Wedge Pillow That Can Help Ease Soreness Overnight
Not only is this wedge pillow filled with soft memory foam, but its 45-degree angle also helps encourage blood flow so that your muscles are less likely to grow sore overnight. The breathable cover won’t leave you sweating — and since it’s also removable, giving it a quick wash if it ever gets dirty shouldn’t be a problem.
This Car Trash Can With Room For Extras
Water bottles, snacks, tissues — the extra compartments all around this car trash can give you tons of space to store anything you could possibly need on long drives. The bin itself is leakproof, keeping your car safe from any liquids that might spill inside. Plus, the covered lid helps keep odors to a minimum.
A Utensil Holder That’s Shockingly Affordable
This stylish utensil holder is so shockingly affordable that I’m not even going to tell you how much it costs — you’ll just have to click to find out. It’s made from tough metal, with a brushed stainless steel exterior that helps keep it clean from fingerprints and smudges. Plus, the heavy base makes it unlikely that it’ll tip over when filled with tall utensils.
This UV Flashlight That Illuminates Hidden Stains
Can’t figure out where that funky smell is coming from? Try shining this UV flashlight around your home. It’ll light up any stains that are invisible to the human eye, including pet accidents. Or, if you don’t have any pets, you can also use it to find bed bugs, scorpions, and other unwanted household pests.
The Beach Towel That Reviewers Can’t Get Enough Of
You wouldn’t think that something as simple as a beach towel would inspire thousands of reviews, yet these towels have more than 3,000 from incredibly satisfied shoppers. “This towel is ultra-thin and rolls up into a 4-inch wide long by 8-inch (perfect for a teen) or anyone to throw in a beach bag,” wrote one. “The sand does NOT stick to it and the towel drys super quick! It is very soft too.”
These Hangers That Open Up Tons Of Closet Space
Running out of space on your closet rod? Try swapping out those bulky plastic hangers with these ultra-slim ones. They take up less space so that you can fit more clothes in your closet, yet are still so sturdy that they’ll support up to 10 pounds with ease. Plus, the velvet coating helps keep clothes from slipping off.
The Biker Shorts With Handy Pockets
Not all biker shorts are created equal — these ones feature a handy pocket on both legs, giving you room to stash keys, cards, or even your phone. They won’t turn see-through when you bend over, and their high-waisted cut is basically guaranteed to look good with any kind of top. Choose from dozens of colors, including a fun shade of coral.
A Water Bottle That’s Easy For Dogs To Use
Instead of carrying around a bowl for your dog when you’re out hiking, why not upgrade to this pet-friendly water bottle? Give the button in the middle a squeeze, and water will flow from the bottle into the small built-in bowl so that your pup can easily lap it up. And since it’s leakproof, you won’t have to worry about any spills in your bag.
The Brush That Gently Detangles Knotted Hair
No matter what age you are, detangling knotted hair can be incredibly painful. Luckily, the bristles on this brush are tipped with tiny cones that help separate knotted hairs rather than pulling at them, allowing knots to gently melt away with just a few strokes. It’s suitable for all types of hair — and you even have the choice of six different fun colors.
Every Closet Needs A Good Set Of Socks
Socks might be a boring gift when you’re a child but as an adult? Nothing gets me more excited than a high-quality pair, like these ones from Dickies. They’re made from a breathable cotton-polyester blend with a hint of spandex for stretch, helping keep your feet sweat-free and comfortable. And unlike some socks, these ones feature a reinforced heel and toe to help prevent holes.
This Lunch Tote That Just Looks Plain Good
Still using a brown paper bag to pack your lunches? Now’s your chance to upgrade to this stylish tote. Insulated walls help keep your food at the ideal temperature until you’re ready to eat, while the high-quality Oxford cloth exterior can handle getting tossed around. Choose from 22 styles, including a trendy shade of mint green.
A Hamper That Helps You Organize Dirty Clothes
Since this hamper is divided into colors, lights, and darks, you shouldn’t have any problem keeping your laundry organized. Velcro straps at the top keep it hanging securely in place, while also making it easy to dump everything out if you need. And if you aren’t into the colors you see above? Not a problem, as it also comes in five other styles.
Everybody Needs At Least One Insulated Water Bottle
No really, you actually do need to own a reusable water bottle. Not only are they way cheaper than buying single-use bottles from the store, but look at those colors! You can’t look at those gorgeous prints and tell me you don’t want one, can you? I thought so. And since their walls are vacuum-insulated, they can even keep cold drinks chilled for up to 24 hours, while hot drinks stay warm for up to 12.
This Colorful Marquee Letter That Won’t Break The Bank
I was shocked to find out that this marquee letter only costs $16, which means you don’t have any excuse not to decorate your home or office with it. Each order includes a remote that lets you turn it on or off from afar, as well as switch between one of 16 different colors. The best part? The letter only needs two AA batteries (not included) to provide hours‘ worth of light.
This LED Light Strip That’s Almost Too Easy To Install
There’s no complicated wiring necessary when you’re installing this LED light strip, as the adhesive backing makes it almost too easy to stick it wherever you want. Place it behind your television for some chic entertainment lighting, or even put it underneath your bed to light up your room in brilliant colors. Each order includes a remote for easy control — and the price (less than $15) isn’t anything to sneeze at, either.
A Bedside Organizer That Takes Up Less Space Than A Nightstand
Personally, I don’t have enough space in my bedroom for a nightstand — that’s why I rely on this bedside organizer to hold all my stuff. Remotes, phones, magazines, and even reading glasses all fit inside the spacious pockets, while a sturdy top flap sits underneath your mattress to keep it hanging securely.
A White Noise Machine That Looks Nicer Than The Rest
Frankly, most white noise machines are kind of ugly, as they typically look like chunky white/grey bricks — but that isn’t the case with this one. Not only does its faux wood top look good, but it also comes pre-loaded with 25 soothing sounds, ranging from classic white noise to babbling brooks. Plus, the volume is adjustable up to 32 levels.
These Water Beads That Add Pops Of Color Throughout Your Home
You can grab this jug of 500 water beads for less than $10 — but that’s only part of why they’re so cool. You can add them to your tub when taking a bath if you’d like to have an extra-indulgent soak, or even use them as colorful filler in vases. Kids can also appreciate their squishy texture, making them great for teaching colors and counting in a fun, accessible way.