These 65 Cheap Things Are So Genius, You'll Wish You Knew About Them Sooner
Brilliant finds that make life better — starting at just $5.

Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s good. This list of budget-friendly items from Amazon is proof — these products may not cost much, but they’re downright genius, and useful enough to become daily staples at home and on-the-go. From organization products for your home and office to travel essentials, you’ll wish you had these sooner. The good thing is, you can immediately add to cart.
01Car headrest hooks to hold bags & more
Keep your car looking neat and organized with these headrest hooks. They slide on the back of your front seat headrest and offer storage: You can hang your bags, hats, or extra clothes, or even prop up a cell phone for hands-free streaming. They’re durable, made of nice-looking leather, and come in a set of two.
02Rotating hangers so it’s easy to find what you need
These swivel hangers are ideal for holding smaller items that are hard to store, like ties, tank tops, bras, and even jewelry. Each one has six handles, so there’s plenty of space, and they rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Cedar balls are attached to keep your closet smelling fresh.
03Wall mounts that give remote controls a home
Never lose your remote control under the couch cushions again once you start using these magnetic remote holders. They come in a pack of four, and each one has an adhesive backing that allows you to mount them to the wall, side of the TV, or anywhere else handy. Apply the small magnetic attachment to the back of your remote and it’ll securely slip into the holder.
04Small-but-mighty portable fans that attach to your phone
Stay a little cooler anywhere with these mini phone fans. Just plug one into your phone’s charging port — it’s compatible with both iPhone and Android — and enjoy a 15,000-RPM stream of air. They’re easy to use and charge, small enough to fit in any bag or even your pocket, and this is a pack of six so you can hand them out to family and friends.
05Wall-mounted storage for toothbrushes & more
This wall-mounted organizer is essential to keeping your bathroom neat and clean, especially if you live with other people. You can store multiple toothbrushes, and there’s room to place toothpaste, skin care or hair products, floss, and more in both the shelf and the little drawer. It even has a toothpaste dispenser that puts the perfect amount on your brush every time.
06Flexible stakes that help your plants grow upwards
If you have indoor plants that are struggling to grow upwards the way they should, these support poles are a game-changer. They do just what they say: provide your plant support so it grows up instead of drooping. These come in a pack of two with sturdy ties to keep everything in place, and because they’re covered in brown moss and made of natural fibers, they blend in well.
07A portable foot hammock to make plane rides comfier
It’s not easy to make airplane seats more comfortable, but this foot hammock helps get the job done. It attaches to the tray table in front of you and hangs down so you can place your feet inside and get a little more relaxed. It’s easy to adjust, small enough to stow in your carry-on or personal bag, and comes with its own travel bag.
08Colorful cord clips that organize your desk or nightstand
Having cords strewn all over your office (or any room) looks disorganized, but the solution is easy: Just start using these magnetic cable clips. Available in a pack of eight in different fun colors, these clips have an adhesive backing that allows you to put them anywhere, with a top that snaps open so you can place a cable inside. Magnets keep these firmly shut so nothing budges.
09Magnetic racks for efficient extra storage
These versatile magnetic shelves are ideal for small spaces as they offer efficient, streamlined storage. A heavy duty magnetic backing allows you to put these on the side of a refrigerator or similar appliance, giving extra room for spices and other items. They come in a pack of four, handle up to 8 pounds each, and have hooks for hanging brushes and more.
10Cleaning pods that make your garbage disposal smell better
When not properly cleaned, your garbage disposal can become gross — and can smell even worse. These garbage disposal cleaners are a low-effort way to cleanse and deodorize, and they come in a bag of 50. Made with D-Limonene, derived from citrus fruit peels, they help break up and wash away fats, oils, and food particles. Just run your disposal on hot water, drop one in, and you’re set.
11A powerful spin brush to deep clean with less effort
This electric spinning brush makes it easier to get a thorough clean for your bathroom, floors, tiles, and more, without a ton of elbow grease. It does the work with a dual-speed rotation that scrubs surfaces with ease. This comes with three brushes designed to can get into hard-to-reach spots, and has an extendable handle so you can clean with less bending or reaching.
12An absorbent stone mat that helps keep your sink stylish & clean
Both stylish and functional, this faucet mat helps keep the area around your kitchen or bathroom sink less messy and more put together. It’s made of diatomite stone, which absorbs water almost instantly and dries nearly as fast. It keeps water from pooling on the counters while looking really nice. It’s available in a few different sizes to suit your setup.
13Transparent memo boards that stick on your computer
If you have important notes or reminders that are helpful to have in front of you, these monitor memo boards will definitely come in handy. They attach to the side of your monitor with built-in adhesive, and offer a handy space for sticky notes. The transparent color makes them ultra-subtle, too.
14Warming booties that help relax & soothe tired feet
Sometimes your feet (and you) could use a break. These inexpensive foot masks are a delightful at-home solution. Each pair of booties gently warms up during wear to help soothe and relieve tired feet. They’re infused with Epsom salt and menthol to help treat pain and soreness, as well as Shea butter and essential oils to hydrate and refresh.
15Clever forks for slicing & eating watermelon
These watermelon forks may sound ridiculous... until you start using one. Long and double-ended, this features a slicer on one end that makes it simple to cut perfect chunks of watermelon, with a fork on the other end for easy snacking. Made of stainless steel, they’re durable and easy to clean, and make it so much simpler to enjoy this fruit.
16A 4-device car charger with retractable cables
Never again fight over who gets to charge their phone in the car with this car charger. It features spots to power up four devices at once: a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and two retractable cables compatible with Apple and Android devices. The cables extend up to more than 2 feet long, so passengers in the backseat can access them, and it even displays the voltage so you know everything is working as it should.
17An insect trap that actually looks nice on display
There are lots of different sticky insect traps to choose from, but none are as sweet as this one. Shaped like a ladybug, its wings have a sticky backing, while a glowing light attracts flying pests in your home. They get trapped on the back, minimizing insect problems with no odors, chemicals, or effort. Six additional glue cards are included and you can purchase replacements.
18Toilet seat covers that are safe to flush away
Keep a pack of these toilet seat covers in your own bathroom or take them on the go whether camping, hiking, traveling, or using any public restroom. Lightweight and disposable, these help bathrooms feel a little more hygienic, and are thankfully biodegradable and flushable. The small packs are easy to stash in your bag too.
19Stickers that dim annoying bright LED lights
Bright LED lights glowing from your router, television, or other tech can be annoying, especially when trying to get uninterrupted sleep. These clever light blocking stickers stick onto lights and dim them up to 80%, leaving them muted but slightly visible. One sheet comes in a variety of pre-cut shapes; another sheet can be cut to the size or shape you need.
20A glass oil dispenser that pours & spritzes
This glass oil dispenser bottle is an underrated kitchen must-have. Fill with the oil of your choice, then have more control over your oil distribution. The pour spout allows for mess-free, controlled pours, while the spray nozzle allows you to create your own oil spray. It has an anti-clog filter port, is made of durable glass, and comes with pre-made labels so you can keep things organized.
21A compact safe you can bring on the go
More than 11,000 Amazon shoppers have given this portable safe a five-star rating, and it’s no surprise why. Compact and easily portable, it has space for your cell phone, wallet, watch, and more. A strong cable lets you secure it to any fixed item, you set your own combination lock code for access, and a cable access port lets you charge your phone or use headphones while it’s inside.
22A handy magnetic shelf to add storage to your stove
This magnetic shelf helps you make the most out of the space in your kitchen. Meant to go on the top of the back of your stove, a magnetic base keeps it firmly in place. Made of heat-safe and durable silicone, this offers extra room for things like seasonings, spices, and oils that you use often.
23Flexible lint brushes for cleaning out dryer vents
A buildup of lint and dust in your dryer vent is more than inefficient — it can also start a dangerous fire. Keep it clean with minimal effort using these dryer vent cleaning brushes. The long, flexible brush head allows you to get deep in there, grabbing onto lint and pulling it out so you can dispose of it safely. The anti-rust steel wires are durable and withstand multiple uses. This comes in a pack of two.
24Mini screen cleaners to help keep things crystal clear
There’s no reason to use tech screens that are smudged and dirty. These screen cleaners make it simple to keep them clean, as they come with everything you need in a compact, portable size. Each is filled with cleaning liquid that spritzes on, and the container is wrapped in microfiber cloth to wipe everything down. These are pocket-sized and work for your phone, computer, television, and other similar objects.
25A magnetic umbrella that gives your phone shade
Is this mini phone umbrella strange? Sure. Is it also more convenient than one would think? Absolutely. With a flexible rod and plenty of coverage, this gives your phone screen shade so you can actually see it outside even in the sunniest conditions. The strong magnetic backing easily and securely attaches to the back of your phone.
26A unique alarm clock that projects the time on the wall
You’ll always be able to see what time it is with this funky alarm clock. The clock itself has a large screen and bright LED lighting that’s hard to miss, but it can also project huge numbers on the wall thanks to the swivel projector. You can adjust the brightness and the volume, set dual alarms, and even use it to power up your devices if needed.
27Vent covers that help you control air flow
You may not have much control over where an air conditioner or heating vent is located, but these vent covers give you more control over the air flow. With a strong magnetic backing, these are designed to stick to any vent, completely covering it up and sealing it off. Not only does this stop hot or cold air from blasting on you, it also helps muffle other noises and improves air flow in other rooms.
28A car cup holder tray for snacks & supplies
If you find yourself needing a shelf in the car — whether for food or your phone and sundries — you need to get yourself this cup holder tray. The base goes into your cup holder and expands, giving you room to hold larger tumblers or cups. An attached small tray is the perfect spot for placing meals and snacks, and it can hold up to 10 pounds.
29Press-in cleaning gel that’s oddly satisfying
This cleaning gel has an oddly pleasant, squishy feel in your hand — and genuinely works to help get rid of excess dust, grime, and debris. This stuff is especially great for hard-to-reach spots, like your keyboard or different parts of your car, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel. “It does exactly what it says it will do and then some,” one reviewer wrote. “[...] It holds so much dirt, and you can just keep smooshing it, and it will hold even more.”
30Silicone drain covers to collect hair & prevent clogs
A buildup of hair in the drain can lead to annoying, disruptive clogs. More than 8,000 Amazon shoppers have given these drain covers a five-star rating because they effectively prevent that — and for a tiny price. Made of durable and easy to clean silicone, these go over almost any drain and can collect hair and other debris while still allowing water to filter through. Suction cups on the bottom keep them firmly in place.
31Double-ended highlighters in aesthetic colors
These might be the most functional highlighters out there, thanks to their dual tips. Each marker is double-sided, with one wider tip for broad strokes and one fine tip for fine lines. They come in a pack of 12 fun, bright colors, and promise not to bleed through pages or fade easily.
32A gadget that holds your produce for even slices
Not everyone can effortlessly chop onions and other produce into thin, even slices. This onion holder is an efficient tool for keeping produce in place while you cut. It allows you to create even slices with ease, with sharp prongs that stay put and an ergonomic handle to grip. You can use it for a variety of different fruits and vegetables and even on meat.
33Corner stickers that prevent rugs from rolling up
Rugs that curl up at the corners don’t look aesthetically pleasing and becoming a tripping hazard. Avoid that with this simple solution: rug corner stickers meant to keep them flat to the floor. These are applied to the corners of your rug with an adhesive backing and the V-shaped design and rubbery grip keeps rugs down without damaging the floor.
34A long, flat cleaning brush for the narrowest spaces
Cleaning under appliances and large furniture can be so annoying that it often becomes a chore that gets ignored. Instead, use this dust brush. With a long handle and flat, wide brush head, this gets into the narrow spaces to clean out dust, dirt, and more. It’s covered in a soft microfiber cloth that’s removable and washable, and the telescoping handle makes it a breeze to use anywhere.
35Lip balm sleeves on handy keychain rings
If you feel like your lip balm is constantly disappearing, try these lip balm sleeves. Soft and a little stretchy to handle tubes of various sizes, these fit nicely over lip balm and have a key ring that allows you to attach them to your actual keys, a backpack, or your belt loop. They come in a pack of three and you can choose from a variety of colors.
36Nonstick mats that make it easier to keep the fridge clean
Made with your refrigerator in mind, these shelf mats make cleanup a lot simpler. They’re made of a lightweight, food-safe EVA plastic, with a grippy bottom so they stay in place even with daily use. You can easily run them under water when things get messy, and light cushioning helps prevent scratches and damage to your shelves.
37A rolling gadget that minces garlic for you
Carefully mincing garlic with a knife is completely unnecessary with this garlic chopper. Simply fill it with garlic, then roll it along to chop it into tiny pieces for cooking. One shopper called it “a game changer” in a review, writing, “I can easily chop 4 to 5 decent sized cloves at one time and once it's in the chopper it can go from full clove to perfect chopped garlic in under 10 secs.”
38A can opener that makes quick work of pull tabs
Opening a pull tab on a can isn’t always easy. This ring pull can opener is a clever gadget that can help you avoid unnecessary strain. Simply put the pull tab into the hook, then grip the large handle and roll it backwards. It requires a lot less effort and gets the job done. “So easy. Small or large can. [...] It's nice to find something that works,” one shopper shared.
39Wall-mounted holders for toothbrushes & more
These adhesive silicone holders are playful looking and actually super useful. An adhesive backing allows you to stick them anywhere, like the shower or bathroom wall, and they can securely hold a variety of items such as toothbrushes, razors, and more. They’re made of durable silicone, are waterproof and rust-proof, and come in a pack of four with a few color options.
40A 9-port power strip with a clever cube design
Traditional power strips can be bulky, and it’s hard to use all of the outlets at once. This compact cube power strip is different: You can use all the various plugs simultaneously. There are five AC outlets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, so you can power up multiple devices. It’s travel-friendly and comes with a 10-foot extension cord with a flat plug that can go behind furniture.
41A stripping tool that gets herb leaves off their stems
Chopping up and using fresh herbs has never been easier thanks to this little herb stripper. It features nine different holes to handle herbs as small as thyme, to big as a piece of kale. Pull the herb through and watch as the leaves neatly strip off, then use the bottom blade to chop them into fine pieces. It’s small for storage, and comes with a safety guard to keep the blade concealed.
42A textured mat that helps clean & massage feet
Give your feet a deeper clean with this foot scrubber mat, which features hundreds of tiny silicone scrubbers that feels so nice. Rubbing your feet on this helps get rid of any dirt and grime while also offering gentle exfoliation to help eliminate dead skin and leave feet softer. Suction cups on the bottom keep it in place and a small hook makes for easy storage.
43A tiny squeegee for cleaning your car mirrors
Keep this tiny and oddly adorable mirror squeegee in your car at all times to ensure windows and mirrors are kept super clean. Small enough to stash nearly anywhere in your car, a retractable handle allows you to reach every corner. Its layered squeegee design wipes away excess water fast, helping maintain better visibility better when driving.
44A lint remover & defuzzer that refreshes clothes & fabrics
When your sweaters or clothing starts to look too fuzzy, you may be tempted to toss. Before you do, try this fabric shaver. It helps get rid of different types of lint, making your clothes look smoother, cleaner, and newer. It can be used on furniture as well, with the ability to adjust the trim height to ensure you don’t damage anything. It’s also easy to remove the lint and dust from the back reservoir.
45A folding mirror with varying magnified sections
Ideal for your vanity or bathroom, and especially useful for smaller spaces, this vanity mirror gives you a zoomed in look at your face and folds to a convenient size when not in use. There are two true mirrors and two magnification mirrors. LED lights around the center make things bright, and the sturdy stand has 180-degree rotation and adjustable sides so you can look at yourself from any angle.
46A collapsible hanging trash can that saves space
This convenient trash can conveniently helps keep your kitchen as clean as possible. You can easily hang it on your cabinet door so it’s right at hand. Because it’s collapsible, it’s perfect for small spaces and even ideal for traveling, and it’s made of sturdy material. There’s even a space to hold extra bags.
47A tiny vacuum to clean up little desktop messes
Don’t assume that this tiny desktop vacuum cleaner isn’t powerful — with over 11,000 five-star ratings, it’s something of a reviewer favorite. The mini cordless vacuum offers 360 degree rotation and takes on crumbs, dust, and dirt in hard-to-reach spots. It cleans up quickly and easily, with surprisingly high powered suction, and the compact size makes it easy to move where needed.
48An ultra-absorbent mat to stylishly protect counters
Super absorbent and lightweight, this countertop mat is so useful in the kitchen. Because it helps keep water off of your countertops, it’s great as a dish drying mat, and you can also place it underneath an appliance like a coffee machine where there might be drips and spills. It’s available in several different colors and sizes.
49A sleek fridge deodorizer that works up to 10 years
Keep icky scents out of your fridge with this convenient odor eliminator. It works by decomposing gases into water molecules, which helps get rid of odors and leave things smelling fresher. The best part? This promises to last up to 10 years with no replacements or recharging, so you can place it in the fridge and forget about it.
50Molds that create easy crustless sandwiches
You can make crust-free sandwiches with ease at home thanks to this sandwich cutter. It’s simple to use: Make your sandwich, place it inside, and push the lid down. It cuts it into a round shape and seals the crust-free edges so nothing comes out. This is ideal for taking lunches on the go and the bear shape is so fun.
51A small floating shelf you can add anywhere
This floating wall shelf is a solid addition to small spaces that could use another spot to place an item or two. For example, this offers a safe place for your phone near a small bathroom sink or toilet. It has an adhesive backing that makes it very easy to install, and a raised edge so things don’t slip off.
52A handheld bidet for cleansing at home or away
This handheld bidet could not be easier to use. Simply fill it with water, then tilt it at the angle you need, and apply some pressure to squeeze out the water. It helps clean the specific area, can be used upside down without leaking, and delivers a gentle but high pressure stream of water. It’s also really travel-friendly.
53A compact pill box with labels to stay organized
This handy pill organizer makes traveling so much more convenient. With 10 different spaces, you can stash a variety of different pills safely and neatly. To organize even more, it comes with a large selection of stickers so that you can label everything. A sturdy clasp ensures it won’t open up. Just under 4 inches by 3 inches, this can easily be packed away.
54A flameless lighter you can recharge as needed
This electric candle lighter flameless and wind-safe, so you can easily use this outside without worrying about it going out. It’s also USB-rechargeable, so there’s no messing with lighter fluid, and it has an auto-off function that prevents it from overheating. The longer design also makes it ideal for lighting deep candles and more.
55Sturdy tongs for removing hot dishes from the oven
Consider these stainless steel grippers a step above your standard oven mitt. Made with strong clamps, these can clip onto most plates and bowl edges to help you pull them from a hot oven, air fryer, or microwave without burning yourself. They’re durable and a lot less bulky than traditional mitts.
56Playful toilet bolt covers that pep up the bathroom
Want to add some personality to your bathroom? These duck-shaped toilet bolt covers are a fun and unique way to do so. They look like tiny little rubber duckies that you might find in a bath, and cover up the mounting bolts while adding a nice pop of color. These are so easy to install and are made of durable ceramic.
57A handheld LED facial device that won’t break the bank
Red light therapy devices and can run expensive (think hundreds of dollars), but this one comes in at a fraction of that. It’s small and handheld, with a curved design to effectively target your face and neck. It’s portable and easy to use. “I’ve only been using it for a few days but my skin feels better and cleaner and I get a nice tingly feeling after I use it,” one shopper raved.
58The cutest owl mug with a built-in tea bag holder
It doesn’t matter how large your collection may be — if you’re a tea drinker, you need this ceramic mug. The owl design is so fun (and it’s available in other options), and the clever design means there’s a handy space for your tea bag once it’s done steeping. This is nice enough to display and functional enough to use every day.
59Jar openers that can handle loads of different sizes
Sidestep struggling to open a jar or bottle thanks to this jar opener kit. It comes with a jar opener that has four different-sized openings to use on both larger and smaller jars. The second piece is a smaller, multifunctional bottle opener that can be used to open pull tabs, bottlecaps, and more. Keep both of these handy in your kitchen at all times.
60A cell phone holder shaped like a mini chair
Keep this cell phone stand on your bedside table, your desk, or really anywhere in your home to adorably prop up your phone for hands-free usage. The design, which makes it look like a little chair, is so sweet and looks nice even when not in use. Even more conveniently, this folds nearly flat so it’s compact enough and travel friendly.
61A small spiralizer that turns veggies into noodles
You don’t need a bulky, hard-to-store spiralizer in order to turn vegetables into noodles. This handheld spiralizer is much more compact, and easy to clean and store. Simply place a vegetable, like a zucchini or carrot, inside, then twist the top to turn it into long, noodle-like shapes.
62Cloud tech accessories that make computer-ing comfier
This little set of cloud tech accessories might be the most playful things you can add to your desk or office space. With a soft and springy feel and a textured cloud design, the wrist rest helps support hands in a more ergonomic position when typing. It also comes with a matching coaster and a wrist rest for your mouse.
63A snack bag sealer to help keep things fresher
If you want your snacks and other opened food items to stay as fresh as possible, skip clips and rubber bands and opt for this mini bag sealer instead. This uses heat to effectively seal bags shut, ensuring that no moisture or humidity gets inside. It’s a breeze to use, small enough to fit in your kitchen drawers, and has a rechargeable USB cord.
64A case for keeping sunglasses safe when traveling
Sunglasses are one accessory that need to be packed with a little extra care — you don’t want them to get crushed, scratched, or bent. This sunglasses organizer is ideal for traveling with multiple pairs, with four different slots. A soft lining prevents scratches, while the hard exterior case helps keep damage at bay. There’s an inside pocket for extras and it zippers securely shut.
65MacBook port covers that keep dust away
Keep excess dust out of your precious MacBook with these dust plug covers. They come in a set of 14 different sizes and are compatible with a variety of different MacBooks. Made of durable and flexible silicone, these fit neatly in the ports to prevent dust, water, and other grime from getting in.