Shopping

65 Cheap Things That Are So Genius, They're Life-Changing

These prove “genius” doesn’t have to mean out-of-reach.

by Rebecca Martinson
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

There’s a huge difference between a product that’s handy versus one so genius it changes your life for the better. And while the latter may sound like it comes with a big price tag, with a little effort and some scrolling, you can actually find loads of surprisingly cheap, very clever things right on Amazon. We’ve done that work for you and gathered everything from odor-removing steel “soap” to coffee mugs that stir themselves. The finds below are all so genius, dare we say, they’re truly life-changing.

01This unique coffee mug that stirs itself

Don’t be surprised if your co-workers ask where you bought this coffee mug. A whisk built into the underside of the lid spins round and round, stirring your coffee, matcha, or any other drink for you. And since the motor runs at a super-quiet level, you won’t have to worry about it disturbing the people around you at the office.

02A genius heated eye massager to soothe strain

You’ll be glad you grabbed this massager the next time your eyes are feeling strained. Not only does it block outside light for migraine relief, but it also features a soothing heat function to help your eyes relax after a long day. “The combination of gentle heat, air compression, and vibration provides a very relaxing experience, especially after a full day of work,” wrote one reviewer.

03Handy clips to keep track of keys inside your bag

Tired of fishing down into your bag to find your keys? Then these clips are a must-have. They attach to the top of your bag, giving you somewhere to hang your keys so that they’re easy to find. One reviewer described them as “the perfect solution for keeping a key or fob from getting lost in your purse.”

04Stainless steel “soap” that removes unwanted odors from skin

Garlic, fish, onions — this stainless steel bar of soap can be used to remove all sorts of unwanted odors from skin. It neutralizes scents simply by rubbing it against your skin, and can be used with or without water. Since it’s rust-resistant, you won’t have to worry about it corroding over time.

05A clever water dispenser for 5-gallon jugs

It’s almost too easy to spill when trying to wrangle a huge five-gallon jug — but that’s where this dispenser comes in handy. Simply insert the tube down into your jug, place your cup under the spigot, then press one of the dispense buttons to fill it up. Multiple reviewers raved about how the battery can go months before it needs to be recharged.

06An acupressure mat that can help alleviate muscle tension

I’m a huge fan when it comes to this acupressure mat — and not just because it’s available for less than the cost of one massage. It features thousands of raised points that dig into your back, neck, and head, helping alleviate muscle tension just by lying on it for 10 minutes a day. “It’s cheap and it works [...],” wrote one reviewer. “Greatly helped my back and neck pain and mobility.”

07A compact pill organizer with handy compartments

Packing all your individual pill bottles can take up a ton of space inside your suitcase, making this organizer a smart buy. The interior is divided into seven compartments, making it easy to take multiple types of pills with you — and its compact size takes up minimal room in your bag. One reviewer also confirmed that it “holds a surprising amount without leaking or wasting space.”

08Breath-freshening capsules so easy to take with you

Keeping your breath smelling fresh while on the go is a total breeze when you have these capsules. They’re formulated with parsley and mint oils that help eliminate unwanted odors from the inside-out — simply swallow one with water, and they’ll help keep your breath smelling good for up to eight hours. Plus, the travel-friendly container makes it easy to keep them with you in your bag.

09Genius touchscreen cleaner sprays with microfiber cloths built in

Keep one of these touchscreen cleaners inside your bag, and it’ll always be ready to go whenever your phone or tablet screen is littered with fingerprints. Each one features a built-in microfiber cloth as well as a sprayer that you can fill with your own cleaning solution. And since they arrive pre-filled with cleaning solution, you can even start using them right out of the box.

10A travel-friendly iron that takes up hardly any suitcase space

It’s almost too easy for clothes to get wrinkled as they sit in your suitcase — but that’s where this iron comes in handy. The compact design takes up hardly any space, and at less than 1 pound in weight, you won’t have to worry about it adding bulk to your suitcase. Plus, the 6-foot power cable makes it easy to use with distant outlets.

11Peel-off liquid latex for flawless manicures at home

Giving yourself a manicure can be challenging — but that’s only part of the reason why I’m a fan of this liquid latex. Simply paint it onto the skin surrounding your nails, then apply your polish as your normally would. If you accidentally get polish onto skin, you’ll be able to peel the latex off, leaving behind a flawless manicure.

12An easy-to-use stitch tool for quick clothing fixes

Whether your pants could use some hemming or there’s a rip in your shirt, this stitch tool is great for making quick fixes. You don’t need to know how to sew in order to use it — and each order includes 2,000 fasteners to get you started. “I used this on a pair of dress pants that were too long and a shirt with a gaping neckline,” wrote one reviewer. “It fixed both in less than 30 seconds.”

13A clever brush that cleans both sides of dirty window screens

Cleaning your dirty window screens with a rag will do an all right job — though this brush is sure to perform much better. The ultra-fine bristles reach through the mesh, latching onto dirt, dust, and more with every stroke. Plus, the extra-wide head makes quick work of large surface areas.

14A folding pocket knife that loops onto your keyring

Don’t be fooled by how small this pocket knife is. Despite its compact size, it’s still great for opening packages, trimming loose threads off clothing, or nearly any other quick job you can think of. Plus, a loop on the top lets you add it to your keyring so that it’s always conveniently within reach.

15An SPF50 sunscreen stick for easy reapplying anywhere

Whereas liquid sunscreen can leave you feeling greasy, this sunscreen stick features a semi-matte, lightweight finish that seamlessly blends into skin. SPF50 protection works to shield you from the sun’s harsh rays — and the water-resistant formula only needs to be reapplied once every 80 minutes for best protection.

16Purification tablets that remove 99% of viruses & bacteria from water

Got a camping or backpacking trip coming up? Then you’ll definitely want to check out these purification tablets. Simply fill your bottle with water, then drop one inside — it’ll quickly work to eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses, cysts, or any other contaminants that may be present. And unlike some purification tablets, these ones don’t leave behind an unpleasant taste.

17A game-changing sun visor extender with so much more coverage

Few things are as annoying as trying to drive when the sun is too low in the sky for your sun visor to work. Luckily, this extender is a clever fix. Installation is as easy as attaching it to your existing visor using the two straps on the back — and the polarized surface even helps reduce glare.

18A tiny portable charger that can power 3 devices at once

Don’t let your phone go dead while you’re out and about. Instead, plug it into this portable charger. Two type-C ports and one USB port give you the ability to power up to three devices simultaneously, while the compact size takes up minimal space inside your bag. “It powers up phones much faster than standard power banks, and it also handles other devices reliably without feeling slow or inconsistent,” wrote one reviewer.

19A unique donut pillow for sleeping comfortably on freshly pierced ears

People who prefer to sleep on their side can find it hard to do so with freshly pierced ears. Enter: this pillow. The hole in the center leaves space for your ear, making it comfortable to sleep on your side. Plus, an invisible zipper on the side lets you add or remove filling to suit your preferences.

20Fan-favorite K-beauty balm packed with collagen

No skin-care routine is complete without this multi balm. Simply swipe it where you need hydration, and its blend of collagen, adenosine, and calcium can help firm up skin as well as give it a boost in elasticity. One reviewer raved about how it “reduces that dry, crepey look that can show up midday, and adds just enough slip and hydration to make the skin look healthier and more refined.”

21Quick-drying gel pens with fidget spinner tops

Regardless of whether you’re taking notes during class or need to jot down a reminder at work, these gel pens are a must-have. The black ink dries quickly — so you’re significantly less likely to accidentally smudge it if you happen to swipe your arm across the page. Plus, the silicone tab on each pen makes them comfortable to grip.

22A handy foot pull for opening cabinets hands-free

Ever wish you could open that one kitchen cabinet using your foot? Then this pull is worth a look. Soft EVA pads on the inside help keep your foot from chafing as you open the door, while the adhesive backing makes installation a total breeze. Or, if you’d prefer a more permanent mount, each order also includes a set of screws.

23Genius gap fillers to keep items from falling under car seats

Tired of fishing items out from between or underneath your car seats? Then these gap fillers are worth a look. They fit down into that gap between your seats to help keep items from falling through — and their universal design makes them suitable for use in just about any vehicle.

24A tiered storage box for medicine, first aid materials, & more

From first aid materials to medicine, this storage box has space for all sorts of medical supplies. Three tiers on the inside help you keep everything organized — and a handle on the top makes it easy to carry around. One reviewer also confirmed that it “makes organizing my medications and first aid products easy.”

25Glowing keychains that help you find your keys in the dark

Finding your keys in the dark is a total breeze when you have this glowing keychain. It only needs to be exposed to 10 minutes of sunlight in order to light up — and the glow is bright enough that it can be seen from up to 25 feet away. But if that isn’t enough? The waterproof design means it can be submerged in more than 150 feet of water without being affected.

26Scented pods that help eliminate unpleasant bathroom odors

Drop one of these pods into the toilet before you “go,” and its potent blend of lemongrass and bergamot essential oils will work to eliminate any unwanted odors before they can even hit the air. They also help prevent hard water stains with every flush — and unlike some deodorizers, these ones are suitable for use with septic systems.

27Clips that help prevent thieves from getting in your bag

Don’t let pickpockets reach into your bag. Instead, secure the dual zippers together using these clips. Not only do they help keep thieves at bay, but you can also use them as replacement zipper pulls in a pinch. “Added this to the zipper of my purse when traveling abroad and it worked great,” wrote one reviewer. “Helped me feel safe while walking around Europe.”

28An adorable door chime that’s so easy to install

You’ll always know when someone has opened your door once you’ve installed this chime. Not only is it cute to look at, but it’s also made a combination of sleek brass and rustic wood — not plastic. Ech order also includes double-sided adhesive for tool-free installation.

29Flexible silicone headbands that won’t leave your head sore

I’m a huge fan when it comes to these silicone headbands — and not just because their tortoise shell pattern is oh-so stylish. The silicone grips your head without squeezing it too hard, making it less likely that your head will start to ache after a day of wear. Plus, they’re flexible enough that they’ll automatically adjust to fit heads of nearly any size.

30Mess-free nail polish remover wipes fortified with vitamins

Getting rid of old manicures at home or away is sure to be way easier once you have these polish remover wipes. They’re formulated without any acetone, and contain a blend of vitamins A, C, and E, all of which work together to help nourish brittle nails. Plus, the individual packaging is so much easier than dragging out a bottle and cotton balls.

31Clever headrest hooks to hang bags & hold phones

Don’t let your grocery bags or purse spill out all over your car whenever you take a sharp turn. Instead, hang them from one of these hooks. They clip onto your headrest poles, giving you a convenient place to hang all sorts of bags. And once both hooks are installed alongside each other, they can also be used as a holder for your phone when watching videos.

32Genius claw clips that fit around your baseball cap

Unlike some claw clips, these ones feature a gap in their frames so that they’ll fit around the band on the back of your baseball cap. Their strong grip makes them suitable for thin as well as thick hair. And if you don’t wear many baseball caps? They work just as well when holding up hair on their own as they do when worn with a cap.

33Cotton swabs pre-filled with makeup remover

Getting your winged eyeliner tips looking perfectly even can require some editing, making these swabs a smart buy. Each one is pre-filled with makeup remover, making it easy to erase uneven eyeliner, make quick touch-ups, and more. “For someone like me who wears a lot of eye makeup, these are an essential to keep your eyes looking clean and bright throughout the day!” raved one reviewer.

34A handy pick for cleaning vacuums & hair brushes

Got a mess of hair trapped inside your hair brush? Then this tool is worth a look. It’s made from a tough zinc alloy, with sharp, metal teeth that help you yank those hairs stubborn hairs out from your brush. Or, if your brush is already clean, you can just as easily use it to cut through tangled hair on your vacuum’s roller brush.

35Cooling neck tubes that help you beat the heat for hours

Whether you’re hiking, jogging, or even just relaxing out in the sun, these tubes are a clever way to beat the heat. Simply keep them in your fridge or freezer, then loop one around your neck whenever you want to stay cool. They’ll stay cold for up to three hours — and the soft exteriors make for comfortable wear.

36A clever portable lamp that folds up nearly flat

Whether you’re packing an emergency kit or getting ready for a camping trip, make sure to grab this portable lamp. It folds down flat when not in use, making it easy to stash away without using too much space — and the battery even delivers up to six hours of light before it needs to be recharged. but if that isn’t enough? The waterproof design helps keep it in good condition should it get splashed.

37A mini printer that turns phone photos into stickers

I’m a huge fan when it comes to this miniature printer — and not just because it’s a fun way to transform the photos on your phone into stickers. It doesn’t require costly ink cartridges, instead using cheap thermal paper to print your stickers. The downloadable smartphone app also lets you customize your stickers with a variety of templates, fonts, and more.

38Green color corrector that helps mitigate redness

Ever notice how your foundation doesn’t quite cover redness how you’d like? Then this color corrector is worth a look. It helps neutralize the appearance of blemishes and redness with just a few swipes, making it easier to conceal under foundation. It comes in shades to suit every skin tone — and a touch of hyaluronic acid in the formula even helps hydrate skin.

39The genius toilet stool that helps you poop without straining

Pop your feet up onto this toilet stool when it’s time to “go,” and it’ll help align your intestines in a way that makes it easier to poop without having to strain. It’s suitable for use with any standard-sized toilet — and dozens of reviewers even described it as a “game changer.”

40Soap sheets for a good hand-washing wherever you are

You’ll be glad you bought these soap sheets the next time you’re caught in a public bathroom that’s run out of hand soap. It only takes a small amount of water to lather them up into a rich foam, while the small packets easily fit inside purses as well as backpacks. Each order includes three scents: sweet orange, tea tree, and lavender.

41The mini trash can that hangs off cabinet doors

I’m a huge fan when it comes to this miniature trash can — and not just because it works great as a quick spot to throw out food debris when preparing meals. A hook on the back lets you mount it overtop cabinet doors so that it’s always within reach. And since it folds down when not in use, stashing it away inside a drawer should be no trouble at all.

42Easy self-tanner facial pads with brightening niacinamide

Using self tanner lotions on your face can lead to breakouts. Instead, try out these self tanner pads. Not only are they suitable for use on your face, but each one is also fortified with niacinamide that can help brighten skin. Plus, the streak-free formula is less likely to accidentally transfer onto clothes.

43A stylish cover to protect furniture from pet hair & dirt

Anyone who enjoys having their pet sit with them on the couch is sure to appreciate this cover. It’s made with ultra-soft flannel, with a plush finish that makes it a comfortable addition to any couch. The nonslip underside works to keep it from shifting around — and once too dirty to ignore, simply toss it into the wash for an easy clean.

44Cord wraps that keep appliance cords tidy

Stand mixers, coffee makers, microwaves — these cord wraps are great for keeping the power cable on all sorts of appliances looking tidy. The adhesive backing lets you press them directly onto your appliances for easy installation. Plus, the transparent frame gives them an oh-so subtle look.

45A reflective sash that helps keep you visible at night

Don’t even think about walking the dog or going for a run at night unless you’re wearing this sash. Not only is it reflective, but it also features LED bulbs that light up to help you stay visible in the dark. The best part? It’s so bright that it can even be seen from up to 1,000 feet away.

46This portable lock that adds extra security to doors

Hotels, airbnbs, apartments — this portable lock is a clever way to add an extra layer of security to your door no matter where you’re saying. It hooks into the deadbolt, preventing anyone on the outside from being able to open your door until you remove it. Plus, removal is simple enough that you shouldn’t have any trouble doing so in the event of an emergency.

47Gap covers to prevent messes between the stove & counter

Ever notice how messes can drip down into the gap between your stove and the countertop? Then these gap covers are a must-have. They’re made from tough stainless steel that’s rust- as well as heat-resistant, and can be adjusted to fit into gaps of nearly any size. Once too dirty to ignore, simply wipe them down with a wet rag for an easy clean.

48The weird spoon rest that doubles as an egg cracker

Don’t waste a paper towel whenever you need somewhere to rest that dirty stirrer. Instead, place it on this spoon rest. It’s made from sleek ceramic — not plastic — and features a ledge in the center where you can crack an egg in a pinch.

49Frames that help you freeze food into single-serving blocks

Freezing soup or leftovers into convenient single single servings can be difficult when you only have large containers. Enter: these frames. Simply pour your soup into a bag, place it inside the frame, then secure the frame together using the two rubber bands. You’ll then be able to place them upright in your freezer without needing to worry about any spillage.

50A minimalist wallet that guards you from digital ID thieves

Electronic pickpockets can access your sensitive credit card information simply by scanning your wallet. Enter: this minimalist wallet. Not only does it take up minimal space in your bag or pocket, but it also features RFID-blocking technology to help shield you from thieves. Plus, the vegan leather finish makes it seem way more expensive than it is.

51Tiny LED lights you can stick onto keys, remotes, & more

Ever struggled to fit your key into a deadbolt at night? Then these little LED lights are a smart fix. They’re small enough to fit onto keys, making it easy to find your deadbolt in the dark — though you can just easily stick them onto everything from remotes to pet leashes.

52Unique straws that let you sip without wrinkling your lips

Unlike standard straws that require you to purse your lips in order to sip, these ones feature a flat opening, allowing you to sip while keeping your lips relaxed. They’re made from rust-resistant stainless steel, with tips covered in soft silicone that help keep the metal from clinking against your teeth.

53A stylish chain that helps keep AirPods from getting lost

Having an AirPod fall out of your ear can be a costly mistake. Luckily, this chain is a stylish fix. Just loop it onto your AirPods stems, and it’ll catch them anytime they shake loose. “I get complimented all the time when I wear this!” raved one reviewer. “It holds onto my AirPod pros like nobody’s business.”

54Reusable toothpicks you can loop onto your keychain

You’ll be glad you grabbed these reusable toothpicks the next time you have something stuck between your teeth. They’re made from a combination of stainless steel and titanium, both of which are waterproof as well as rustproof. A loop on the top lets you attach them to your bag or keyring — and at less than 5 grams in weight, they won’t add much heft to wherever you decide to attach them.

55Elastic shoelaces that transform regular shoes into slip-ons

Anyone with limited mobility is sure to appreciate these elastic shoelaces. Simply swap them out with your existing laces, and your sneakers will instantly become slip-ons, eliminating the need to continually bend over to tie them. The best part? Their sturdy locking system is so strong that you can even use them on running shoes, hiking shoes, and more.

56Genius tools that let you push buttons without touching them

Elevators, ATMs, gas pumps — these tools are great for pushing all sorts of buttons without physically touching them with your hand. A loop on the corner lets you add them to your keychain so that they’re always conveniently within reach. Each one also features a built-in stylus tip that you can use on touchscreens.

57Travel-friendly perfume bottles in lightweight, leakproof aluminum

Don’t waste precious suitcase space packing a full bottle of perfume. Instead, transfer some of it into one of these travel-friendly bottles. They’re made from a durable combination of aluminum and glass — so there’s no need to worry about them breaking and leaking inside your bag. “I love keeping one in my car so I can freshen up before a meeting or date,” raved one reviewer.

58Magnetic clips that let you hang glasses on your shirt

Always forgetting where you put your glasses? Not a problem when you have these clips. A magnet on the inside lets you attach them to your shirt, while the built-in hook gives you somewhere to hang your glasses. Or, if you don’t wear glasses, you can just as easily use them to hang ID badges.

59The nail polish organizer case that holds 48 bottles

Anyone with a large nail polish collection is sure to get a ton of use out of this organizer. Not only is there room to store up to 48 bottles inside, but a handle on the top also makes it easy to carry. Plus, the dividers can be adjusted to fit larger or smaller bottles as needed.

60Disposable pads to keep shirts dry from underarm sweat

There’s nothing wrong with being a sweaty person — though if you’d like to help keep your shirts feeling dry throughout the day, take a look at these pads. They stick to the insides of your shirt sleeves via an adhesive backing, working to absorb moisture so that you’re less likely to wind up with sweat stains.

61This collapsible water bottle that won’t leak in your bag

Plastic water bottles can take up a ton of space inside your bag. Enter: this collapsible version. Not only is it great for helping save space, but the leakproof design also helps keep your bag safe from spills. A bonus carabiner on the top also lets you clip it to the outside of your bag if needed.

62Razor bump patches that help soothe away ingrown hairs

Anyone who suffers from razor bumps is sure to appreciate these patches. Each one features more than 150 tiny microdarts that gently inject a blend of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and cica into skin, all of which work to help release ingrown hairs as well as soothe away irritation. And unlike some razor bumps treatments, these patches are suitable for use on all types of skin.

63The handy LED book light that’s completely cordless

There’s no need to plug this book light into an outlet, as its cordless design makes it easy to use no matter where you are. You can switch it between three light temperatures depending on which one suits your surroundings the best: white, neutral, or warm. Plus, the scratch-resistant design helps keep it in good working condition over time.

64This mini jewelry box that’s easy to stash in your suitcase

Letting your jewelry roam freely throughout your suitcase is an easy way for it to get knotted and tangled. Instead, store it in this miniature jewelry box. Not only does it take up hardly any space, but the leather finish also gives it an upscale vibe. Or, if you have a lot of loose change kicking around, it can also be used as a compact a coin purse.

65A UV toothbrush sanitizer that eliminates up to 99% of germs

Don’t let the bristles on your toothbrush get dirty between uses. Instead, use this sanitizer to help them stay clean. A powerful UV light on the inside eliminates up to 99% of germs, while the wall-mounted design helps you save bathroom counter space. Each order also includes adhesive for easy wall mounting.

Related Tags