65 Life-Changing Things You Probably Didn't Know Existed — & They're So Cheap
These cheap finds have no business being so genius.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make your life better. Sometimes the smallest tweaks — like ditching your crummy umbrella in favor of one that’s windproof — is all it takes. Amazon is full of clever, everyday upgrades that are so useful, you’ll find yourself wondering how you never knew they even existed. Best of all, the ones below are also shockingly cheap, and start at just $5.
01An insulating iced coffee sleeve that looks like a tumbler
Few things are as annoying as having your iced coffee melt before you can finish drinking it. Enter: this sleeve. It’s made from tough stainless steel, with vacuum-insulated walls that work to keep your iced coffee cold for hours longer than it would without. Plus, the universal design makes it suitable for use with nearly any iced coffee cup.
02A tiny-but-bright rechargeable flashlight for your keychain
Add this flashlight to your keychain, and it’ll always be conveniently within reach. The battery delivers up to five hours of light before it needs to be recharged — and its waterproof design helps keep it in good working order should you get caught in the rain. One reviewer even raved about how it “feels surprisingly heavy-duty for such a small flashlight.”
03Clever car window shades that stay in place with magnets
Whereas some car window shades use flimsy suction cups to stay in place, these ones feature eight strong magnets running around the edges — so there’s no need to worry about them falling out of place. The fabric is thick enough to block up to 99% of the sun’s harsh UV rays. And if you don’t want a full blackout? You can tie back the curtain layers to allow soft light to shine through.
04Guard mats to keep things from falling behind your washer & dryer
Tired of having to fish items out from behind your washer and dryer? Then these guardrails are worth a look. Their nonslip undersides help keep them firmly in place on the tops of your machines, while the raised sides work to keep soap bottles, rags, scrubbers, and more from sliding off.
05A multi-head spin scrubber that saves you elbow grease
With its powerful motor that delivers up to 400 rotations per minute, this spin scrubber is sure to make quick work of all sorts of dirty surfaces. The battery delivers up to 3 hours of use before it needs to be recharged. And unlike some scrubbers, this one comes with six interchangeable heads to help you clean everything from shower walls to tire rims.
06The genius laser tape measure that fits in your pocket
With a compact design that can easily fit in your pocket, this laser tape measure is a definite upgrade from the bulky standard one you’ve likely been using. It can measure distances up to 98 feet in length within about .2 seconds — and the battery delivers up to 1,000 uses before it needs to be recharged.
07An inverted umbrella that helps keep floors clean from drips
Unlike the umbrella you’ve likely been using, this one features an inverted design that traps water droplets on the inside when folded, helping keep them from dripping onto your floors. A carabiner clip built into the handle also makes it easy to attach onto your bag. And since the ribs are made from tough fiberglass, it’s also less likely to turn inside-out if you get caught in a sudden gust of wind.
08Handy frames for freezing soup & leftover portions
Freezing single servings of soup inside baggies can be a challenge — unless you have these frames. They help you freeze your soups into thin blocks that take up minimal space inside your freezer, while two rubber bands work to keep the frames firmly set around the baggie. Each one is large enough to fit baggies up to 2 cups in size.
09Soothing ice packs that fit on your fingers
Whether your fingers or joint feel sore, tense, or inflamed, these ice packs are worth a look. They’re made without any PVC, BPAs, or latex — and the compressive fit even helps stimulate blood flow in your fingers. “One of my joints is currently inflamed and these make it so easy to ice [...],” wrote one reviewer.
10Fungal patches that help combat yellowing nails
If you’ve noticed your toenails yellowing, growing thicker, or even just becoming brittle, consider taking a look at these patches. Not only do they help fortify nails as well as deliver relief from fungus, but their ultra-thin profile also makes them comfortable to wear with socks and shoes.
11The cooking spoon that’s also a handheld strainer
There’s a good chance you’ve never seen a cooking spoon like this one before. Not only is it great for stirring soups, sauces, and more, but drainage holes throughout the head mean you can also use it as a handheld strainer. And since it’s heat-resistant up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, feel free to let it rest on the side of a hot pot or pan when straining.
12Clever clips that keep keys from getting lost in your bag
Having to blindly fish around in your bag for your keys can be a real pain. Enter: these clips. They slide onto the edge of your bag or a pocket on the inside, giving you somewhere to hang your keyring so that it’s easy to grab your keys whenever you need. “I never have to search for my keys,” wrote one reviewer. “I always know where they are and they’re not lost in the bottom of my bag.”
13The stylish night-light that’s cordless & portable
There’s no denying that this night-light would look so smart sitting on an entryway table in your home. It only needs two AAA batteries (which are not included) in order to stay lit for hours — and the built-in timer can be adjusted from six hours to 18 hours if needed. One reviewer also raved about how it helps create “the perfect cozy ambiance every single night.”
14This rechargeable air duster to blast clean keyboards & more
Got crumbs underneath your keyboard? Not a problem when you have this air duster. The battery delivers up to 40 minutes of use before it needs to be recharged — and each order includes eight interchangeable heads to help you clean deep into all sorts of awkward spaces. Plus, a built-in LED light also helps you see into dark areas.
15A clever storage bin that makes cleaning up toys so easy
I’m a huge fan when it comes to this organizer — and not just because it’s a clever way to clean up everything from LEGOs to stuffed animals. The mat is large enough for kids to play on top of it, making it easy to zip all the toys back into the bin once they’ve finished with them. The bin is also sized to fit onto most cubby-style shelves for an oh-so tidy look.
16A clever towel ring that magnetizes to appliances
You won’t need to bust out any tools in order to install this towel ring, as a magnet built into the top lets you mount it onto nearly any metal surface. The magnet is covered in soft rubber to help prevent scratches — and matte black finish is also perfectly on trend.
17Potent cleaner gel that lets you wipe away grime & grout stains
From shower tile grout to the seal on the inside of your washing machine, this gel is formulated to help get rid of stains from all sorts of surfaces. It’s potent enough that minimal scrubbing is required. Plus, the extra-thick texture works to keep it from dripping downwards when applied vertically.
18This windproof torch lighter that can change colors
Not only does this torch lighter look like a miniature light saber, but it’s also windproof — so there’s no need to worry about how it’ll perform on breezy days. The best part? You can also adjust the flame color from red to blue for an added touch of fun.
19An adjustable eye mask made from soft, 100% mulberry silk
Whether you’re on a long flight or relaxing in bed, this eye mask is a clever way to help block outside light so that it’s easier to fall asleep. The adjustable closure makes it suitable for heads of nearly any size. And since it covers your ears in addition to your eyes, it can also help muffle sounds, as well as prevent ear plugs from falling out.
20Weird tape that helps curtains slide smoothly on their rods
Ever notice how your curtain can sometimes snag on the curtain rod? Then this roll of tape is worth a look. Simply add it to the top of your curtain rod, and it’ll help the curtain glide smoothly back and forth. The transparent finish blends seamlessly into the curtain rod — and trimming it to size requires no more than a standard pair of scissors.
21Moisture absorbers that help eliminate musty odors
Hang one of these moisture absorbers in that musty closet, and it’ll help eliminate that unwanted odor so that the space is left smelling clean. They’re suitable for use in all sorts of small spaces, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more. Plus, you only need to replace them once every two months for best results.
22Dissolvable labels for keeping track of leftovers
Using traditional labels to date leftovers and canning jars can be a real pain when it’s time to remove. Instead, opt for these dissolvable ones. They only need to be submerged in water for about 30 seconds to dissolve. Plus, the adhesive backing is strong enough to stick to glass, wood, metal, plastic, and more.
23A clever alarm that alerts you when the power has gone out
Having the power go out can cause all the food in your fridge to spoil. Luckily, this alarm lets you know when a power outage is detected for your furnace, fridge, aquarium, or sump pump, making it easy to intervene before anything bad can happen. The best part? You can also adjust its volume so that it’s as loud or subtle as you like.
24Weird erasers designed to remove sticky adhesive residue
When no amount of scrubbing seems to remove that adhesive residue from your wall, it may be time to try out these erasers. They’re designed specifically for the gooey residues left behind by stickers, glue, tape, and more — though you can jsut as easily use them to clean dirty shoes. One reviewer even confirmed that they’re “great to clean [Ugg] boots or any suede or nubuck material.”
25This cord hider that can be painted to match your walls
Got a mess of cables hanging underneath your television? Then this cord hider is a must-have. It’s large enough to fit up to four cables depending on how thick they are — and the adhesive backing makes it so easy to mount onto walls. But if that isn’t enough? You can also paint it to match your wall for an extra-subtle look.
26Drywall picture hangers that can hold up to 45 pounds
You’ll need hardly any DIY skills in order to hang up artwork using these picture hangers. Installation is as easy as pressing them into your drywall using either your thumb or a hammer — and each one is so strong that it can easily support up to 45 pounds. “Extremely sturdy!” raved one reviewer. “I hung a 40+ lb mirror and it hangs as solid as if it were screwed into a stud.”
27This pocket microscope that delivers up to 120 times magnification
Get a closer look at the world around you with this pocket microscope. You can adjust its magnification from 60 times up to 120 times, while a built-in LED light helps you see exactly what you’re looking at. Just supply one AA battery and it’s ready to go.
28Space-saving shoe racks that mount onto walls
I’m a huge fan when it comes to these shoe racks — and not just because they’re a clever way to help save space. Each order includes double-sided adhesive that lets you mount them onto walls, though you’ll also receive screws if you prefer a more permanent installation method. One reviewer described them as the “perfect addition to my RV to help keep the shoes out of the entryway.”
29A subtle flask that’s leakproof & shatterproof
Whereas metal flasks can be caught by metal detector wands when entering a concert, this one is made from Tritan plastic, making it an oh-so discreet alternative. The shatterproof design means you won’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it. And unlike some flasks, this one features a wide mouth that makes for easy filling.
30A handy retractable clothesline that extends out to 16 feet
Hanging your clothes to dry can help cut down on utility bills, so why not grab this retractable clothesline? It extends out to 16 feet, giving you ample room to hang up multiple garments — and it can even support up to 44 pounds. Plus, the wire is made from tough stainless steel that’s resistant to rust.
31An adjustable rack to neatly store pots & pans
Stacking your pans inside of each other can lead to scratches. Instead, store them on this organizer. There’s enough room for up to six pans, and you can even adjust the tiers to fit bulky pots if you like. The compact frame helps save cabinet space — and the heavy-duty frame helps keep it from wobbling under the weight of heavy cookware.
32A protective desk pad printed with loads of Excel shortcuts
Can’t remember how to quickly delete a column in Excel? Then this desk pad is a must-have. Not only does it help shield your desk against scratches, but it’s also printed with dozens of helpful Excel shortcuts. Plus, the stitched edges help keep it from fraying over time.
33A rubber strip to help weatherproof your garage door
You don’t have to call a professional if you want to weatherproof your garage door — just grab this rubber strip. Not only does it help keep water, snow, dust, and dirt from entering your garage, but nonslip ridges also help keep it from shifting out of place. Each order also includes a bottle of silicone sealant for easy installation.
34The handy carabiner that combines 8 tools into 1
Whether you’re packing for a camping trip or assembling an emergency preparedness kit, don’t forget to grab this carabiner. It combines eight tools into one, including a pocket knife, rope cutter, slotted screwdriver, can opener, and more. “Super easy to use and very portable,” wrote one reviewer. “Looks great and can fit right in your pocket.”
35This compact pair of scissors that’s TSA-compliant
Whereas standard scissors will likely be confiscated by airport security, this tiny pair is TSA-compliant, making them great for traveling. The blades are made from sharp stainless steel that’s resistant to rust — and they also lock together when not in use, making it less likely that you’ll accidentally nick either yourself or the inside of your bag.
36A worry stone necklace for subtly soothing stress
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to afford high-quality jewelry, and this necklace is proof. The pendant is shaped like a worry stone, making it great for fiddling with whenever you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or even just bored. And unlike some pieces of affordable jewelry, it’s also plated with 14-karat gold.
37This retractable car charger that projects a starry scene
Keeping your phone charged when driving is a total breeze when you have this charger. It features two retractable cables (one type-C and one lightning) that extend out to 31 inches, making it easy to power gadgets in the front as well as back seats. Two additional ports (one type-C and one USB) give you the ability to power up to four devices at once, and the starry projection effect is icing on the cake.
38An easy-to-install tension shelf that can hold up to 22 pounds
You won’t need any tools when installing this tension shelf, as each order includes four adhesive gaskets that make for easy mounting. The stainless steel composite pipe is also so sturdy that it can easily support up to 22 pounds. One reviewer even confirmed about how it “worked perfectly to add another shelf to a closet.”
39A door prop to prevent musty odors from building up in your washer
Ever notice how unwanted odors can build up inside of your washer? Then this door prop is worth a look. The magnetic base lets you stick it onto the front of your washer so that it keeps the door held open — and the prop is even flexible enough that you can adjust it into nearly any position you like. One reviewer also raved about how it “helps improve airflow inside the washer and is flexible, easy to position, and simple to remove when needed.”
40Waterproof covers to protect your shoes on rainy days
Don’t let your shoes get dirty on rainy days. Instead, use these covers to help keep them protected from stains. They’re made from thick, tear-resistant plastic that’s completely waterproof, with a strong elastic cuff that helps keep them from slipping downwards. Plus, the textured bottoms give you some added traction when walking on wet surfaces.
41A weighted lap blanket that can help ease anxiety
Not only is this lap blanket made from ultra-soft microfiber, but at 3 pounds in weight, snuggling underneath it feels similar to being wrapped in a friendly hug. The result? You may find that it can help ease your mind when feeling anxious — and the leaf-shaped cut also adds a touch of whimsy to any bed or couch.
42This rechargeable night-light with a handy motion sensor
Don’t have enough out let space for a night light? Then this rechargeable version is worth a look. The battery delivers hours of light before it needs to be recharged, while a built-in motion sensor prevents it from wasting power when no one is present. Plus, a hook on the back lets you hang it up if you like.
43A 2-tier desk shelf that clamps on to install
Consider these shelves a must-have if your desk could use some extra storage space. Two strong clamps on the bottom let you mount it onto your desk without using any tools — and the tough carbon steel frame can even support up to 30 pounds. “I have a standing desk and this is perfect to give me a little more table top space,” wrote one reviewer.
44Toilet bowl cleaner stamps that release a fresh scent when you flush
Add one of these stamps to your toilet bowl, and its cleansing formula can help eliminate unwanted odors, limescale, and more with every flush. Each stamp lasts for up to two weeks depending on how often you flush — and the formula is suitable for use with most septic systems.
45A clever bowl for cooking tasty ramen in the microwave
Don’t dirty up your stove when you’re in the mood for ramen. Instead, cook it in the microwave using this bowl. It’s completely BPA-free, and features a roomy interior that’s large enough to fit up to two packs of ramen. Each order also includes a fork as well as a pair of chopsticks.
46This electric fly swatter that zap pests in midair
Ditch that crummy fly swatter you’ve likely been using and upgrade to this electric version. The racket grid surges with 4,000 volts of electricity at the press of a button, stopping flying pests right in their tracks with a satisfying zap. One reviewer even described it as “a very fast, easy, convenient and efficient way to get rid of those few bothersome insects.”
47A reusable notebook that lets you upload handwritten notes to the cloud
The cost of always having to purchase new notebook quickly adds up, making this reusable version a cost-effective buy. The downloadable smartphone app lets you upload your handwritten notes to Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and more. And once uploaded, you can easily wipe the pages clean with a microfiber cloth (one comes included).
48The handy waste bin that mounts on cabinet doors
I’m a huge fan when it comes to this waste bin — and not just because the embossed exterior makes it look more expensive than it is. A hook on the back lets you mount it onto cabinet doors as well as drawers, keeping it conveniently within reach when standing at your counter. Plus, the compact size takes up minimal space.
49This unique pillowcase that secretly stores comforters
Stuff your comforter into this pillowcase, and it’ll instantly be transformed into a plush wedge pillow. Pockets on either side give you somewhere to store small items, including phones, remotes, and more. But if that isn’t enough? Dual zippers work to keep your comforter securely tucked inside until you’re ready to pull it out.
50This portable alarm clock that vibrates to get you up
Looking for ways to wake yourself up without disturbing your partner? Then this vibrating alarm clock is worth a look. The vibration level is adjustable up to three levels, making it suitable for light as well as heavy sleepers. Plus, the compact size makes it easy to take with you when traveling.
51A collapsible cup that’s easy to take with you
Camping, hiking, picnics — this collapsible cup is a great way to serve yourself a drink when you’re out doing all sorts of activities. It folds down to a fraction of its size when not in use, and comes with a dustproof lid to help keep your drink clean between sips. Plus, the stainless steel rim helps the cup keep its shape as you sip.
52This sofa armrest table for keeping essentials in reach
Don’t have enough space in your living room for a coffee table? Then this armrest table is worth a look. A clamp on the bottom lets you mount it onto your sofa armrest, giving you somewhere to rest drinks, snacks, and more. “We don’t have room for a table next to our couch on the one side and this is PERFECT,” raved one reviewer.
53Stainless steel “soap” that removes garlic & onion odors from hands
From garlic to fish, this stainless steel bar of soap can be used to eliminate all sorts of unwanted odors from skin. Using it is as easy as simply rubbing it on your skin — and you don’t need to use it with water in order for it to be effective. Each order also includes a holder for storage on your sink top.
54A roller stamp that quickly covers up sensitive info
Throwing away your credit card or banking statements can lead to identity theft. Enter: this roller stamp. It takes a few quick swipes to cover your private information so that it can’t be read by thieves — and each order even includes a handy box cutter as an added bonus.
55A portable fan that plugs into your phone
Help keep yourself comfortably cool when on the go by plugging this fan into your phone. It’s compatible with any phone that uses a type-C port — and each order includes an adapter to help it fit into phones with bulky cases. The best part? You can even adjust its windspeed by up to four levels.
56Reusable fish that help you add iron to your meals
Looking for easy ways to get more iron in your diet? Then these little fish are a must-have. Just drop them into soups, sauces, or pots of boiling water, and they’ll naturally release iron without changing the flavor of your ingredients. You can also reuse them across multiple meals, making them a cost-effective pick.
57The unique toilet brush that stays tucked out of sight
I’m a huge fan when it comes to this toilet brush — and not just because the angled handle makes it easier to scrub underneath your toilet’s rim. The holder mounts onto the back of your toilet so that the brush stays hidden from sight. Plus, the compact design means it only needs half of an inch of space in order to fit behind your toilet.
58Silicone cup covers to keep your drink warm
Few things are as annoying as discovering a bug has drowned in your drink. Luckily, these covers are an easy fix. They’re large enough to fit overtop of most cups, and feature a knob on the top that makes them easy to pick up. The best part? They’re even heat-resistant up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for use with hot beverages.
59Genius stickers that dim annoying LED lights
Clocks, appliances, televisions — these stickers are great for helping dim the annoying LED lights on all sorts of electronics. One sticker is enough to dim the light by about 50%, though you can easily layer multiple stickers on top of each other to achieve a full blackout. Each order also includes a variety of sticker shapes so that they’re suitable for use with nearly any light.
60Clever silencers to prevent doors from slamming shut
Tired of hearing doors slam shut in your home? Then these silencers are a must-have. Their rubber exterior works to cushion the impact from the door coming into contact with the frame, and installation is as easy as simply squishing them into your door frame — no tools required.
61This handy cup holder that mounts onto shower walls
Mount this cup holder onto your shower wall, and you’ll instantly have a convenient place to rest wine glasses, canned drinks, and more. A suction cup on the top makes installation a total breeze — and the waterproof design helps keep it in good working order over time.
62A weird magnifier screen for videos on your phone
Watching videos on your small phone screen can leave your eyes feeling strained. Enter: this platform. Simply place your phone in the back, and it’ll magnify its screen by up to five times, making it easier to watch videos. Once finished, it also folds down flat so that it’s easy to tuck inside your bag.
63Stick-on filters that help purify air as your ceiling fan spins
Purchasing a freestanding air filter can be expensive. Instead, grab these ceiling fan filters. Their adhesive backing lets you stick them directly onto your ceiling fan blades, and they’ll help remove everything from pet dander to pollen from your air as your fan spins. The best part? You only need to replace them once every three months for best results.
64A wall-mounted mirror that won’t fog up in shower steam
Save time on busy mornings by brushing your teeth and shaving in the shower using this mirror. It features an anti-fog coating that helps keep it from growing cloudy in hot showers — and each order even includes an adhesive hook that makes for easy hanging.
65Disposable brushes that help you clean deep into tight spaces
From keyboards to sliding door tracks, these brushes make it so much easier to clean deep into all sorts of tight spaces. They’re tough on grime yet gentle on surfaces — so there’s no need to worry about them leaving behind scratches. And once too dirty to continue using, simply throw the brush away and grab a new one.