It’s even better when the item in question costs little more than a round of drinks — and thanks to Amazon’s famously low prices, this is a common occurrence. So common, in fact, that when we hit the site to compile a list of the most useful products that we could find, we were surprised at all the problem-solving potential out there. Click through to see the most clever products we could suss out — all for under $29.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Ecolution Original Microwave Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper
Best Used For: Fast personal servings of gourmet popcorn
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 48,550 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I’m glad I bought it and here’s why—the red top, cover, and bottom are made with silicone so they don’t get hot. The top indentation in the cover is for measuring the kernels and I use two instead of one and it pops almost to the top. No worries about chemicals in microwaveable bags any longer and I can choose my own healthy organic Great Northern popcorn, avocado oil, and sea salt."
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Ecolution Original Microwave Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper, $, available at Amazon
Gospire 10 Pcs Plastic Nail Clip Polish Remover
Best Used For: Soaking off nail polish
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 8,623 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I really enjoy doing my nails at home but hate soaking my fingers in acetone to get acrylics off. I was hoping these clips would help make me more mobile and possibly speed up the process. I'm happy to say the clips work great!"
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Gospire 10 Pcs Plastic Nail Clip Polish Remover, $, available at Amazon
HUHETA KN95 Face Mask (30 Pack)
Best Used For: Face protection (look to the CDC for more mask info)
The Hype: 4.5 out 5 stars and 23,52`1 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "There are no air gaps and thats all I care about. Much better than my other disposable and cloth masks. The wire on the nose adjusted easily and the ear loops are soft."
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HUHETA KN95 Face Masks, $, available at Amazon
Happy-House 5 Pack-CDC Vaccine Card Protector
Best Used For: Keeping your vaccine card safe
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 2,046 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I wasn't sure but figured I should try it since I have to walk with my card. The plastic is very sturdy and the seals shut which helped when I had to pull out my cars in the rain to verify my status. It also fits into my passport holder to make it easier for traveling."
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Happy-house 5 Pack-CDC Vaccine Card Protector 4 X 3 Inches Immunization Record Vaccination Cards Holder Clear Vinyl Plastic Sleeve 3 X 4 with Waterproof Type Resealable Zip (Card Holder Only), $, available at Amazon
LISEN Adjustable Desktop Phone Stand
Best Used For: Helping our Beauty Writer FaceTime her mom (and propping up phones and tablets)
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 458 ratings
Karina Hoshikawa says: "I know it's a bold statement, but this may genuinely be my best Amazon purchase to date. Whether I'm FaceTiming my mom or taking a cute selfie, this extendable phone stand has become a total life-upgrader for hands-free screen time. (You can apparently balance an iPad on there too, but I haven't tried that yet.) Best of all, the base is weighted so that it never topples over, and you can adjust the height and angle to your liking."
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LISEN Adjustable Desktop Phone Stand, $, available at Amazon
Command Broom and Mop Grippers
Best Used For: Stopping the never ending battle between you and the broom behind your, in between the fridge, or wherever you stash your sweeper
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 33,004 ratings
Alexandra Polk says: "These contraptions were elegantly holding two brooms (as pictured) and completely ridding their bathroom of any behind-the-door clunkiness...[I] have no problem recommending them to any organization-savvy peeps."
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Command Broom and Mop Grippers, $, available at Amazon
Best Used For: Preventing summer time chafing
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 30,085
Chichi Offor says: "I went on a 2-mile walk (about 40-ish minutes) and experienced absolutely no discomfort in that time. As I walked, I noticed how the friction was all but gone, and my thighs slipped past each other with no issue."
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Body Glide Unisex Body Original Anti Chafe Balm Stick, $, available at Amazon
The Pink Stuff & Multi-Purpose Spray 2-pack Bundle
Best Used For: Leaving surfaces squeaky clean & spotless
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 13,067 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Oh my gosh—this stuff is a life-changer! Used it to get my fiberglass shower totally clean. Nothing else would get it done and this stuff brought my shower back to near-new in one use. We’ve since cleaned a weird chalky film off our garage door, removed wall markings, and cleaned my storm door. We’ll never be without a jar (or three) of this stuff."
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Stardrops The Pink Stuff & Multi-Purpose Spray 2-pack Bundle, $, available at Amazon
ColorCoral Universal Gel Cleaner
Best Used For: Cleaning tight corners and crevices
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 star 14,905 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Great Product. It works just like it states. It removed all of the gunk from my keyboard. I then took it out to my car and it took care of my vents and all the other hard-to-reach places that seem to collect gunk. Will buy again."
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ColorCoral ColorCoral Universal Gel, $, available at Amazon
Gemice TSA-Approved Refillable Toiletry Bottles (4-Pack)
Best Used For: Getting our Affiliate Director through TSA like a pro
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 2,327 ratings
Elizabeth Buxton says: "A now sworn-by packing hack that recently helped me make it through an international getaway without needing to check a bag is this four-pack of refillable, TSA-approved toiletry bottles I found on Amazon. I'm particular when it comes to my grooming products, and these cute little silicone tubes helped me take my precise beauty routine on the fly. I filled one up with my preferred body lotion, one with my sensitive-skin-approved sunscreen, and the other two with my go-to shampoo plus conditioner. They're multicolored (which makes it easy to differentiate between products), squishy (meaning they will squeeze into a tightly packed toiletry bag), and only cost $10 (aka a lot less than that extra packed baggage fee)."
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Gemice TSA-Approved Refillable Toiletry Bottles (4-Pack), $, available at Amazon
Basic Concepts Tongue Scraper
Best Used For: Reducing bad breath, cleaning your tongue
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 71,161 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I used a plastic one for like six years and the difference of having a metal one is huge! It’s super easy to clean and always seems fresh. It also does a way better job of actually cleaning my tongue than the plastic one did. I love that it comes in a two-pack so I don’t have to repack one in and out of my travel bag!"
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BASIC CONCEPTS Tongue Scraper (2 Pack), $, available at Amazon
Scrub Daddy Sponge Set (Pack Of 3)
Best Used For: Eradicating dirt off your dishes and tricking children into cleaning
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 4,179 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "My 9 year old son told me if I bought these, he’d wash the dishes. HE FRICKIN’ WASHED THE DISHES. I didn’t even have to rewash them, like they carry some sort of magic spell that teaches children how to wash the dishes properly.
I boil mine after one week's use and I’ve been able to use it for two months without replacing — they withhold a lot of stress before giving up on their life. Then, when they’re no longer good enough to wash the dishes, I use them for cleaning. Great for scrubbing bathrooms."
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Scrub Daddy Sponge Set (Pack Of 3), $, available at Amazon
YYXLIFE Carpet Tape
Best Used For: Keeping rugs in place
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 43,348 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Best double-sided tape ever. I have used quite a few brands over the years with mixed results. This tape has the two most important qualities that you need in this type of tape. One, it sticks well and stays stuck. Two, it's easy to peel off the vinyl protective with a light slice of a razor knife. "
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YYXLIFE Double Sided Carpet Tape, $, available at Amazon
REIDEA Electronic Candle Lighter
Best Used For: Safely and easily lighting candles
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 26,561 ratings
Practical Peeps say: " Yes yes yes. The answer is yes — you need this, yes it’s awesome, yes it’s eco-friendly. I am so pleased with my purchase of this handy dandy little gadget. As an avid candle user, this is KEY! Always stumbling through drawers to find a lighter that works, that’s not out of lighter fluid and having that dreaded click click click from being used up — you won’t have that problem anymore!"
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REIDEA Electronic Candle Lighter Arc Windproof Flameless, $, available at Amazon
CRANACH Multitool Pen Construction Tools
Best Used As: a level, ruler, stylus, flathead, Phillips, and pen all in one
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 1,587 reviews
Practical Peeps say: "I use the heck out of this, I like the Phillis and Flat Head Screw Driver in it and I use the Level as well, the rulers on the outside is a good way to measure real quick."
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CRANACH Multitool Pen Construction Tools, $, available at Amazon
Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller
Best Used For: Making oily skin matte
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 40,071 ratings
Our Beauty Editor says: "I was really pleased with the finish on my skin; sometimes powder makes me look flat, but this bestowed a satiny finish that still left my skin looking natural. (Plus, you could see tiny pinpricks of gross-yet-satisfying oil on the surface of the rock.) The roller also is designed to work over makeup, something I found to be true as I tested it out."
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Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller, $, available at Amazon
Amazon Smart Plug
Best Used For: Scheduling lights, fans, and appliances to turn on and off automatically
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 499,586 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Got this smart plug so I can remotely turn appliances/the lights on and off in an Alzheimer's patient's home. I can remotely make sure things are off by simply turning them on and off in the Amazon Alexa app — it's super simple to use and really helps me out. Now I don't have to drive over there to make sure the lights, the AC, or the TV are off, etc. Thank you!"
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Amazon Smart Plug, $, available at Amazon
Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes
Best Used For: Feeding your plant pals for months
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 71,012 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "It's really easy to use these spikes — you water the plants until the soil is moist and then use the included plastic stake in order to push the food into the pot. It's great for a variety of sizes of indoor plants simple to use.
We've only had this in the soil for a few weeks, but I can see a noticeable difference in the color of our plants. They've taken a bit of a downturn during the winter months and these Plant Food Spikes seem to have brought back some of the color — I think it will help these to thrive year-round."
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Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes (Pack Of 2), $, available at Amazon
Hoan The Original Bagel Guillotine
Best Used for: Slicin' and dicin' bagels in seconds
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 16,248 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Picked this up because my heart could no longer take the stress of watching our 11 year old daughter slice bagels. This not-so-little little device slices through every single bagel, every single time — and my kid goes through kicks where she'll eat two or three each day. I no longer worry about serious cuts even though the (covered) blade on this thing is SHARP!"
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Hoan The Original Bagel Guillotine, $, available at Amazon
Asaph Home Stainless Steel Watermelon Slicer Cutter Knife
Best Used For: Making perfect watermelon slices fast
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 323 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "This is the perfect kitchen tool for even watermelon slices perfect every time. The directions on the box indicate slicing off one end so as to provide a stable cutting edge. However, I am short and old and found that with my 74 year old muscles I had to put the melon and the “slicer” on the floor. But it really works!"
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Mannice Extra Large Watermelon Slicer, $, available at Amazon
BAGSMART Small Travel Cable Organizer Bag
Best Used For: Keeping cable cords in check
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 3,098 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I bought this organizer for a two-week trip to France. My wife laughs at me for obsessing over travel organization, but she didn't complain when I had all our gear handy for stops over I the airport or in the hotel. This is a little too big for my 1-2 night work trips but works great for traveling longer periods when I pack in a carry-on rather than a small duffle."
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BAGSMART Small Travel Cable Organizer Bag, $, available at Amazon
Azhido Backpack Laundry Bag
Best Used For: Trips to the laundromat
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 720 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "This laundry bag is wonderful! I have to go down three flights of stairs and back up with the laundry. Between the knapsack styling and its easy closure, it's not as frightening to carry. I can hold the railing and safely go up and down. I wasn't expecting the quality of the material for the price. It's very sturdy and stands up so you can fill it."
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Azhido Backpack Laundry Bag, $, available at Amazon
AlierGo Reusable Neck Gel Ice Pack
Best Used For: Hot and cold therapy for neck and shoulder pain
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 1,601 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "This freezes quickly and is very comfortable to use. It is also quite versatile — [when] used vertically you can cover your whole spine at once...Horizontally you can wrap [your] neck and shoulders or lower back, or a knee or ankle. It is soft and comfortable and stays cold enough for the 20-minute icing my doctor recommends. Lies flat in the freezer and takes up very little room. Well made product."
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AlierGo Reusable Neck Gel Ice Pack, $, available at Amazon
YOUKOOL Double-Sided Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brush (2PCS)
Best Used For: Soft and plump lips
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 7,343 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I absolutely love everything about this lip exfoliator...It is so easy to clean — I take mine in the shower to deep clean it and use it to exfoliate my face creases.
When using it on my lips I see and feel such drastic results. Not only does it do a great job of removing the dead skin making my lips super soft it also actually helps my lips plump up more than using a plumping gloss."
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YOUKOOL Double-Sided Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brush (2PCS), $, available at Amazon
Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil Organic 100% Pure Cold Pressed Starter Kit
Best Used For: Eyelash, eyebrow, and hair growth
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 64,509 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Castor oil can be a bit gloopy in texture for those new to it. This was safe to use around the eye and did not cause any irritation or redness when applied to the eyes. The pack comes with an applicator brush and a spoolie. I have used it regularly for a month and can see significant growth on both my lower and upper lashes. Curious to see how much healthier and thicker my lashes can be with consistent use."
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Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil (2oz), $, available at Amazon
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle
Best Used For: Keeping away mosquitos for good
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 4,489 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Definitely the best bug repellant candle I have tried! It lasts a long time compared to other citronella candles I have tried. Living in the south, bugs are all over around this time of year. I have noticed that this candle deters bugs from my patio space and allows me to enjoy my patio without being swarmed by bugs. Great longevity for the size, price, and the scent is nice and light compared to other citronella candles. Will definitely buy these over any other brand."
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Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle, $, available at Amazon
Cable Matters UL Listed 5-Pack RJ45 Surface Mount Box
Best Used For: Installing ports on baseboards for wiring Ethernet throughout a house
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 412 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "Great for mounting baseboard Ethernet jacks to the wall. These jacks are white plastic and blend in well with white walls. Mounting it was easy with the 2 included screws and punching the CAT6 cable down was easy with the guide on the box. Excellent value if you cannot run ethernet through walls."
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Cable Matters UL Listed 5-Pack RJ45 Surface Mount Box, $, available at Amazon
Delamu Cord Cover Raceway
Best Used For: Stashing away cords around the house
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 26,888 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "I ordered these cord covers as a, “I’m really sick of looking at all these wires! New year, new me! Let’s get some house to-dos done!” I received them and immediately procrastinated... until finally I was sick of looking at the unopened box and just decided to tackle what I thought would be a project. Turns out the hardest part of everything was removing the protective backing of the adhesive used to keep the covers in place on the wall... Now I’m actively looking for more areas with exposed wires because A) I’m simply obsessed, and B) I have A TON of covers and angle clips, and tape, leftover. "
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Delamu Cord Cover Raceway, $, available at Amazon
StoreBound Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity
Best Used For: Quickly cooking up to six eggs under 15 minutes
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 100,623
Practical Peeps say: "Hard-boiled eggs are a pain (in my opinion) to make all the time so I figured I would buy it...I am so happy that I did! I have only tried hard-boiled [eggs] so far. They come out 100% perfect every single time...As for the device it does get dirty after using it but I am able to easily clean it with water or vinegar [and] water after each use (or two if I’m being lazy) and it’s brand new!"
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StoreBound Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity, $, available at Amazon
Comfy Clothiers Sweater De-Piller
Best Used For: Making sweaters look brand new
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 1,730 ratings
Practical Peeps say: "This little comb works perfectly. Super easy to use and fast. I can't say how long my sweater will remain pill-free, but I can say this comb made it look brand new! I'm hoping it will extend the life of my secondhand find even longer!"
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Comfy Clothiers Cedar Wood Cashmere Fine Wool Comb, $, available at Amazon
Apargard M-Plus Toothpaste (2-Pack)
Best Used For: Brushing your pearly whites
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 1,178 ratings
Practical Peeps say: " I’ve found that the darker spots on my teeth and a cavity area I have really seemed to be going away. I’m very surprised at how well this worked. It took forever to finally take the plunge and buy it, but I’m happy I did and will continue to purchase this product."
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Apagard M-Plus toothpaste 125g (2-Pack), $, available at Amazon
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