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65 Cheap Things That Are Pure Genius

Clever stuff that’s priced weirdly low.

Written by Jenny White
Amazon
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While they may be cheap when it comes to price point, all of the well-made things on this list are pure genius from a functionality standpoint. They can help solve an annoying problem, simplify a part of your everyday routine (like cooking or getting ready for the day), or lend a hand in another useful way ... you can thank me later.

01A Genius Ceiling Fan Duster That Extends To Reach

This ceiling fan duster wraps around each individual blade for a more thorough clean. And the best part is that the extendable length means you don’t even need to bust out the ladder to use it; it can adjust to nearly 50 inches long. The microfiber head is removable and machine washable.

02A Well-Designed Organizer For Your Ride

Get your car in order with this smart organizer. It boasts a tissue holder, hanging hooks (for your purse or groceries), a small garbage can, and mesh pockets for odds and ends. Even with this level of functionality, it doesn’t take up much space and hangs on the back of a seat.

03A Best-Selling Multi-Tool With 9 Functions

This best-selling pen isn’t just a pen. The multi-tool also functions as an LED light, precision ruler, bubble level, bottle opener, stylus, pen, and two-head screwdriver. It’s small in size, so you can keep it on you at all times ... because you never know when you might need it.

04Special Claws That Pair Perfectly With A Baseball Hat

Baseball hats and claw clips are usually so uncomfortable to wear together. However, these four claw clips have a unique design that makes it possible (and totally comfy). “The gap in the middle is perfect for wearing it with a hat, and it holds my hair up so well. This is one of the best and most practical purchases I’ve made,” confirmed one commenter.

05A Microwavable Bag To Cook Potatoes In Mere Minutes

Potatoes notoriously take a long time to cook in the oven. But this microwavable bag cuts the cook time to as little as two minutes, depending on the number of potatoes and your microwave’s wattage. It’s washable and reusable.

06An Airtight Honey Jar With A Wooden Dipper

Keep your honey stashed in this glass jar that is completely airtight for freshness. Then, when you need some, the lid has a built-in wooden dipper to dispense the perfect amount. It holds up to 16 ounces, and the clear body lets you know when your stash is running low.

07A Faux Leather Book To Stash Passwords & Log-In Info

Keep important log-in information and passwords all secure in this faux leather book. The 144 pages have space for tons of info (including a whopping 1,728 passwords), and everything is simple to locate thanks to the alphabetical tabs on the side.

08A Bookmark That’s Also A Flat Pen

This marble-inspired bookmark will hold your place in your current read. And when you need to jot down a thought or note in the margins, it actually functions as a pen (though it’s flat to not get in the way). It’s the ultimate combo.

09No-Tie Elastic Shoelaces To Make Any Pair Slip-Ons

One reviewer referred to these no-tie shoelaces as “an excellent, hassle-free replacement for traditional laces,” and they added that they “give sneakers a neat, streamlined appearance without bulky knots or dangling ends.” They work for kids and adults alike, and the built-in buckles ensure they stay put.

10A Small Key Chain Light That’s So Handy

This key chain light will come in handy in many situations. It can be set to high, low, or even a flashing mode (for emergencies), and the base is magnetic and adjustable to position it just so. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery.

11A Genius Paper Towel Topper So The Roll Doesn’t Get Wet

Don’t let water drips ruin a whole roll of paper towels: This genius topper provides the perfect shield against liquids. It doesn’t let dust form on the surface either. “Such a simple thing can make something so much better...no mess on top of paper towels and helps from tearing off too many towels,” noted one fan.

12Double-Sided Spatulas That Are A Must For Baking

With a curved spatula on one end and a spoon on the reverse, these four kitchen tools are the ultimate baking companions. Use them to scrape food from jars, mix up ingredients, and more. The smooth silicone surface is nonstick, easy to grip, and dishwasher safe.

13A Gel Nail Base Coat That Peels Off When You Want

Swapping your nail color is made easier thanks to this gel base coat. Simply swipe it on and cure it with a UV light for 60 seconds, then apply any colored gel polish you want. When you’re ready for a change, all of the polish will peel right off.

14A Magnetic Conversion Chart To Keep Close In The Kitchen

Don’t wing it in the kitchen — especially while baking. This conversion chart features all of the most common measurements and conversions for you to reference while you work. Magnetic by design, it can hang on your fridge to stay handy.

15Microwave Bowl Holders To Shield Hands From Hot Food

Use one of these bowl holders when pulling hot soup or other leftovers from the microwave. The multiple padded layers keep the heat away from your hands, preventing burns. Four come in the set, making each one less than $5.

16Hooks To Keep Your Bag Off The Ground Out & About

Don’t put your purse on the gross restaurant floor: These bag hooks attach right onto a table or bar surface, providing a handy hanging spot. Each one supports up to 11 pounds, and the nonslip bottom keeps it in place. Roll it up afterward for storage.

17A Silicone Lip Balm Holder With A Wrist Strap

Don’t ever be without your favorite lip balm by picking up this silicone holder. It comes with both a wrist strap lanyard and a golden key ring, allowing you to carry it however is easiest. And there’s a cap cover to ensure yours doesn’t accidentally fall off.

18Smooth-Writing Gel Pens With A Built-In Fidget

These eight gel pens feature smooth, no-smudge ink for a superior writing experience, whether you’re taking notes at work or jotting down your to-dos for the day. And an added plus? Each one has a built-in fidget to keep your fingers busy.

19Terracotta Spoons To Keep Brown Sugar Soft

Not only are these terracotta spoons ideal for scooping out brown sugar, they’re also designed to keep your sugar soft in storage. They slowly release moisture to make this happen. The two spoons are compact (measuring just over 4 inches long), so they won’t take up much space in the container.

20A Stained Glass Window Film That Creates Privacy

Give any plain window a stained glass look with this privacy film. It hangs using static cling, and once in place, the colorful design looks pretty as it creates privacy, shields against UV light, and minimizes glare.

21Door Handles That Install Via Suction Cups

There are no tools, glue, or drilling involved when putting up these two door handles. Each one boasts a suction cup backing for the simplest installation ever.

22A Compartmentalized Bowl For Never-Soggy Cereal

Soggy cereal is nasty. But these special bowls boast two compartments — one for milk and the other for cereal — to keep everything separate until eating time. The two bowls are made from BPA-free plastic that’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe, so you can use them for other foods, too.

23A 4-In-1 Makeup Brush To Pull Off Your Whole Look

There’s no need to carry a bunch of separate makeup brushes while traveling or commuting. This four-in-one makeup brush features a fluffy powder brush, a versatile angled brush, and a pair of smaller brushes to complete any look. Stash it in the included case to keep it clean.

24A Handy Vehicle Charger With Outlets & USB Ports

A best-seller on Amazon, this car adapter turns the 12-volt outlet into a full charging station. It boasts two AC outlets plus four USB ports to power many devices at once (like your phone or a tablet). Even with this, the adapter itself is compact.

25A 5-In-1 Multifunctional Spoon That’s Dishwasher Safe

This stainless steel spoon is the ultimate multitasker. Use it to mash potatoes, drain pasta, separate an egg, grate cheese, open up bottles, and more. The polished surface won’t rust, and it’s heat resistant (and dishwasher safe).

26An Easy-To-Install Foot Pull To Open A Cabinet

Open practically any cabinet hands-free by putting this foot pull on it. It can be installed using either screws or adhesive (both of which are included), and it’s made from aluminum alloy to last.

27An Ergonomic Footrest With An Adjustable Design

This ergonomic footrest has two separate layers, allowing you to tweak the thickness as needed for the most comfortable position possible. The footrest is filled with high-quality foam that won’t lose its shape, and the nonslip bottom means it won’t slide around.

28Stainless Steel “Soap” To Get Odors Off Your Hands

After working with stinky ingredients like onions, garlic, or fish, reach for these two stainless steel soap bars to eliminate the smell. Reviewers confirm they actually work as described, and they can be reused as often as needed in your kitchen.

29Wooden Coasters With Secret Built-In Bottle Openers

Made from stunning acacia wood, these drink coasters will suck up condensation and drink drips, protecting your coffee table below. And the pads keep them securely in place. What’s even cooler? Each one has a hidden bottle opener on the bottom. A sleek black holder comes included.

30Special Markers With Color-Changing Ink

Write notes, draw pictures, and more with these 10 special markers, then use the white tip on the other side to completely change the color of the ink ... it’s the coolest thing. The water-based ink is vibrant and won’t smear.

31A Stick-On Sleeve To Keep A Hard Drive Handy

Ensure your external hard drive is always handy by stashing it in this bougie sleeve. It uses 3M adhesive to stick directly to your device, like a laptop, tablet, etc. The sleeve is slim yet stretchy to hold many different drives. And there’s an internal band to ensure it stays put.

32Cute Ball Hand Towels That Are Actually Effective

Not only are these ball hand towels the cutest thing ever, but they actually do a solid job of getting your hands dry. The key is that they’re covered in little nubs that suck up water with ease. They dry quickly, and they are machine washable like regular versions.

33An Airplane Air Freshener For Your Ride

This adorable pilot has the all-clear to make your ride smell amazing. It’s designed to connect directly to your vehicle’s air vent, and the essential oil fragrance pads that are included come with two scents.

34Plug-In Flashlights That Automatically Light Up In Blackouts

Keep these three LED flashlights plugged into an outlet at all times. When the electricity goes out, you’ll be able to unplug them and carry them around your house for illumination. The lights are bright and last for three hours of continuous use.

35Versatile Charging Ports That Feature A Night-Light

When nighttime rolls around, these night-lights flip on automatically thanks to their built-in sensor. They turn off on their own, too. As if that wasn’t already great, this pick has an added perk: Each light features an outlet, plus USB-A and USB-C ports to power various devices.

36A Silicone Snack Bowl That Fits On A Stanley

This silicone bowl turns your Stanley into the ultimate snacking station. It fits right on the body of the tumbler (with a grooved design that goes around the handle), and there are four compartments to keep your sweet and savory foods separate.

37A Unique Ceramic Mug With A Hand Warmer

As you sip your hot coffee, tea, or water, this ceramic mug will also keep your hand warm — there’s a built-in slot designed just for that. The mug holds up to 18 ounces, and the special reactive glaze on the outside means no two mugs are precisely alike.

38A Microwavable Ramen Cooker That’s Quick & Easy

Making delicious ramen is even simpler thanks to this microwavable cooker. “Just pop it into the microwave with the ramen and voila, my meal is ready. This straightforward process eliminates the need for additional pots or pans,” shared one commenter. There’s even a strainer and utensils included.

39A 2-Section Bowl To Separate Nuts & Shells

For peanuts, pistachios, or other foods that have a part you eat and a part you don’t, grab this special bowl that has two separate compartments for the pieces. “No need for a garbage pail nearby, just slip the shells into the opening and toss later. Easy to use, easy to clean and will last a lifetime,” noted one commenter. Both sections are dishwasher safe.

40An Extra-Large Organizer To Keep Pills & Supplements Straight

Organize a whole week’s worth of vitamins, pills, and supplements in this extra-large organizer. It boasts seven large compartments to keep everything where it should be, and there are stick-on labels included so you can remember what’s what.

41Flexible Vine Lights To Create A Showstopping Accent

All of the branches, stems, and twigs on these vine lights are flexible, allowing you to position them on the walls just so. The lights can be set to eight modes and a range of brightness levels. The end result? A showstopping display.

42An Avocado Key Chain For Pills Or Other Small Stuff

This cute avocado has a removable silicone case for stashing pills, jewelry, change, or other small items. It attaches to a bag or your keys using the metal carabiners on top, and it’s completely waterproof.

43Silicone Mason Jar Lids That Are Totally Leakproof

These mason jar lids are compatible with all sizes of jars, creating a leakproof seal for superior freshness of the food inside. The four lids are made from silicone that can handle the freezer, oven, and microwave. They’re dishwasher safe and reusable, too.

44Beeswax Candles To Visually Time Meditation Sessions

These 20 beeswax candles each burn for about 20 minutes, so you can use them to visually time your meditation or other relaxation sessions. Made from beeswax with cotton wicks, the candles burn cleanly and are scent-free.

45A Mug Warmer Set For Never-Cold Coffee

Cold coffee that was supposed to be warm is gross. But this mug warmer set ensures you never have to deal with this unfortunate situation. The warming plate heats your beverage up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and the included flat-bottomed mug fits perfectly on it. The wooden lid helps regulate the temperature, too.

46A Word & Excel Cheat Sheet That Sticks To Your Laptop

It’s nearly impossible to remember all of the shortcuts in Word and Excel. But this vinyl sticker has the most important ones listed to reference them at a glance. Attach it directly to your laptop or desk.

47Tree-Shaped Skewers To Pull Off The Ultimate Bloody Mary

You simply cannot enjoy a Bloody Mary without all of the garnishes (like pickles, asparagus, celery, and more). And these stainless steel tree skewers are the perfect solution for adding them to your beverage — they’re fun for other kinds of drinks too. Four come with, each with several branches.

48A Food Block Maker For A More Orderly Freezer

Maximize the space in your freezer with the help of this food block maker. It fits up to a gallon-sized plastic baggie (fill it with leftovers or other foods you want to freeze) and creates uniform frozen blocks that stack neatly in your freezer.

49Clear Car Windshield Film So Stickers Come Off Easily

Don’t want to apply those annoying stickers and tags directly to your windshield? These 10 clear stickers can hold these tags — but they are far easier to put on and peel off the surface when the time comes. They’re even reusable. They measure 4 by 6 inches and can be trimmed as needed.

50A Chic Ceramic Soap Dish With Smart Drainage

This ceramic dish looks so chic, but it also has a smart design. The built-in drainage prevents water from pooling in the base (which can shrink the soap bar too quickly). Cleaning it is as easy as popping it in the dishwasher.

51A Special Cup That Turns Any Drink Into A Slushie

Turn pretty much any beverage — think wine, juice, soda, and more — into a delicious slushie using this maker cup. The secret is the built-in freezing liquid in the walls that turns drinks into a slushie in mere minutes. It’s fun to do and can be enjoyed again and again.

52A Light That Has The Coolest Flame Effect

This LED light is powered by a rechargeable battery, which means you can really position it anywhere in your house that needs a little extra illumination. Using the included remote, it can be set to various brightness levels and effects, including the coolest flame-like glow.

53An Ice Cube Mold To Make A Slow-Melting Wedge For Spirits

This silicone mold creates a large wedge-shaped piece of ice that’ll fit nicely in your favorite whiskey glass. It’ll melt far more slowly than regular ice, ensuring your spirit of choice doesn’t get watered down.

54A Remote Control Holder That Attaches To An Existing Light Switch

This remote control holder installs in seconds (without any screws or adhesive) on either side of a standard light switch, allowing you to always know where a remote is ... it’s perfect for a ceiling fan remote, Apple TV remote, etc.

55A Flat Outlet Cover & Extension Cord That Looks Neater

Tidy up an overstuffed outlet: This flat outlet cover conceals the whole thing for a tidier look, and the 3-foot extension cord can be routed to a more discreet location (like behind furniture or an appliance). It can charge up to three devices at once.

56Compression Packing Cubes To Save Space In A Suitcase

Maximize the space in your suitcase with this packing cubes set. It comes with a hanging organizer, a medium compression cube, a laundry bag, and a shoe bag, all of which have a compression design to take up as little room as possible. The pieces are made from water-resistant polyester with breathable mesh panels.

57A Faux Leather Passport Holder With An AirTag Slot

With its soft faux leather design, this is the bougiest holder imaginable for your passport. But the perks don’t end there: It’s water resistant, built with RFID-blocking materials, and also has an AirTag slot so you never lose track of it.

58A Food Scraper With Measurements & Conversions Printed On It

Reach for this food scraper to divide up dough, transfer ingredients around, get scraps into the trash, and more. It boasts a 6-inch steel blade paired with a beechwood handle that’s easy to grip, even if your hands are covered in flour.

59A Cube Timer With A Genius Visual Component

Whether you need to count down from five, 10, 25, or 50 minutes, this cube timer is up for the task. It features an LED ring that gradually increases to form a full circle as time progresses — it’s a solid visual reminder — and there’s also a handy silent mode for the office.

60A Handy Selfie Light That Magnetizes To A Phone

Take better selfies and TikToks with the help of this LED light. It attaches to MagSafe phones thanks to its magnetic design (there’s an adhesive magnetic ring included for non-MagSafe devices), and the 48 LEDs provide a soft, natural glow. It adjusts to various angles and positions as needed.

61A Pretty Food-Chilling Mat That’s Reusable

Place appetizers, desserts, and other foods that need to stay chilled on this pretty freezable mat. It can keep everything cold for up to two hours, then it can be put in the freezer and reused again in the future for another get-together.

62A Magnetic Holder For Pins, Nails, Paper Clips & More

You need a reliable spot to place pins and needles as you sew, and this magnetic holder is just that. And if you’re not a sewer, it’s useful for other metal accessories, like hair pins, nails, paper clips, and more.

63Waterproof Clear Bags To Store & Carry Shoes

Stash your shoes in these clear bags. They’re a nice solution for keeping pairs grouped together during travel — they’ll ensure the dirt on the bottom of your shoes doesn’t end up on your clothes. Five bags come with the set; they’re waterproof and reusable.

64Vinyl Measurement Decals For A More Orderly Kitchen

Get your kitchen in order: These measurement decals allow you to clearly label all of your measuring cups and spoons, plus there are even decals with handy conversions for you to reference at any point. The decals are made from durable vinyl, and the black, bold font is easy to read.

65A Wooden Knife Block That’s Gentler On The Blades

Store your cutlery in style on this knife block made from acacia wood. It boasts a double-sided magnetic design to secure your knives and other magnetic tools. This makes it gentler on the blades, keeping them sharper for longer.