Lifestyle

These 44 Under-$12 Finds On Amazon Are SO Useful & Fun

By Lisa Fogarty

You don't have to spend a bundle of money to pick up some treasures — and sometimes the most practical items you wind up using over and over again cost the least. This list provides the perfect example: these 45 under-$12 finds on Amazon are so useful and fun. They run the gamut from beauty and grooming items to interesting kitchen gadgets and quirky tech accessories, but they all share two things in common: they're affordable and functional.

These suspiciously cheap products on Amazon shouldn't set your radar off, because they're the real deal. Best of all, many include incredible reviews and ratings, proving the best products to get the job done needn't break the bank.

Perhaps you're looking to step up your game in the kitchen. Look no further than cool kitchen products that include an easy-breezy avocado peeler, a cauliflower prep tool that smashes into tough cauliflower heads with zero effort on your part, and adorable lid lifters in the shape of little men that will keep water from boiling over onto counters.

Maybe beauty items are more up your alley? You'll find a slew of them here for cheap — including a collagen hair treatment, a sleep mask with mulberry silk on both sides, and hydrating lip masks that leave your pout healthy and smooth.

So, get ready to find new products that will become staples — without forcing you to spend too much.

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Lifestyle — These 44 Under-$12 Finds On Amazon Are SO Useful & Fun
by Lisa Fogarty

1. These Hydrating Lip Masks With Aloe And Strawberry Extracts

CC beauty Lip Mask, $11 (20 Pack), Amazon

Give chapped, dry lips a major dose of hydration with these moisturizing lip masks, which are rich in aloe vera juice, strawberry extracts, and vitamins. Wear the lip mask for 10 minutes, and lips will look and feel smoother, plumper — and it can even be primed for lipstick or gloss.

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2. A Rocking Garlic Press That Smashes Garlic To Bits

Dekava Garlic Press, $9, Amazon

Smash garlic bulbs to bits — with barely any effort, too — when you use this stainless steel garlic press that you simply rock back and forth over your garlic chunks. The press has a handle that's comfortable to hold, and the sharp mini slicers help get the job done in a fraction of the time.

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3. This Soft Cat-Ear Headband For DIY Spa Days

Teenitor Cat Ears Headbands, $8 (5 Pieces), Amazon

Not only are these soft cat-ear headbands all kinds of adorable, but they're super practical as well. The bands won't hurt your head or create weird bumps and bends in your hair — and they can be used to hold your hair back while you're applying makeup, a face mask, or just cleaning your skin in the morning. Better still: they fit everyone and can be hand-washed and reused. The set has a few adorable colors, too.

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4. These Adorable Animals That Protect Cables

Animal Buddies Phone Cord Bites, $8 (13 Pieces With Pouch), Amazon

These adorable animal cable protectors clamp onto cords to keep them in place, ensuring they don't slip and that your device receives a full charge every time. They come in a pack with 12 different animals and a convenient travel pouch — and reviewers say they're even cuter in person (and do a great job).

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5. The Milky, Moisturizing Sheet Mask That Calms And Soothes Dry Skin

A'PIEU Chocolate Milk Sheet Mask, $9 (6 Pieces), Amazon

These nourishing sheet masks come in an old-fashioned chocolate milk carton package, which is all kinds of charming — but they're as effective as they are adorably retro. The masks are made with a soothing milk essence designed to deliver major amounts of moisture for dry skin.

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6. This Erupting Volcano That Gets Microwaves Spotless Without Chemicals

Erupting Volcano Microwave Cleaner, $12, Amazon

Add white vinegar and water to this super cool volcano microwave cleaner and prepare to be amazed — without a single chemical, it steams and cleans the inside of that notoriously difficult appliance. Microwave this cleaner for five to eight minutes, and using a cloth, easily wipe away food particles and debris. It comes in light blue or purple.

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7. A Portable USB Cooling Fan With An Optional Aromatherapy Diffuser

Insten Handheld USB Cooling Fan, $10, Amazon

Stay cool and calm with this handheld cooling fan, which plugs into your computer for power and includes a removable, optional aromatherapy diffuser — just slip in a few drops of your favorite essential oil and get an extra dose of energy or relaxation. The fan features three speed controls and has a red flashing LED light that turns on to indicate when it's running out of power.

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8. The Sloth Tea Infuser That Hangs Right Over Your Mug

Fred Slow Brew Sloth Tea Infuser, $10, Amazon

Fill this sweet sloth tea infuser with loose tea leaves and let it sit in a cup of hot water for the most relaxing, fun cup of tea. The infuser has little sloth arms that are designed to hang over your cup, and it's both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. And, if sloths aren't your thing (not sure that person exists), you can choose among 11 other animal tea infusers like a shark, llama, or bunny.

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9. A Two-In-One Citrus Juicer For Both Limes And Lemons

Juicester Citrus Juicer, $11, Amazon

Get the most out of one citrus juicer — because this tool features two different sized reamers that strain seeds and pulp, and work for both lemons and limes. A clear bowl at the bottom catches juice and doubles as a measuring cup. The tool is dishwasher-safe, too.

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10. The Mess-Free Way To Section Off Grapefruit Portions

Chef'n Grapefruiter Citrus Sectioning Tool, $10, Amazon

Slice your grapefruit into perfect portions with this citrus tool, which sections off juicy pieces without making a royal mess. All you have to do is insert this tool into a halved grapefruit, squeeze, pull, and release a section — plus, your counters and floors will thank you.

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11. This Super-Slim Charger With Dual USB Ports

Shinngo Portable Charger, $10, Amazon

Charge your devices on the go with this incredibly lightweight and thin portable charger, which features dual USB ports and a 2A input that can accommodate a variety of devices. The charger comes in gold or black, and will automatically detect the amount of charge your device requires.

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12. An Exfoliating Face Cleansing Brush With Gentle Bristles

Epicurean Beauty Face Cleansing Brush, $8, Amazon

You don't have to spend $100 on a facial cleansing brush — this amazing option costs less than $10 and has scores of positive reviews. The vegan, cruelty-free brush features gentle bristles that exfoliate dead skin. It also gently and effectively cleanses to lift up pore-clogging dirt and makeup. One reviewer writes: "my skin has been SOOO clear since using this."

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13. The Handmade Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar That's Safe For Sensitive Skin

Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar, $8, Amazon

Consider this Dead Sea soap bar one of the most nourishing and natural options around. Its ingredients are all identifiable and include olive, coconut, and palm oils — plus, Dead Sea mud. Unlike many drying and irritating soaps, this one is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. One reviewer writes: "I liked this soap, I works really well for healing my eczema as Dead Sea mud is known for. The bar lasted a long time, a month of showers at least."

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14. This Cooling, Hydrating Stick That Instantly De-Puffs Eyes

TONYMOLY Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick, $12, Amazon

Woke up with tired, puffy eyes? Grab this cooling eye stick —designed in a sweet panda bear case — and apply it around your eyes to immediately de-puff, soothe, and moisturize this delicate area. One reviewer writes: "One of my favorite beauty products! It's the perfect thing for someone whose eyes are always puffy when they wake up."

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15. A Practical Potato Chip Baking Tray That Whips Up A Healthier Treat

Whitelotous Potato Chips Baking Tray, $5, Amazon

This microwave-safe plastic baking tray has individual slots for potato, apple, or carrot wedges — and it lets you bake a simpler, easy version of your favorite potato chip treat.

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16. The Finger And Hand Massager Tool That's The Ultimate Bargain

MACHEE Finger Massager, $2, Amazon

This little massage tool looks deceptively simple, but it helps eliminate joint pain and provides a great, soothing massage on tight, tired fingers and aching hands. On one side you'll find a massager for individual fingers, while the other side provides a full hand massager.

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17. This Unique Odor Absorber For A Fresher Fridge

Tvoip Chilly Mama Odor Absorber and Freshness Holder, $10, Amazon

Fill this unique odor absorber tool with baking soda and place it on a shelf in your fridge. It neutralizes bad odors and keeps your food and refrigerator smelling fresh for months. The fact that it's a fun conversation starter doesn't hurt one bit, either.

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18. These Little Silicone Helpers That Keep Lids Propped Up To Prevent Spills

Amoutor Spill-Proof Lid Lifter, $9 (6 Pack), Amazon

These creative silicone kitchen helpers can be used for a variety of purposes. As lid lifters, they keep lids propped up to prevent spills from boiling water. They can also be used to rest your chopsticks and utensils — and it even works as a phone holder. Each set comes with helpers in six different colors, and cleaning them requires nothing more than a damp cloth.

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19. A Miniature Colander That Snaps Onto Cans

Prepworks by Progressive Can Colander, $4, Amazon

Finally — a simple solution to a common food prep problem: how can you drain liquid from a can without causing food in that can to spill out? The answer is by using this can colander, which snaps right onto cans and is dishwasher-safe.

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20. This Drying And Storage Rack For Plastic Baggies

Jokari Baggy Rack, $12 (2 Pack), Amazon

These genius plastic bag racks have sturdy clips that keep sandwich bags open and in place — so you can leave them open to dry, or pour ingredients into them without making a mess. They have a non-slip rubber base and can be adjusted by height to accommodate a variety of bags.

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21. The Foam Cushion Grocery Bag Handles That Keep Your Hands From Hurting

Pankia Go Grocery Bag Holder, $11 (5 Pack), Amazon

You'll keep a tight grip on your grocery bags without hurting your hands with the help of these strong aluminum alloy grocery bag holders, which feature foam cushion handles. The holders hook to your bags and they even have a ring where you can hang items like your keychain off of them.

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22. A Cleaning Scraper Tool That Removes Gum And Stuck-On Gunk

Eunion Scraper, $7 (3 Pack), Amazon

Remove stickers, residue, and sticky gunk like food particles from corners and in between tiles with this scraper tool. It features a narrow head on one side and a wide head on the other — and can double as a can and bottle opener. It won't scratch your surfaces, either, so it's safe to use anywhere.

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23. This Wearable Thumb Ring That Keeps Your Books Open Wide

Thumb Thing Ring, $8 (Set of 3), Amazon

Read with one hand while you sip a glass of wine or cup of coffee with the other — and keep your book open wide — when you wear this thumb ring page holder. The ring comes in different colors and doubles as a bookmark.

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24. An Avocado Slicer That Splits, Pits & Slices With Ease

OXO Good Grips 3-In-1 Avocado Slicer, $10, Amazon

Avocados are delicious, healthy, and a total pain to cut open and slice. But this avocado slicer makes it a cinch: the tool splits, pits, and slices avocado with ease — leaving it separated in seven perfect portions. It also keeps you from cutting your hands, making it create for the clumsiest of chefs.

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25. This Mess-Free Cheese Grater That Comes With A Bowl And Lid

PortoFino Mini Box Grater, $11, Amazon

Grate cheese, chocolate, garlic, or ginger on this box grater, which has a large surface area and two stainless steel blades in one. And, while you're at it, don't worry about holding your grater over a bowl: This gadget also comes with a small bowl and a lid to preserve your shavings.

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26. The Genius Tool That Chops Through Cauliflower

Chef'n Stalk Chop Cauliflower Prep Tool, $8, Amazon

Cauliflower pizza dough and rice is still all the rage, but cumbersome cauliflower hasn't become any easier to chop and slide. This cauliflower prep tool changes that with a blade that chops right through cauliflower and an ergonomic handle that makes it comfy to hold. It both cores the vegetable and pulls off the florets, and it works for broccoli, too.

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27. An Intensely Conditioning Hair Protein Treatment For All Hair Types

Elizavecca Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment, $9, Amazon

Treat dry, damaged hair to the ultimate conditioning protein treatment — one that contains ceramides and collagen that lock in moisture for healthier, shinier strands. One reviewer raves: "This stuff brought my hair back to life. My hair was so soft. It wasn't frizzy after it air dried like it normally is. I highly recommend this product. I will definitely be repurchasing."

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28. These Exfoliating Bath Cloths That Are A Total Steal

Italy Towel Exfoliating Bath Washcloth, $6 (8 Pieces), Amazon

These Korean beauty washcloths need nothing more than a few drops of water to activate their exfoliating powers. Keep your skin smooth and clean — and then toss them in the washing machine and reuse them. They're great for keeping dry skin away.

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29. The 10-in-One Tool That's So Compact It Fits In Your Pocket

Northwall Tool, $12, Amazon

With 10 tools in one — including a bottle opener, wrench, screwdriver, and box opener — this stainless steel multi-tool is as practical as a tool can get. Add in the fact that it's also the size of a key and can literally slip into your pocket, and you've got one convenient, super cheap tool you'll take everywhere.

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30. These Self-Adhesive Cord Holders For A Neater Work Space

BlueLounge CableDrop, $10 (9 Pack), Amazon

Manage messy cable cords so that they stay in one place with these cable holders, which have a self-adhesive back and safely stick to desks and tables without damaging wood and other surfaces. This pack of nine comes in green, blue, and pink: but they're also available in neutral colors.

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31. This Strong Reusable Rubber Tie For Gear

Nite Ize Accessory Organizer, $8 (4 Pack), Amazon

Far stronger than plastic ties, these rubber accessory organizers are reusable and provide major stretch so that they'll fit over a variety of gear and cables, regardless of their thickness. The ties are also waterproof and UV-resistant — meaning you can use them inside or outside.

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32. The Motion Sensor Toilet Light That Colorfully Lights Your Path At Night

oenbopo Motion Sensor Toilet Light, $7, Amazon

What better way to illuminate your path to the bathroom at midnight then with the help of this motion sensor toilet light that activates in darkness and features eight different light options? Choose a single light color or set the sensor to rotate among hues. The device easily attaches to your bowl, and it's an energy-saving way to light up your bathroom.

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33. An Invigorating Massage Brush That Gets Your Hair And Scalp Super Clean

HEETA Hair Scalp Massager, $8, Amazon

Use this scalp massager when you shampoo to make your scalp super clean — and remove residue and dead skin from hair products. It also can stimulate circulation, which encourages hair growth. The brush has gentle bristles that feel like a salon massage, and it's ideal for all hair types (and it doubles as a soothing pet brush).

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34. This Unique Faucet That Changes Color Depending On Your Water Temperature

Dogxiong LED Gradient Light Water Faucet, $7, Amazon

This temperature-sensitive faucet changes LED light colors to let you know what the water will feel like before you stick your hand in — blue for cold, red for hot, and green for water between 33 and 41 degrees. It connects to faucets and features a water-conserving filter to keep you from using too much.

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35. A Glamorous Silk Eye Mask That Won't Pinch Your Skin

Fitglam Sleep Mask, $8, Amazon

This silky smooth eye mask has 100 percent mulberry silk on both sides, an adjustable band that ensures it won't pinch your skin. Of course, it also features an adorable design. The mask even comes with a set of ear plugs (talk about bang for your buck), so you'll experience the most restful sleep of your life.

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36. An Adorable Panda Who Steals Your Coins and Saves Them In This Bank

Ziv Coin Bank, $12, Amazon

Saving money can be fun — especially if you let the cute panda in this coin bank emerge from its hiding place to capture and steal all of your loose change. The battery-operated bank comes in three animal options: panda, strawberry cat, and yellow cat.

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37. This Gentle Detangling Brush That Glides Through Knots

Crave Naturals Detangling Brush, $11, Amazon

No matter what your hair type is, this detangling brush will smoothly glide through knots and tangles — and smoothen your hair without pulling and damaging strands. It can be used wet or dry, and prevents hair breakage, too. The bristles provide a soothing massage and it comes in five colors.

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38. The Sturdy Phone Holder With A Gooseneck Design For Any Viewing Angle

Aduro Solid-Grip Phone Holder, $11, Amazon

With its ultra-flexible gooseneck design that has 360-degree rotation and bends to achieve any and all viewing angles, this is one of the best — and most affordable — phone holders out there. It's compatible with all phones and GPS devices, features a solid clamp that keeps a tight grip on phones, and comes in white or black.

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39. This Tiny Multi-Tool That You Can Wear As A Hair Clip

Monkey Business Mini Multitool Clip, $9, Amazon

It may look as unassuming as a hair clip, but this multi-tool clip is so much more — you can use it as a scraper, bottle opener, small screwdriver, ruler, or a nail file. And, of course, it's a hair clip on top of it all — so you'll feel like a superhero with your own secret tactical weapon.

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40. The Natural Lava Bracelet That Doubles As An Aromatherapy Diffuser

Lava Rock Diffuser Bangle Bracelet, $10, Amazon

Made with real lava rocks, this diffuser bangle bracelet absorbs a few drops of essential oil and continues to put forth their soothing scent throughout the day. The rocks are assembled on a cord bracelet that you can adjust for the perfect fit. It works with perfumes, too.

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41. An Octopus Tripod That You Can Adjust To Take Great Photos From A Distance

YeahWhee Phone Tripod, $10, Amazon

Place your phone on this adjustable octopus tripod and position its flexible legs so that you can capture a perfect long-distance photo. It comes with a wireless remote shutter that works from as far as 30 feet away.

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42. This Odd Little Stick That Keeps Glasses From Slipping From Your Face

Nerdwax Stop Slipping Glasses, $11, Amazon

Maybe you've seen this amazing Nerdwax slipping glasses product on Shark Tank and wondered — can it really keep glasses from slipping off your face? And reviewers enthusiastically swear it's the real deal and requires nothing more than a thin application on the inside of your glasses. It's made with all natural ingredients, and works on frames with or without nose pads.

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43. These Convenient Clip-On Dip Bowls For Even Better Snacks

Dip Clip Bowl Plate Holder, $8 (4 Pack), Amazon

This set of colorful dip bowls clip onto snack bowls and are the perfect size for a variety of delicious dips. They're made from food-safe plastic and are dishwasher-safe so you won't hesitate to take them out whenever guests arrive (or just to enjoy a better snacking experience all by yourself).

Elite Daily may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Elite Daily's editorial and sales departments.This article reflects price at publication and may change.

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