55 Clever, Cheap Things I Can’t Believe Work So Incredibly Well

“Let's just say press-on nails have really come a long way in the past 10 to 15 years and these are proof,” says editor Mallory Moreno. They come with 12 sizes, so you can pick and choose the one that’s right for each of your individual fingers. They apply in seconds with a totally seamless shape that looks natural and can be reshaped to fit your nail bed. Plus they can last for up to two weeks. The set comes in a variety of styles, from French tips to brights, neutrals, and rhinestone-studded options.

Editor Karen Belz is obsessed with these repairing hand masks, saying, “They're a great little pick-me-up, and you'll notice the results immediately after use.” They’re packed with prebiotic oat and shea butter that work together to deeply hydrate, restore, and nourish your hands in just 10 minutes. Plus they’re touch-screen sensitive, so you can still use your phone or tablet while you’re wearing the gloves.

These door draft stoppers are a must-have underneath every external door in your home for so many reasons. Not only are they “so easy to apply,” according to editor Martha Sorren, but “they significantly reduce the cold air coming from underneath my doors,” she adds. They help cut back on drafts and noise pollution, and can even reduce dust and the number of bugs that get into your home.

“The Sleek Socket is as great as it seems,” says editor Amy Biggart. “It's made an inaccessible outlet behind my bed suddenly accessible. I love it so much.” That’s because it features two 3-foot extension cords that each have three outlets, so you can redirect cords behind an appliance or piece of furniture. It also has a totally flat plug that completely conceals the wall outlet, allowing you to push your bed or couch all the way up to the wall without worrying about bending or breaking the wires.

“This foot cream is the GOAT in my book,” says editor Adeline Duff. “Enriched with manuka honey, it genuinely makes my feet feel baby soft after just one use.” With a rich blend of moisturizing and exfoliating elements, the cream targets tough areas to hydrate and gently remove dead skin until it’s soft and glowing. It has a non-greasy texture and it’s gentle on sensitive skin, too.

“This makeup remover towel works so well, and I love that it’s black so I never have to worry about makeup stains,” says editor Amy Biggart. The best part is that all you have to do is add water for it to work its magic on eyeliner, lipstick, foundation, false lashes, sunscreen, and even waterproof mascara. The short-fiber side erases makeup while the long-fiber side exfoliates and cleanses.

“I first heard about this from my aesthetician, and she is so right about it,” says editor Amy Biggart. “This is hands down the best lip balm I've ever used for really dry lips.” That’s because the formula is packed with honey, beeswax, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and vitamins that deeply penetrate your lips. It’ll hydrate and nourish, repairing dry and cracked skin until it’s soft, supple, and glowing.

Editor Carolyn Menyes is obsessed with this pet hair remover, as are the other 145,000 reviewers who gave it a five-star rating. “This thing is hyped as all get-out on Amazon, but it really does work well,” she explains. “My cat has made my husband's work bag his bed, but this thing makes it look like it's never even met an animal, with just a few swipes.” It has a fur-grabbing brush that you roll back and forth over your surfaces to trap and collect pet hair. When you’re done, simply pop the compartment open to remove everything inside.

“If you have a cat, you probably have litter tracked around your house — this mat helps contain it better, and has been a huge help,” raves editor Karen Belz. That’s just one of the reasons it has over 46,000 five-star ratings. The waterproof mat has a honeycomb upper layer and an envelope-like design that catches and traps any lingering litter so you’re not stepping on it around your home all day.

“These masks not only genuinely help with eye dryness and eye fatigue, but they also make bedtime feel extra cozy,” raves editor Adeline Duff. Packed with relaxing chamomile, these eye masks heat up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit to help tackle dry eyes, allergies, dark circles, and other common irritations. Plus they’re individually packaged so you can take them with you on the go.

“These kitchen scissors are a great way to cut veggies without needing to bring out the cutting board,” says editor Karen Belz. “They're innovative, easy to use, easy to clean, and literally one of my favorite all-time kitchen gadgets.” That’s because they basically have a mini cutting board built into the bottom blade, allowing you to chop up fruits and veggies more safely, while also cutting down on the number of dishes you have to do.

“The cheese graters at nail salons freak me out, but this glass foot file feels gentle while still helping remove dead skin,” says editor Martha Sorren. It has a non-abrasive surface that removes dead skin and calluses without scratching or scraping your feet. It’s a total pedicure essential if you want to feel like you’ve been to the salon without leaving your house.

“These are so handy to have on hand for instant help with nasal congestion and mild allergies,” raves editor Jen Fiegel. The inhalers are infused with eucalyptus essential oils to open up your sinuses, giving you a cool, piney scent straight to your nose. Plus because they come in such small containers, you can take them with you anywhere for a refresh on the go.

“This is an IYKYK product,” explains editor Carolyn Menyes. “I have a small apartment, and Poo-Pourri has probably saved my marriage.” Simply spritz three to five sprays directly into the toilet before you go and it traps the odors down there until you flush. What happens in the bathroom doesn’t even stay in the bathroom — you’ll never know anyone was in there at all.

“I can finally take any drink I want with me,” raves editor Lauren Beach. “I've used this expander for mugs, massive water bottles, and more.” The gadget sticks into your car’s existing cupholders and has an expandable base that helps it stay put. The end result is an elevated cupholder with an increased width, perfect for oversized tumblers and more. Plus, it has rubber tabs inside to keep your bottles from tipping over.

“My front-load machine smelled so bad until I started using these tablets,” says editor Martha Sorren. “You just toss it in, run a cycle, and the smell disappears.” Not only do they remove smells but they also scrub down the inside of your machine, penetrating residue and grime to help extend the life of your washer and leave it looking, feeling, and smelling fresh.

From fan-favorite Korean skin-care brand Beauty of Joseon, this glow serum does just that — reveals your naturally glowing complexion, balances oil, and soothes your skin. “I have dry, sensitive skin and this serum is gentle, hydrating, and leaves a lovely, glowy finish,” says editor Cassandra Seale. It’s packed with key ingredients like niacinamide, beta hydroxy acids, and propolis extract for gentle exfoliation and nourishment.

With a matte finish available in a range of chic colors, this toaster is the kind of appliance I actually show off rather than hide in a cabinet. As a sourdough lover (and aspirational baker), the fact that it has one long slot means I can toast a full piece of sourdough at once — no more toasting one half at a time like in traditional, smaller toasters. It also comfortably fits two regular slices or both halves of a bagel.

Editor Amy Biggart is obsessed with these pasties because “the adhesive works so well.” They’re made of medical-grade silicone that’s resistant to water and sweat so they’re super long-lasting when you’re wearing a backless dress, strapless top, or other complicated looks. They have a totally seamless design and come in quite a few skin-tone shades so you won’t even know they’re there. The case ensures they’ll keep their shape, too.

Editor Ali Drucker is one of thousands of fans of this over-the-sink drying rack. “I love how I can just roll this rack up for a more streamlined-looking kitchen when I'm not using it,” she explains. “Better yet? Everything I put on it drips dry right over the drain.” It has a metal base that’s covered in nonslip silicone that won’t scrape or scratch your dishes. And since it’s heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use it as a trivet.

“These are so nice for keeping my many cords organized. I love that I can color-code things,” raves editor Amy Biggart. The cable ties work to keep literally any wires from tangling — think: the annoying wires hanging off your blender or stand mixer, all the chargers you travel with, the cords that pile up behind your entertainment center, and more. Plus when the cords are unspooled, the cable ties stay attached for next time.

“This is one of my more recommended Amazon purchases,” says editor Carolyn Menyes about this herb container. “It keeps my herbs fresher for like a month, which has saved me a ton of money. It looks nice in my fridge, too.” It has a BPA-free plastic base with a high-quality glass tube and a stainless steel core. The air vents on the lid allow the herbs to breathe to reduce condensation buildup and help your herbs stay as fresh as the day you got them.

“I'm genuinely shocked by how quickly these dry,” says editor Cassandra Seale. The towels manage to absorb up to five times their weight in liquid and dry super quickly because of their breathable woven design. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles and can be tossed in the washing machine to easily clean between uses. Even better? They come in tons of cute prints.

“This caddy feels so sturdy and looks sophisticated and intentional, almost like it was built into my shower to begin with,” says editor Ali Drucker. It has a really sleek stainless steel finish that’s scratch resistant and waterproof for that built-in look. It can hold up to 20 pounds of shampoo and conditioner and has four multifunctional hooks that can be used for loofahs, exfoliating gloves, and more.

“Giving my glasses a chic, soft, and safe home is a major improvement on keeping them loose on the desk (or couch, or nightstand),” says editor Cassandra Seale. These holders have a faux leather exterior that looks really high-end and a plush and fluffy inner lining that protects your glasses from scratches, scrapes, and other damage.

“I'm far too impatient to sit around with a pumice stone, so these foot peel masks are my favorite shortcut to getting softer feet,” says editor Anna Anderson. They’re made with exfoliating glycolic acid, moisturizing aloe vera, and smoothing glycerol to get rid of dead skin and calluses and reveal baby-smooth feet. After wearing them for just 10 minutes, slip them off and the effortless peeling process should be complete in about two weeks.

“I love this peppermint treatment, which is so relaxing when I rub it on my temples,” explains editor Amy Biggart. “It instantly relaxes me, even when nothing else works.” It’s made with a peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus essential oil blend that helps encourage calmness and relaxation. Plus you can take the pocket-size treatment with you anywhere for a calming refresh on the go.

“I love how these (very cute) flat claw clips don't dig into your head if you lean back on a couch or car headrest,” raves editor Anna Anderson. Their rounded design conforms to the back of your head, making them a comfortable choice for relaxing, driving, or working out. They have a nonslip matte finish that keeps them in place regardless of what you’re doing and they won’t pull or tug at your hair when you remove them.

There’s a reason these rug corner grippers have over 5,000 five-star ratings — they’re such an easy solution to one of the most annoying flooring problems: rugs that curl at the corners or slide around underfoot. They stick to the corners on the underside and have a rubbery texture that keeps the rug in place and prevents slipping.

“I overheat easily, and this fan has been a lifesaver over and over again,” says editor Carolyn Menyes. “I keep it in my bag all the time, even in the winter, and it provides ample breeze on steaming hot subway platforms.” The compact design is so lightweight it won’t bulk up your bags. When you’re not using it to cool yourself down, it can even act as a portable charger for your phone and other devices.

“A pile of food storage lids is a serious annoyance,” says editor Anna Anderson, adding, “This organizer is such a clever way to spot them all and grab the one you need in just a few seconds.” The whole thing expands from 10 inches to 17 inches in length and comes with six removable dividers that can be placed anywhere on the base. It’s a completely customizable storage solution that will totally change the inside of your kitchen cabinets.

There’s a reason this foldable phone stand is so ridiculously popular — it folds down to about the same size as your phone so you can take it with you anywhere. It has a weighted base and an adjustable arm to give you a comfortable, more ergonomic angle for video calls and streaming alike. Plus, it can hold your phone vertically or horizontally.

Editor Amy Biggart loves this exfoliating towel because it’s “made it so much easier to exfoliate and get soap everywhere I need it during showers.” Simply add your favorite soap and it forms a really generous lather, allowing you to work the towel from head to toe — including on your back — for a deeply exfoliating cleanse.

“It's surprising how powerful this pint-sized space heater is,” says editor Anna Anderson, who appreciates how long it allows her to go before she needs to turn on her apartment’s heat. Not only is it whisper quiet, but it’s perfect for cozyingup small rooms in just minutes. Plus it has a ton of safety features like overheating and tip-over protection.

“Unlike a lot of other AirPods cases out there, these have a handy lock that prevents each AirPod from flying out if dropped,” says editor Karen Belz. That’s what makes this case truly unique — it’s compatible with AirPods 4 and completely covers your charging case, adding a locking mechanism that keeps everything secure inside. Plus it comes with cleaning tools to keep your headphones looking good as new.

There’s a reason editor Lauren Beach is obsessed with these light-blocking stickers — they actually work. They come in so many shapes and sizes to cover any annoying lights that blink or feel too harsh in the dark (think: your TV, floor fan, alarm clock — you name it). Plus, you can layer them to either slightly dim or completely block the light, depending on what you’re looking for.

“I'm a side sleeper, so it's not hard to slip into a weird sleeping position and wake up with pain the next day,” explains editor Mallory Moreno. “This pillow has helped correct that and actually provides a natural resting place for your head and neck when lying on your side.” The contoured design is made of memory foam and uses a blend of sturdy support and soft relief to help you get a great night’s sleep. It has a mesh outer layer and a moisture-absorbing inner layer to help it stay breathable and fresh, no matter what position you sleep in.

The beauty of this collagen eye cream is twofold. First, the ingredients: It’s packed with peptides, niacinamide, and collagen complex which together increase elasticity, deeply nourish, and improve the firmness of your skin. Second, the applicator “glides smoothly and feels amazingly cool,” according to editor Cassandra Seale. She uses it at night to help prep the delicate skin under her eyes for the next day.

The backlit design of these night-lights is what makes them an absolute must have in your home. Instead of blasting a bright light all over the room, they’re lit from behind to shine toward the wall, ensuring they’re gentle on the eyes when you’re up in the middle of the night. Each one has an automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor and can also be programmed to automatically turn on when it detects motion.

“My hands and cuticles tend to get extremely dry — putting on lotion, then slipping on these gloves overnight or just for a couple hours makes a major difference,” raves editor Cassandra Seale. They’re made from 100% cotton, so they’re breathable, lightweight, and super comfortable, whether you’re wearing them overnight or while you’re watching your favorite show.

“Gentle and thick, Cocofloss has turned me into the flosser I never thought I'd be,” says editor Jen Fiegel. Infused with nourishing coconut and a very pleasant scent, this floss removes any plaque left between your teeth. It uses textured, interwoven threads that seamlessly glide between teeth and expand to capture cavity-causing plaque for a clean, bright smile.

Let’s be real — there are bobby pins all over my house and I can never find one when I need one. Enter: this magnetic holder. It was specifically designed to hold onto your metal bobby pins so they’re always in the same place and ready to be used. Plus the compact design ensures you can store it on your vanity or inside a dresser drawer.

The first thing we do in my house while making coffee in the morning is check out this dry-erase calendar conveniently mounted onto our refrigerator. The acrylic design means it blends in seamlessly with the fridge while still allowing me to see everyone’s color-coded schedule at a glance. It’s really a game changer when it comes to keeping my house organized.

“This trap catches fruit flies, drain flies, and more so efficiently,” explains editor Ali Drucker. “The design is smart, sleek, and simple — I especially love the swiveling prongs so you can orient it both horizontally and vertically.” It uses UV and blue light to attract flying insects, then traps them onto a glue pad which is concealed in the back — so you don’t have to come face to face with trapped bugs until you replace the pad.

This stain treater spray is an absolute game changer — and that’s coming from someone who has a white rug and a pet. It seriously works in seconds. Just spray it directly onto the stain, wait a moment, and then gently blot with a paper towel or rag. The stain is gone like magic and you won’t remember there was ever a problem there.

“I've really noticed smoother and more radiant, glowy skin since using this,” says editor Mallory Moreno. That’s because this body wash is packed with vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and fruit enzymes that exfoliate, improve skin tone, brighten, and leave your skin positively radiant. The gel cream lathers up really nicely in your hand or on your shower gloves so it feels buttery soft when it’s gliding onto your skin.

Editor Carolyn Menyes loves this umbrella because it’s lightweight and easy to travel with, making it a must-have if you’re commuting to and from work. Though the compact design folds up as small as a water bottle, it’s still a really powerful umbrella with the sturdy metal frame, comfortable grip, and extra-large strap that makes securing it a total breeze.

“I'm obsessed with how these hangers not only save me space thanks to their slim design, but also grip my clothes so well thanks to the velvet coating,” says editor Ali Drucker, adding “My closet is a happier place since swapping these in.” The contoured shoulder also helps protect clothes from deforming and they have built-in, soft-cut notches to secure spaghetti strap dresses and shirts to keep them from falling off, too.

“Way less bulky to store than traditional strainers, this colander allows me to drain pasta and more with just one hand,” raves editor Ali Drucker. The silicone colander has an adjustable size that can clip onto all kinds of pots, pans, and bowls, allowing you to strain even boiling water without creating a mess for yourself. It’s heat resistant up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit and can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

With a 4.5-star overall rating from 8,000 shoppers, this popular fabric shaver gives new life to old sweaters, pants, leggings, and furniture. With the cover on, it works on delicate fabrics like wool, and with the cover removed, it can be used on cotton, synthetics, and more. This little gadget removes pilling, fuzz, lint balls, and other things that can make your clothes and furniture look old or unsightly.

With a stellar 4.8-star overall rating from nearly 6,000 reviewers, this flashlight is shockingly powerful for its itty-bitty size. It recharges through a built-in USB attachment and it lasts for 60 minutes on a single charge — no additional charging cables necessary. Barely larger than a single AirPod earphone, it has a large light span and a magnetic base that serves as a hands-free mount when needed.

Our editors love these silicone oven mitts — which have over 50,000 five-star ratings — because they’re heat resistant, waterproof, and overall so protective of your hands, wrists, and arms. They have a long and wide design that adds even more coverage, perfect for the steam and moisture that can escape when removing pot lids. Just rinse them off or pop them into the washing machine if they get messy while you’re cooking, baking, or barbecuing.

If you haven’t come up with a convenient and useful storage solution for your water bottle collection, you need to check out these magnetic racks. They can be installed with screws or mounted to the fridge thanks to the magnets, and can store up to three water 40-ounce bottles each. The set also comes with a magnetic tumbler lid organizer that can store up to six lids.

If you’ve been looking to replace your makeup brushes but don’t know where to start, this set has you covered. Each brush has buttery soft, dense bristles and a comfortable handle. The set comes with a brush for everything: a flat brush for foundation, a tapered brush for blush, an angled brush for eye shadow, and even a mascara brush— which is probably why its overall 4.6-star rating from a whopping 130,000 reviewers comes as a shock to no one.

This charcuterie board is brilliant because it has five tiers to take advantage of vertical space and give your appetizer selection some dimension at your next party. The tiers climb up a central pole like tree branches and the whole thing spins 360 degrees so you have access to all your favorite snacks.