Health

The 50 Coolest Things Under $20 You Can Get on Amazon

by Tom Philip

Unsplash / Aidan Bartos

There are few surefire ways to feel better these days, what with all the stuff on the news, those clowns in Congress being at it again, people not texting you back, and so on. That’s why, in these cold months of discontent, we must turn to retail therapy: the age-old art of buying complete nonsense. It rules.

We searched far and wide for the very coolest deals and the very best items on Amazon available for less than $20. That’s like, two drinks if you go to a stupid enough cocktail bar. From rad tech to home essentials, this is just the very best stuff you can spend your hard-earned money on right now. Let’s go.

UPGRADED Anker PowerPort II with Dual PowerIQ Ports

Hell. Yes. Charge two devices. At one time. At top speeds. The Powerport II features charging speeds of 4.8 amps overall, and folds up super small so you can take it anywhere. You’ll never want to use that stupid 5W Apple charger that comes in the box ever again. UPGRADED Anker PowerPort II with Dual PowerIQ Ports

Amazon

Hamilton Beach TrueAir Plug Air Purifier

For small rooms, nothing beats this dust and allergy-busting purifier you can just plug straight into the wall. The Hamilton Beach TrueAir also incorporates a nightlight into the product, and even gives you a handy little reminder light when it needs a new filter. It would be magic if it weren’t real.

Hamilton Beach TrueAir Plug Air Purifier

Amazon

Aspen Kay Tumeric Bar Soap

Keep clean AND smell like an exotic beach cafe with this all-natural (and seriously very good) bar soap. I remember reading an article a while back about how millennials aren’t using bar soap anymore and was like “why not?” and so I went and bought some. It’s amazing, folks.

Aspen Kay Tumeric Bar Soap

Amazon

Dirt Devil Lightweight Bagless Stick Vacuum

Every home, no matter how big or small, needs a compact and useful vacuum cleaner that doesn’t weigh two tonnes and won’t fight with you while you try to get it out of the closet. I don’t own one of these, and my apartment is a hellish mess. You do the math.

Dirt Devil Lightweight Bagless Stick Vacuum

Amazon

J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight

In the case of emergencies, or simply just having something brighter and more versatile on hand than your phone’s camera light, a flashlight is an essential for everyone. I don’t know how flashlights can be tactical but … sounds cool! Right? J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight

Amazon

Apollo 39-Piece Tool Set

Look rugged and strong and handy with this GIANT tool set that costs less than a two-person McDonald’s order. You can have your nuggets after you’re done wielding your brand new hammer like the mighty Thor and shouting a bunch of ancient Nordic spells. You can have it all..

Apollo 39-Piece Tool Set

Amazon

A Good As Hell Beanie

Carhartt makes the ultimate beanies. Warm, comfy, and stylish, they’re perfect for everyday wear the moment the temperature drops below 60. They’re so cheap you can stock up on a few different colors, too.

A Good As Hell Beanie

Amazon

ToiletTree Nose Hair Trimmer

No one likes to admit this, but nose hair trimmers are essential once you get past the age of 25. (Or, in my case, 19, but you don’t need to know that. Why did I just tell you that?)

ToiletTree Nose Hair Trimmer

Amazon

BlueStraw Dual Detachable Keychains

This is a great invention, or should that be inventions, plural? Next time you need to lend someone your keys, or leave a spare set in a safe place when you go for a run, or whatever, just pull ‘em apart! Technology is amazing.

BlueStraw Dual Detachable Keychains

Amazon

AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set

Give your bed an upgrade with this seriously resilient (and easy to clean) sheet set. AmazonBasics’s microfiber bedding sets are super soft, and will make you forget all about those dumb myths about thread count. The set comes in sizes for pretty much any bed.

AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set

Amazon

Self-Draining Silicone Drying Mat

This amazing, compact drying mat is the perfect kitchen upgrade for literally the smallest of homes. Built-in rivets drain excess moisture into the sink while the silicone facilitates quick drying. Finally you can do your dishes properly, no matter where you live.

Self-Draining Silicone Drying Mat

Amazon

Veeki Rechargeable 14500 AA Batteries With Universal Charger

Never rush out to buy batteries again! Rechargeable batteries haven’t taken off the way they should. I don’t know why, maybe people hate saving money. Anyway, these are a lifesaver.

Veeki Rechargeable 14500 AA Batteries With Universal Charger

Amazon

Waterproof Notebook

So you can write down “I HATE THIS” while standing in the rain.

Waterproof Notebook

Amazon

American Crew Fiber

Some of the best hair products in the game come from American Crew, whose “fiber” has a neat matte finish and an unbelievable hold. This stuff will last all day without becoming gunky or greasy. What’s more,: It smells great, too.

American Crew Fiber

Amazon

Keyport MOCA 10-In-1 Key Tool

It’s a bottle opener; it’s a box cutter. it’s the perfect gift. It’s eight other things. Wow.

Keyport MOCA 10-In-1 Key Tool

Amazon

rOtring 600 0.5mm Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil

Normal pencils are dumb and for 1930s school children. Mechanical pencils are for precise adults willing to admit their mistakes. this will make your writing better and your crossword addiction much, much easier.

rOtring 600 0.5mm Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil

Amazon

Apple Lightning to USB Cable (3 Pack)

Because, c’mon, you’ve already lost yours. I know I have, and then the one I bought to replace the first one. We all need a couple extra charging cables in our lives. I know I have, and then the one I bought to replace the first one. We all need a couple extra charging cables in our lives.

Apple Lightning to USB Cable (3 Pack)

Amazon

Paddywax Urban Collection Scented Soy Wax Candle

Everyone needs to have at least one sexy, fancy candle at some point in their lives. This one smells like, according to the label, “Tobacco & Patchouli”, which in layman’s terms means your house will soon smell like an expensive hotel lobby.

Paddywax Urban Collection Scented Soy Wax Candle

Amazon

The Best Hot Sauce

Ever the hot sauce skeptic, this is hands-down the best one I’ve ever tried, and I don’t even like Sriracha that much (I know, I know, I’m sorry.) Run, don’t walk.

The Best Hot Sauce

Amazon

TOOGOO Eye Mask

What’s better than a cheap, relaxing eye mask? Now your awful, tissue-thin blinds are no longer a problem. you’ll be sleeping ‘til noon every day (I do not recommend this if you like your job, though).

TOOGOO Eye Mask

Amazon

ZBash Slim Wallet With Easy Access Cash Compartment

Bulky wallets are OUT. C’mon, you’re not George Costanza. I used to be a big wallet kind of guy, carrying around a trifold monstrosity with 800 business cards for people I’d never contact. Don’t be like me.

ZBash Slim Wallet With Easy Access Cash Compartment

Amazon

Amazon Essentials Men's 2-Pack Regular-Fit Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt

AmazonEssentials knows it out of the park again with these good-looking everyday efforts that are also soft as hell and go with any outfit. Sheaper than they have any right to be, too.

Amazon Essentials Men's 2-Pack Regular-Fit Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt

Amazon

AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan

I don’t know if you know this, but you haven’t cooked until you’ve made food with a cast iron pan. There’s a reason everyone from professional chefs to novice cooks who only know how to make eggs are obsessed with these things.

AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan

Amazon

6 Classy Silicone Coasters

Another must-have for anyone who is not a high-schooler. These coasters not only protect your surfaces from spills and marks, but look great and dry out real fast. A seriously impressive upgrade for any home space.

6 Classy Silicone Coasters

Amazon

AmazonBasics 16 Wood Suit Hangers

Don’t let the name fool you; these can also be used to hang up your old band shirts with a bunch of holes in them. They don’t discriminate, and will never judge. They will, however, make your clothes, and your closet, that much better.

AmazonBasics 16 Wood Suit Hangers

Amazon

36 Metal Collar Stays - Premium Black Brushed Stainless Steel

Collar stays are important, but you never think to get them until it’s too late, and you’re about to show up to a wedding or office holiday party looking like a freakin’ vagrant. Don’t be that person, as soon as you accept these are an adult necessity, the easier life gets.

36 Metal Collar Stays - Premium Black Brushed Stainless Steel

Amazon

12 Hot Pockets

What more information do you need from me here on this one?

12 Hot Pockets

Amazon

X-Level Nylon Braided Lightning to USB Mini Keychain Charger

Charge your phone AND don’t lose your keys at the bar. Beautiful, modern synergy right here in a cheap, useful invention that looks far more expensive than it is..

X-Level Nylon Braided Lightning to USB Mini Keychain Charger

Amazon

LuminoLite Rechargeable 3000K Warm 6 LED Book Light

Clip this bad boy to anything (not just books!) and boom: instant lamp. Technology is amazing, huh?

LuminoLite Rechargeable 3000K Warm 6 LED Book Light

Amazon

Utopia Kitchen 20 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set

A homeware company that calls itself “Utopia” is making quite the claim, but this flatware set will, at the very least, make your kitchen not seem like the depths of hell. That’s an upgrade on most kitchens I’ve been in, I can tell you that much.

Utopia Kitchen 20 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set

Amazon

Maars Bev Steel Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler

Keep your wine cool (and safe from spills) with these stainless steel mugs. Perfect for day drinking — even if it’s just some nice iced tea. Ice cubes will stay intact in this thing for HOURS, even in the heat of the sun.

Maars Bev Steel Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler

Amazon

Hanes Men's ComfortSoft T-Shirt (Pack of 4)

You can never have too many well-fitting gray shirts in your arsenal. NEVER. They’re an attractive and versatile staple, and all that more essential for a low-maintenance but classy summer wardrobe.

Hanes Men's ComfortSoft T-Shirt (Pack of 4)

Amazon

GE 8-Device Universal Remote

Losing remotes is never fun, but at least now you’ll only have the one to furiously search your house for.

GE 8-Device Universal Remote

Amazon

Dark Cities (Kindle Edition)

A dark, satisfying book on the modern horrors of city living. You think you’re prepared for these messed-up stories? You’re not. This is the kind of book that will keep you up at night twice over, once because you can’t put it down, then later because you’re chilled to the damn bone. The opening story in this collection spins something fascinating and wicked from what should be a goofy premise, and the ending will stay with you for a long time.

Dark Cities (Kindle Edition)

Amazon

Natural Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitener Powder with Bamboo Brush

Inverse readers love teeth-whitening charcoal powder like nothing I’ve ever seen. Activated charcoal everything is the new hotness, and now you can get in on the action,. This one comes with a fancy brush, too.

Natural Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitener Powder with Bamboo Brush

Amazon

Rii LED Backlit Mechanical Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards rule so hard. Get one and turn even the smallest bedroom desk into a professional home office. Sending emails has never been so fun. Rii LED Backlit Mechanical Keyboard

KBETHOS Vintage Washed Distressed Baseball Cap

Perfect for the summer and for looking like a renegade spy on the run from those he thought he could trust. We can’t guarantee anonymity or safety from federal agents, but we can guarantee you’ll look really, really good.

KBETHOS Vintage Washed Distressed Baseball Cap

Amazon

HIOTECH AC Macbook Plug Adapter

I can’t tell you how many of these things I’ve lost over the years. At last! Redemption! I can now lose as many of them as I want.

HIOTECH AC Macbook Plug Adapter

Amazon

AUKEY Power Strip with 2 Outlets and 4 USB Ports

Turn that one outlet into many fancy outlets! Impress your friends! Impress your hook-ups! Nifty!

AUKEY Power Strip with 2 Outlets and 4 USB Ports

Amazon

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Stick Bergamot and Lime Pack of 2

Natural deodorants are a toss-up, but, no fooling, this one actually works all day and smells pretty good, too. I know: The impossible has finally happened. See for yourself.

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Stick Bergamot and Lime Pack of 2

Amazon

Pembrook Non Skid Socks

If you’re not a slipper person and just want to pad around your house in something a little more hard-wearing than regular old socks, these are the perfect solution. They’re great for long flights, too. Though probably bring a backup pair just to make sure you’re not stinking up the joint.

Pembrook Non Skid Socks

Amazon

econoLED Dash Cam

You know when you see an especially bonkers Russian dashcam video and you’re like, “Damn, I wish I could take wild dashcam vids.” Well now you too can be a wronged, yelling driver.

econoLED Dash Cam

Amazon

BELLA Immersion Blender and Whisk

This is one of the best things I’ve ever bought. Even if you’re not a master chef, it changes your morning coffee game forever, and turns a dull milky coffee into something that somewhat resembles a cappuccino. Inspiring.

BELLA Immersion Blender and Whisk

Amazon

Pilot Precise V5RT Retractable Roller Ball Pen

You should always have a bunch of pens on hand somewhere, bonus points if. they’re actually, you know, good. You can also lose six of these and you’ll still have six left. Awesome.

Pilot Precise V5RT Retractable Roller Ball Pen

Amazon

12 Heavy Duty Microfiber Towels

Clean everything from your laptop screen to your glasses to your kitchen counters with these amazing microfiber cloths that put regular towels, or more likely, the underside of your t-shirt, to shame.

12 Heavy Duty Microfiber Towels

Amazon

GE Designer Extension Cord

Extension cords don’t have to be hideous! Who knew? This effort from GE combines convenience and some impressive design with a piece of home tech that wouldn’t look out of place in even the fanciest home.

GE Designer Extension Cord

Amazon

OKcafe Auto Shut Off Beverage Warmer

Keep your coffee hot and ALSO don’t be in danger of your house burning down because you left the coffee pot plugged in. This is. what’s known as a win-win.

OKcafe Auto Shut Off Beverage Warmer

Rhodia Classic Notepad

The best notepad money can buy. No frills. Just the best paper out there. You’ll be making lists left and right for no reason other than it’s so damn fun and smooth to write on this.

Rhodia Classic Notepad

Amazon

50oz Peanut Butter M&Ms

This is quite simply the greatest candy of all time. And lots of it.

50oz Peanut Butter M&Ms

Amazon
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