50 cool things under $30 that seriously seem expensive AF

I’m not averse to the occasional splurge on something that really moves me. But when it comes to everyday items like wallets, water bottles, small appliances, and lighting I like to find a bargain that does what I need while leaving my savings intact. And thanks to Amazon, inexpensive alternatives to what might once have been huge indulgences are easy to find. Witness these 50 cool things under $30 that seriously seem expensive AF. They do the job of a much more expensive item at a fraction of the price.

You could drop hundreds on a new doorbell, for example, or you could spend five minutes and less than $20 installing this clever wireless one. And if you hate ironing but need to look presentable, dry cleaning costs can be their own budget line item. But this inexpensive handheld steamer refreshes and get the wrinkles out of clothes with nothing but water and a nearby outlet. And I’m sure most people assume that taking power into the wilderness — or into a power outage — is expensive, but this clever solar charger will not only turn sunlight into phone power, it’s also a flashlight.

There are so many ways to get what you want without spending so much money. Read on and find what you need.

SALE: 37% off these silky satin pillowcases

With more than 55,000 Amazon ratings, this set of satin pillowcases has earned legions of fans — and for good reason. The pillowcases feel silky soft and look incredibly luxe. Your skin will be convinced these are real silk, but thanks to their durable satin-polyester construction you get the feel of silk with none of the fussy washing instructions.

SALE: 43% off these dermaplaning tools

These Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up razors are so handy. Not only are they perfect for grooming and shaping your brows, but you can also use them for dermaplaning (aka removing all the peach fuzz off your skin so your makeup glides on more smoothly). Right now, these cult-favorite tools, which boast over 100,000 Amazon reviews, are being sold in a pack of three for a bargain price.

SALE: 45% off this two-pack of certified iPhone charging cables

Tired of iPhone charging cables that don't last? That won't be a problem with these super durable 10-foot lightning cables from CyvenSmart, which are made from strong copper wire covered in braided nylon and have an additional protective layer near the ends of each cable. The cords are MFi-certified to work with Apple products, and Amazon reviewers are big fans, with more than 24,000 reviewers giving them an overall rating of 4.6 stars.

SALE: 47% off this non-contact thermometer

This touchless thermometer takes quick and accurate temperature readings with the touch of a button. It runs on AAA batteries, which are included, so you can use it anywhere — and if you click the coupon box, you can save an additional 15% off.

SALE: 42% off this one-step hairdryer and styling brush

When it comes to hair tools, the Revlon One-Step is an MVP that's garnered a 4.6-star overall rating after 312,000 reviews(!). The two-in-one hairdryer and styler amps up the volume, but doesn't damage hair. Grab this, and you can look like you had a salon blowout every single morning.

SALE: 20% off these comfy and supportive gel pillows

Get this two-pack of hotel-quality gel pillows that are perfect for side, back, and stomach sleepers. They boast an overall 4.5-star rating on Amazon from over 120,000 shoppers and are among the most popular pillows on the site. If you click the coupon box, you can score a whopping 40% off.

SALE: 57% off this Maybelline concealer in 18 shades

This Maybelline multi-use concealer goes on smooth and comes in 18 different shades so you can easily find your perfect match. It's a cult-favorite beauty product on Amazon with more than 42,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, and you can snag it for cheap while it’s on sale.

SALE: 50% off this digital meat thermometer

This digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of meal prep by providing accurate temperature readings in seconds flat without cutting into your food. It folds up compactly when not in use, and features a magnet on the back for seriously convenient storage. Over 95,000 shoppers gave it 4.6 stars for being simple yet brilliant, with an easily read LED screen that saved so much hassle.

SALE: 59% off this pack of medicated lip balm

Winter is the season for dry lips, which is why it’s a great time to stock up on a three-pack of Blistex lip balm. This moisturizing beauty product is a classic for a reason: dimethicone is used to moisturize lips and add a layer of protection from the elements, which is why this lip balm has over 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. As a bonus, this lip balm also has an SPF of 15, because you need to protect yourself from the sun all year long.

SALE: 60% off a healing hand cream for parched skin

This nourishing Gold Bond hand cream is formulated with seven moisturizers and vitamins A, C, and E to help hydrate skin and prevent moisture loss. The fast-absorbing cream has a light, fresh scent, and it's backed by a 4.8-star overall rating after more than 12,000 reviews.

SALE: 33% off this set of 12 facial sheet masks

With 4.6 stars and over 14,000 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that reviewers love this 12-pack of sheet masks from GLAM UP. And it's easy to see why, too. Each mask is focused on accomplishing a specific task, whether it's moisturizing, soothing, or nourishing, and features ingredients like aloe, peppermint, or shea butter. Nab it while it's on sale for a great gift (or a great way for you to relax).

SALE: 87% off a soothing shaving powder

Get a smoother shave with this shaving powder specifically meant to reduce shaving bumps. Use while shaving your legs or facial hair without irritation. With over 16,000 reviews on Amazon, this powder is a fan favorite.

SALE: 46% off this 100-pack of disposable face masks

With three layers of filtration, these soft, breathable masks have over 33,000 reviews and 4.7 stars, making them Amazon's choice for black, disposable face masks. And with a pack of 100, they'll last you a while.

1. This motion-triggered light for your door lock

If you struggle to get the door open at night because it’s too dark to see the lock, this simple fix is all you need. Position this motion-triggered light on the front door and it will come on when you approach, illuminating the lock so you can get your key in. It only comes on for that one purpose so the batteries last for ages.

2. This pocket warmer that will also charge your phone

Drop this power bank into your pocket because when it gets cold outside; you can turn it on and let it warm your hands or the inside of your coat. Or if your phone’s battery is slipping into the danger zone, you can plug it into this massive battery and charge it right up. It’s also great for heat therapy on sore muscles, and has almost 2,000 five-star reviews.

3. A mug warmer so your coffee never gets cold

Tired of a cold cup of coffee? Set your coffee down on this mug warmer and it will maintain its temperature until the last sip. Or if you already let your cup get cold, it will warm it up again. An indicator light lets you know when your beverage is hot again and nearly 24,000 people give it five stars.

4. This ID holder that’s also a minimalist wallet

If you have to carry an ID, put it in a holder that makes your life more convenient. This heavy-duty card holder mounts your access card securely in a clear frame that you can display while the holder is clipped to your belt, backpack, lanyard, or wherever you like. It also holds a few credit cards in a spring-loaded section behind the ID so you always have what you need within easy reach.

5. The sandwich maker with a cult following

At first glance, this machine that assembles and cooks a breakfast sandwich might seem frivolous or too good to be true. But there are well over 15,000 people who say it has transformed their mornings, become their favorite kitchen tool, and that it creates — with almost no effort or cleanup — a perfect and delicious egg, ham, and muffin sandwich every time in just a few minutes.

6. A water bottle that’s also a speaker & personal assistant

This water bottle is all you need to carry. It keeps 20 ounces of a beverage hot or cold for hours, connects to your phone to play music from the rechargeable speaker that screws into the base, has a wide mouth that’s easy to fill, and sports a pop-up straw lid with a loop that makes it easy to sip and carry. It even glows every hour to remind you to stay hydrated.

7. The water fountain that encourages your pet to drink water

Choose the fountain style your pet prefers — flower waterfall, flower bubble, or gentle fountain — and make sipping filtered water something that’s fun for your pet to do. This water bowl holds 84 ounces of water, filters it through a charcoal and ion exchange resin filter, and sits on the included silicone pad in case the pets enjoy playing with the water so much that they leave a slippery mess.

8. This alarm so you don’t leave the fridge door open

Standing in front of the fridge or freezer with the door open is such a huge waste of energy. Even worse, walking away and leaving the door open can destroy a fridge full of groceries. Install this simple alarm and trust it to beep gently after the door has been open for a minute and then more and more loudly and urgently the longer the door stays open.

9. The portable camping stove that burns what you have

This lightweight camping stove is easy to tote along when you are backpacking and it burns whatever fuel you have at hand — wood, pinecones, solid fuel, pellets — so it keeps going long after you’ve exhausted your packed-in fuel supply. It comes with a tiny bellows and a long-reach lighter to get your fire going, and it’s designed to draw air in from the bottom to keep the flame alive while you prep your food on top.

10. A vacuum-insulated beer can or bottle holder

This vacuum-insulated beer cooler keeps your bottle or can of beer cold for hours. If you are drinking from a can, use only the bottom section. If your beverage is in a standard beer bottle, add the top part. There is a bottle opener in the lid and it protects bottles from breaking.

11. This portable projector screen for outdoor movie watching

Attach this lightweight screen to anything — the side of your house, a wall, the playground equipment — with the included rope and hooks. Then point a projector at it and you can watch a movie anywhere. It folds up small for storage and is light enough to carry to an event in your backpack.

12. The smart notebook you can reuse forever

If you like to write lists with a pen and paper but never have those lists with you when you need them, this little notebook will fix that. Write your list then use the Rocketbook app to send it to the cloud service you prefer and erase your paper list. You can reuse these 48 pages forever just by wiping them clean with the included microfiber cloth.

13. This worldwide travel adapter that’s small & portable

The power plugs for the entire world are in this one adapter so you won’t find yourself in a hotel in Budapest or a hostel in Sydney unable to charge your laptop, phone, or other gadgets. Just pop out the plug for the country you are in, plug it in, and plug your USB or A/C chargers into the adapter.

14. A wireless doorbell that’s super simple to install

All you have to do is plug the chiming part of this wireless doorbell into an outlet inside your home and stick (or screw) the bell outside the door for a functioning doorbell that offers you lot of options for chimes. It’s very easy, requires no wiring, and the bell draws so little power that its batteries will last years.

15. The indoor grill for fast burgers & panini

Grilling a burger, chicken breast, or panini sandwich is so easy in this small grill that you will be whipping up everything from sandwiches to salads with it every day. It’s much smaller than the outdoor version and is super easy to clean because you can put the grill plates and drip tray in the dishwasher.

16. This clever container that keeps produce fresh for longer

This produce container extends the life of your food so you can shop less often, throw away fewer groceries, and have food on hand when you want it. It features a drip tray in the bottom that keeps moisture away from your produce and an air vent in the lid to create the perfect atmosphere for produce so that it stays fresh longer.

17. This light switch cover with a built-in light

Want a little light in the kids room or bathroom? Just replace the light switch cover with one of these SwitchLights and you will have a light that takes up no space and requires no wiring. The night light comes on when it’s dark, and there is also little ambient light so it won’t disturb anyone else. They are a great safety feature and an easy night light.

18. A decorative clock that tells you the time in words

This word clock is so cool that you won’t believe it’s not more expensive. Just plug it in and set the time, and it tells you what time it is at any moment in a complete sentence. Set it on your desk or a shelf and it provides functional decoration.

19. The bed that mounts to the window where kitty wants it

Your kitty will love watching the birds and squirrels — or just snoozing in the sun — if you offer this bed that attaches directly to the window. Just stick the powerful suction cups to the glass in a spot your cat can easily access and it will become her favorite spot. The perch is made from a breathable Oxford cloth to keep kitty from overheating, but you can add a cuddly cat bed when it’s cold.

20. These self-watering plant pots so you can relax

These high-quality self-watering plant pots will take care of your plants when you go away, and when you are home, they make plant care easier. An inner pot holds your plant’s roots above the water, cocoa bark pulls water to the roots as they need it, and a water indicator lets you know when it’s time to water again. The 5-inch pots come in five colors.

21. These intruder alarms for doors or windows

Afraid the kids will leave the house when you aren’t looking or that someone will come in through a window? Stick these alarms to the frame of doors and windows, and a loud alarm will go off anytime someone opens that door or window. Arm them with the flip of a switch and turn them off just as easily to open them yourself.

22. This cup holder that goes between the seat & console

Need extra cup holders? This unit with two cup holders — and a phone storage space — installs easily just by sliding the solid piece bottom between your seat and the center console. The leather-like fabric and stitching look just like a car’s interior and it adds additional storage or updates older cars that lack cup holders.

23. This magnetic knife block that mounts to the wall

Get your knives out of drawers and off the counters by mounting this magnetic knife rack to the wall. Powerful magnets are embedded in the attractive wooden block so all you have to do is stick your knives to it and they are within easy reach and become creative kitchen-appropriate art on your walls.

24. A solar-powered Qi charger & flashlight

This is the power bank you want to take with you hiking or into your next power outage because it powers itself with sunlight and then wirelessly charges your devices. All you do is set your phone or gadget on it and any Qi-compatible device will charge right up from the stored sunlight. (You can also plug it in to fill the battery.) It’s rugged and also has a powerful built-in flashlight.

25. A fabric steamer so clothes look like you just ironed

If ironing is something you avoid whenever possible, you need this handheld fabric steamer in your closet. Even if you find the shirt you need in a rumpled pile, you can look presentable in minutes simply by filling this with water, waiting for it to heat up, and waving it over the shirt while it hangs from a hanger. It’s simple, works well, and get over 36,000 five-star reviews.

26. The shovel you can fit in your backpack

This folding shovel is lightweight and small enough to fit into your backpack or keep on your ATV, but when you unfold it, it’s a serious, heavy-duty shovel that will dig you out of anything. Serrated edges cut through difficult ground, and the shovel head can also be locked into a pickaxe position to tear through rocky situations.

27. A sleep mask with headphones & a microphone

Napping when your environment is bright and noisy can be a challenge but this sleep mask will get you there. Strap it on, block out the light with the comfy eye cover, connect your phone via Bluetooth, and play some relaxing tunes or a good book. If your phone rings, you can take that call from your nap zone because there is a built-in microphone. It’s a delight for sleeping and must-have for light-triggered headaches.

28. This complete set of camping cookware

This camping cookware kit has everything you need to eat well in the woods, and it all fits into a handy carrying bag. There are two stainless steel cups, two pots that fit neatly together, a kettle, and folding cutlery. The cookware features insulated handles that won’t burn you and the included carabiner makes it all easy to carry.

29. A small air purifier so you can breathe clean air

Set this air purifier down on your desk or bedside table and clean up the air that goes into your lungs, nose, and eyes. It cleans a small area — about six square meters — by removing air pollutants that are 0.3 microns or larger, which includes most common irritants, such as pet dander, smoke, and pollen. It’s also aesthetically pleasing and can serve as a night light.

30. This lightbulb that lets you control the color

This LED color lightbulb lets you create custom lighting effects in your home super easily. Just screw in the lightbulb, connect it to your phone, and pick from 16 million colors. A sunrise feature lets you set your lighting to wake you up slowly, and a sunset feature gets everyone ready to sleep. Reviewers love it, giving it nearly 17,000 five-star reviews.

31. A set of quality wrenches to upgrade your toolbox

Keep this set of four adjustable wrenches on hand for when you find yourself struggling with a nut or bolt (of various sizes). The adjustable jaws range from 1-5/16 inches all the way down to 3/4 inch. Over 2,000 people rate this set 4.5 stars, and describe them as “hefty” and “well worth the price.”

32. This toilet roll holder that also holds your phone

Upgrade your bathroom for the digital age (but with a rustic flair) with this clever holder. It has an industrial-style pipe that allows for ultra breeziness when changing the toilet roll, with a smart wooden shelf that holds your phone safely while you go. Or, use it to store backup rolls, reading materials, or plants. All installation hardware is included

33. A charging station that handles all your gear

This tidy charging station gets rid of so many annoying wires and charges all your gear in one compact space. It charges three phones or tablets standing up to save space, has a dedicated spot for your AirPods and Apple Watch, and comes with four — two Lightning, one micro USB, and one USB-C — short cables that fit it perfectly.

34. The tabletop fireplace you can use indoors or out

Fill this charming fire pit with fuel, light it, and enjoy a fire in the living room, on your patio, or wherever you like to hang out. It warms the room a little, doesn’t gives off smoke so it’s safe to use indoors, and runs for about an hour before needing a refill. It comes with small, white rocks to create a rustic look or leave those out for a cleaner vibe.

35. A shaving mirror for the shower that won’t fog up

Powerful suction cups hold this mirror to the shower wall, a built-in hook holds your razor, and an anti-fog coating on the mirror’s surface prevents it from fogging up so you can — quickly and easily — install a mirror that facilitates better shaving or primping while you shower. Reviewers give it almost 13,000 five-star reviews.

36. This adjustable hanging rod for a custom closet

Whether you want to increase the hanging space in your closet, create a closet where you don’t have one, or simply lower the height of your hanging bar, this clever system will accommodate. The height of the bar is adjustable in 1-inch increments, the width of the bar adjusts from 18 to 30 inches, and it simply loops over a hanging rod or hook.

37. The simple & inexpensive cold brew coffee maker

It is so easy to make your own cold-brewed coffee at home that there is no reason to bust your budget going to coffee shops too often. Just fill the fine-mesh inner sleeve of this brewer with grounds, add water to fill the BPA-free Tritan pitcher with water, and put it in the fridge overnight. After 12 to 24 hours, remove the grounds and you’ll have cold-brew on demand for two weeks — or until it’s gone.

38. These completely wireless earbuds for music anywhere

These Bluetooth earbuds are so small and light, they wear comfortably and are nearly invisible. They will survive a rainstorm, pair automatically when you take them out of the case, and come in six colors. When they need a charge — after 30 hours if you put them in the charging case — just set the case down on any Qi wireless pad (or plug them in) to charge them up.

39. A running hat with a pocket

This running hat solves all the practical hassles of going for a run. It is moisture-wicking so it keeps your head dry while shading you from the sun. It also has a nifty zippered pocket on the side so you can stash a key, some cash, or a credit card while reflective piping along the side makes you more visible at night. It comes in two colors.

40. A vertical mouse so your hands stop hurting

Switching to this vertical mouse just might be the very thing your hurting hands need. By holding the mouse in a more ergonomic handshake position, your wrist doesn’t pronate. It’s also just an excellent mouse with a 2.4G wireless connection for quick response and accuracy. Almost 23,000 people give it five stars.

41. The tracker that finds that thing you misplaced

Attach this Tile tracker to your keys, wallet, water bottle, or whatever you tend to lose, and use your phone to find it. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, so it can show you precisely where your lost item is with the help of the Tile app. If you still can’t locate it — maybe it’s hiding under the car seat or couch cushions — tell it to set off the alarm so you can hear where it is. If you have the Tile and lose your phone, it will call your phone with the push of a button.

42. A light sanitizing box that kills the germs on your EDC

You wash your hands when you get home but what about your phone, keys, sunglasses, wallet, and everything else that went out into the world with you? Drop those into this UV light sanitizing box, hit a button, and let UV-C light kill 99% of the germs and bacteria on them in just 10 minutes.

43. This in-car phone mount kit that’s slick & small

Peel and stick the silver ball portion of this in-car phone mount anywhere on your dash — it doesn’t need a vent or a flat area — and then stick the concave magnet to your phone or case. Then, whenever you get in your car, just stick your phone to the silver ball, and it will hold your phone steady while you move it to any angle or position you want. It’s slick and looks cute in the car.

44. An electric wine opener for quick, easy access to your next glass

This electric wine opener makes it so easy and drama-free to get a bottle of wine open. First, use the foil cutter that attaches to the bottom to quickly and cleanly remove the foil. Then, push the opener onto the bottle, press a button, and wait till your little wine robot secures and removes the cork with no struggle. Push another button to expel the cork from the opener. It runs on four AAA batteries and will open hundreds of bottles with them.

45. This cute machine that makes mini donuts in minutes

When the need for donuts strikes, pull out this cute little donut maker, pour in some batter — recipes are included — and close the lid. In just a few minutes, you’ll have seven perfect mini donuts. No need to flip them, since it cooks top and bottom at the same time, and the nonstick surface means there’s no struggle getting them out.

46. A sound machine so you can control your environment

If you are working in a noisy environment, having trouble sleeping, or getting distracted while you study or work, this little sound machine is the solution. Plug it in (or run it on batteries) and choose one of the eight sounds — including surf, rain, stream, crickets, thunder, and forest — by pushing a button, and let the sounds calm and focus your mind and block out the noise around you.

47. This shower head holder for more comfortable bathing

Don’t like where the handheld showerhead is? Maybe you want a child to be able to reach it or it’s in an inconvenient place for washing the dog. All you need is this shower head holder that suctions to the wall of the shower, and you place it exactly where you need it. Suction the holder on where you want the shower head to go and snap the shower into it.

48. A desktop vacuum cleaner that’s also a wireless charger

This little tabletop vacuum cleaner makes cleaning up after your lunchtime sandwich, pencil sharpening marathon, or dinner spills super easy. Just run it over the aftermath, and it sucks the debris into its easy-to-empty belly. And when it’s not cleaning your desk, it’s a wireless charger that you can set your phone down on to keep it charged.

49. This flat charger with two USB ports

Turn one outlet into two USB ports with this slender wall charger. It creates a low profile against the wall and directs the wires down so you can fit the plug behind furniture. It stays out of the way of the other outlet on your wall outlet and comes in white, red, or black.

50. A small safe for personal or precious items

This small safe lets you keep your cash, jewelry, or other personal or expensive stashes safe from roommates, kids, or burglars by locking it away in a portable case you can take with you or hide at home. It opens with the two included keys, secures to something immovable with the included shackle, and has a padded foam interior.