Shopping

65 Cool, New Things Under $20 on Amazon That Are Life-Changing

Little things that’ll make a big difference.

by BDG Commerce
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Sometimes, small upgrades can make a big difference. We found 60 clever items on Amazon that are all under $20 but surprisingly useful. From organizing hacks to fun decor and simple gadgets, this list is packed with budget-friendly products that punch above their weight.

01A bright waterproof lantern that runs for 80 hours per charge

It’s smart to keep this survival lantern on hand. It contains 106 LEDs to put out superior brightness (it can be dimmed if desired) and there are various lighting modes, including an attention-grabbing SOS option. The lantern is waterproof and durable, surviving drop tests with ease. This pick is rechargeable via USB-C. It’ll last for up to 80 hours per charge.

02A well-designed retractable car charger

This retractable car charger will boost the number of outlets in your vehicle and keep your space from becoming a tangled mess of wires. The handy device plugs into your 12V accessory socket and has two retractable lightning cables built in that are hidden when not in use. Plus, it has two extra outlets (one USB-A and one USB-C) if your ride is full of friends who also need a charge. It even rotates 180 degrees for easier reach.

03These self-gripping cable ties you’ll use everywhere

Since these cable ties remain attached to any cords that you use them with, there’s no chance of you misplacing them. They’ll also help tidy up your drawers and outlets. This pack comes with 40 pieces in two different lengths (and several colors).

04An effective shower cleaner that doesn’t require scrubbing

Get your shower squeaky clean without any backbreaking scrubbing with this weekly cleaner. Simply spritz it on — it can be used on glass and tile surfaces — including the doors and the basin — and leave it for eight to 12 hours before rinsing it away. The product gently yet effectively prevents the buildup of soap scum and grime.

05A pair of storage straps that can hold up to 250 pounds each

Yes, you read that right. Each of these two storage straps really can hold up to 250 pounds so you can get some of your heaviest equipment off your floors and onto your wall hooks. They’ll make it much easier to walk around your basement or shed and save you a ton of time when trying to find the exact handheld vacuum or hose that you need.

06These boiling disks to stop spillovers during cooking

When a boilover occurs while cooking starchy foods, it can be time consuming to scrub your stovetop clean. However, these boil disks stop this nuisance from occurring in the first place. They’re made from food-safe white clay and can be placed directly into the water when boiling begins. The set includes three of them.

07A pair of no-tie magnetic shoelaces

Put these magnetic shoelaces on your favorite sneakers and you won’t have to deal with tying them ever again. The laces are made from an elastic material that stretches for easy on and off — and the magnetic lock at the top ensures they won’t loosen throughout the day. A wide range of colors are available in the listing.

08An outlet extender with over 66,000 5-star ratings

Boost functionality with this outlet extender that earned tens of thousands of five-star ratings. It doesn’t take up as much room as a traditional power strip yet offers you five AC outlets including three USB-A ports and one USB-C port. Plus, there’s a built-in surge protector to keep your circuits and your devices safe.

09This unique glue to adjust the size of any ring

Did you know you can adjust any ring’s size at home? It’s much cheaper than going to a jeweler and less annoying than a wraparound plastic piece. All you need is this long-lasting glue that you apply to the interior of the ring (and set in place using the included light) to get the perfect fit. If necessary, the glue can be removed and it won’t leave behind any residue.

10These absorbent microfiber towels that will never fall

Not only are these microfiber hand towels absorbent and soft, but they also have a unique triangular hole that allows you to securely hang them up — you don’t have to worry about them accidentally falling. The set includes four towels. Choose from gray or beige colors.

11A tiny water-resistant LED light for your keys

I think most people would agree that the last thing you want to do after a long day at work or tiring night out is fumble around with your keys. This thumb light adheres right onto your key to keep that from happening. It has a long-lasting battery and is even water resistant so that it can be used in any weather.

12A vaginal moisturizer that lasts up to 3 days

This popular moisturizer helps replenish vaginal moisture for more comfort throughout your day. This moisturizer is easy to apply via the included applicator and provides additional moisture to supplement your natural levels for up to three days. It’s no wonder this is both a number-one best-seller on Amazon and a number-one doctor-recommended brand.

13This memory foam-covered back stretcher with 3 settings to choose from

Whether you suffer from scoliosis, sciatica, bulging discs, or plain old everyday discomfort, this back stretcher will provide you some relief. It’s covered in a memory foam pad and has three levels to choose from so you can slowly decompress and even help improve your posture.

14This callus-removing gel with 36,000+ 5-star reviews

You don’t have to worry about this tea tree-scented callus remover leaving your skin feeling dry. While it’s tough on rough patches, it is gentle enough to leave your feet feeling smooth and hydrated. Having it on for just a few minutes will do the trick. It has tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon attesting to how well it works.

15A roll of stick-on dry erase board you can trim to fit any spot

Turn walls, furniture, or other flat surfaces into a usable whiteboard with this sticker roll. Simply attach it using the adhesive on the back. The roll is 8 feet in length for ample coverage and three dry erase markers (that won’t leave behind any residue) and an eraser cloth are also included in the set.

16This collapsible hanging trash can for food scraps & more

Your counter won’t be covered in crumbs after putting this hanging trash can in place over the door of a cabinet. It makes it easier than ever before to wipe everything away — it can hold over two gallons of waste. And when not in use, you can collapse and fold it for easy storage.

17This clever colander that rotates to prevent burns

With this rotating kitchen colander at your disposal, you won’t have to worry about accidental burns or losing any food. Your hand will be kept well away from the boiling hot water as the two-in-one tool seamlessly drains your pasta without dropping a single noodle. It’s a versatile item that you’ll find yourself constantly reaching for.

18These best-selling caps that make dispensing toothpaste less messy

These caps go on the end of your toothpaste tube and help you to dispense the right amount of paste every single time. Better yet, these caps are self-closing to keep the end of your tube tidy and mess-free — and it also helps to close the tube for those people who tend to forget to screw the cap back on.

19A special straw that reduces hiccups

Place this unique straw in a shallow glass of water, then sip forcefully and swallow immediately — repeat this two to three times to get rid of annoying hiccups. The straw has a 92% effectiveness rate and it’s dishwasher safe.

20A pair of rechargeable avocado hand warmers

These avocado-shaped hand warmers are endearing yet effective. They heat up within three seconds, and there are three temperature settings (from low to high) to warm your hands. Each one provides up to four hours’ worth of warmth — just utilize the included charging cables to get them powered.

21These cut-resistant gloves that are perfect for wood cutting & cooking

Protect your hands and fingers in both the wood shop and the kitchen with these ingenious cut-resistant gloves. They’re made of material that’s four times stronger than leather and have stainless steel thread on the first three fingers for additional reinforcement. In addition to being breathable and stretchy, they’re also conveniently machine-washable.

22These highly rated moisturizing gel sleeves for your feet

Dealing with dry, cracked skin on your feet? These gel sleeves contain hydrating vitamin E, shea butter, and aloe vera to make your skin soft and supple. They’re made from a breathable mesh fabric for comfortable wearing. Use them daily for a week, then two to three times per week after that for maintenance. They have earned an impressive 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon.

23A pair of memory foam arm covers for your office chair

Made from memory foam with a cooling gel layer, these arm pads will make your office chair (or other chairs, including ones for gaming) more comfortable. Each one features double-sided fasteners to secure them in place — the nonslip design prevents them from budging.

24This sock organizer to keep pairs together in the laundry

Never again lose a sock to the vortex of the laundry machine. This sock organizer keeps all your pairs neatly and securely together as they go through the wash cycle. It comes in a pack of two with each one able to hold nine pairs of socks. As a bonus, you can use the hanger end to store your socks (or other small items) in the closet.

25A large silicone utensil rest with raised edges to contain messes

Keep your kitchen counter tidy with the help of this utensil rest. It’s made of durable, easy-to-clean silicone and has raised edges to contain watery messes. Unlike other spoon rests, this larger pad has four slots to hold multiple cooking utensils at once.

26These retractable steel box cutters with incredibly cute designs

Who says practical things have to be dull? These box cutters have all of the features you need: super sharp steel blades, a retractable case, and safety locks. But the ends happen to have some truly cute designs on the end to add a little fun to opening packages, making crafts, or breaking down boxes for recycling.

27These hydrocolloid pimple patches with salicylic acid & tea tree oil

These pimple patches will feel like magic but really their power is in their hydrocolloid material. The star ingredient sucks out all gunk to leave you with a flatter and less irritated blemish. Plus, they’re also made with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, vitamin C, and niacinamide to exfoliate and renew the skin at the same time. All you have to do is stick it on before bed. This set comes with 18 spots, two nose patches, and two body patches.

28These sweat-absorbing handkerchiefs

Use this trio of large handkerchiefs to dab away sweat on your face, hands, and all over your body. The microfiber material they’re made from soaks up seven times its weight in moisture, but it dries much faster than an ordinary towel. Once dirty, toss the handkerchiefs in the wash for a quick clean. They come in several colors in the listing.

29These flushable wipes made with soothing ingredients

These flushable wipes will give you a more thorough clean than toilet paper — they’re soft, soothing (thanks to ingredients like organic aloe and vitamin E), and sturdy. Each of the three packs includes 60 larger-than-usual wipes for 180 in total, and the secure lid ensures they won’t dry out between uses. These wipes are septic- and sewer-safe.

30This jar opener that you can use single-handed

Don’t fight stubborn jars. This under-cabinet opener will pop off jar lids with minimal effort on your part. It mounts in place using screws and the V-shaped design means it can be used on lids ranging from 0.6 to 4.2 inches in size. The opener is made from sturdy plastic to last.

31A set of easy-to-install organizers for tumbler lids

Knowing where to store your tumbler lids for your stainless steel water bottles or coffee containers can be awkward, but these organizers make it easy. They can be installed with screws of self-adhesive backing in your cabinet, and each hook can hold up to eight lids.

32A teeth whitening pen that reviewers say works well

Containing 9% hydrogen peroxide, this teeth whitening pen will allow you to achieve professional-level whitening from home, lifting stains from coffee, wine, soda, and more. Even with this level of effectiveness, the pen is safe for your enamel and creates minimal sensitivity. Use this pick one to two times per day for best results. “My lower teeth were coffee stained. I've been using this for about 2 weeks and I can see a real difference,” wrote one fan.

33This color-changing toilet light that flips on & off automatically

Install this motion-detection light in your toilet for easier middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks. The light will display one of 16 colors (or it can be set to rotate through all of them for a show) to illuminate the bowl. It can be dimmed as well.

34These handy eyelash combs that fold up for easy portability

Say goodbye to mascara clumps and say hello to these eyelash combs. They have stainless steel teeth on one end that one reviewer called “spaced out perfectly” to effectively comb your lashes and help eliminate any clumps. Unlike other lash combs, these fold up so you can have one in your bag at all times.

35A handy outlet cover with hooks & a built-in shelf

Install this plastic cover on an outlet in your home — it has a handy shelf that can hold up to 20 pounds of electronics (like a speaker or toothbrush) while they get charged. There’s also a built-in cord storage area on the bottom. Choose from white or black color options in the listing, as well as multipacks.

36These popular bottle brush cleaners in various shapes

You probably aren’t washing your water bottles and tumblers often enough. To get them clean, use this set of brush cleaners. Included are five brushes in various shapes (including both wide and narrow picks) and lengths for a thorough job. Each one has a sturdy neck to not bend while in use, plus nylon bristles to get rid of built-up grime with ease.

37A set of 7 silicone plugs to keep crevices in your laptop free of debris

Compatible with 14.2-inch MacBook Pro models from 2021 on, these plug caps go into your laptop’s various openings to block dirt, dust, and other debris from getting inside and messing up your computer. One reviewer wrote, “Great fit and secure. I especially like the high visibility color options for when I need to remove and set them aside. Much less likely to lose or forget when I pack up for the day.”

38This leather magnetic sunglasses holder for your car

Never lose track of (or sit on) your sunglasses again with this nifty holder. It’ll attach to your vehicle’s sun visor and the strong magnet will secure your glasses or sunglasses. The holder is made from leather that looks nice but also won’t cause any damage. Pick from a few colors in the listing.

39A 4-pack of stretchy straps to keep your sheets in place

Fitted sheet pop off as you toss and turn at night? These elastic straps prevent this bothersome occurrence. The four straps can stretch up to 25 inches, and the durable stainless steel clips will hold your sheet firmly in place. Black, gray, or white colors are available in the listing.

40This anti-theft stamp kit to safeguard your personal info

Roll this anti-theft stamp over the personal information on documents or shipping labels before discarding them to protect against identity theft. The set includes the stamp itself, plus six refills to last a while. With 38,000-plus reviews and a 4.6-star rating, you can rest assured the product works as promised.

41An electric lighter that is rechargeable

This electric lighter can be used up to 600 times to light candles, BBQs, and more — and recharging is simple using the included USB cable. Another perk? The lighters are windproof, working in any weather conditions. This set includes a black and champagne lighter, though others can be selected in the listing.

42A silicone ice cube tray that comes with its own container for big batches

This cleverly designed silicone ice cube tray has the ability to make up to 64 cubes at a time that can be stored easily in the accompanying container. Flip the cube tray onto the container and place the underside of the lid, which is made with small nodules, onto the tray, pushing down to help release the cubes into the box below. Getting ready for a party couldn’t be easier.

43A highly rated silicone cover for your electric stove

Available in four sizes and seven colorways, this stove top cover is made from anti-scalding silicone that can resist heat up to 400 degrees, making it so useful for covering electric stovetops. It protects your surfaces from scrapes and other damage while giving you more counter space. The textured design means this can be used for drying dishes, prepping food, or setting up a dinner buffet.

44This foot massage roller to help relieve plantar fasciitis

If you’re dealing with injuries like plantar fasciitis, you know how painful it can be. Enter this foot massage roller that costs less than $15 and can provide relief. Designed to be small and portable, it’s made with firm nodules that help provide a deep tissue massage to the feet. It also helps boost blood circulation which can aid in injury recovery.

45These no-scrub tablets for cleaning water bottles

Fill your water bottle with warm water, then drop in one of these cleaning tablets. In as few as 15 minutes, the tablet will clean the inside, eliminating tough stains, odors, and grime — no scrubbing necessary. The tablets can also be used with tumblers, mugs, thermoses, and other drinking vessels.

46These blue-light glasses that also come in magnifications

The blue light emitted from electronic devices can cause eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. But these special glasses are designed to guard your eyes from this light — they also feature UV protection. Pick from options with magnification ranging from 0.0X to 3.0X, as well as a few colors.

47These acrylic organizers with 7 compartments for chargers & headphones

Keeping phone chargers, headphones, plugs, and more organized can be kind of awkward, but these clear acrylic organizers keep your things tidy and in one place. Each one has seven pre-divided compartments, with one section being a bit larger for headphones, plugs, or other essentials.

48A super hard knife sharpener that works in a matter of seconds

Made of extremely hard diamond-honed tungsten carbide, this knife sharpener effectively keeps your cutlery in tip-top shape. It easy to use, too, with an ergononic design and finger-safe handle. The brand even claims it’ll sharpen your knives in as little as 10 seconds.

49This couch tray so your snacks are always at arm’s reach

Place this wooden tray on the arm of your couch; it serves as a handy spot for the remote control, your favorite drink or snacks, and other smaller items. The sides adjust to securely fit onto most armrests. Pick from three finishes in the listing, including this pale honey option.

50These handy headrest hooks that can hold 55 pounds each

Install these headrest hooks in your vehicle, then use them to hang groceries, your tote or backpack, water bottles, umbrellas, and more. The set includes four S-shaped plastic hooks, each of which can support up to 55 pounds. A range of colors is available in the listing.

51A set of clever key turner aids that require only half the effort

These key cover caps have a clever winged design that makes it easier to turn your keys in the hole, which can be a game-changer for those who struggle to grip and turn smaller keys. They’re made with textured dots for better grip and have a durable nylon construction for longterm use. Bonus: they clip on easily to your keys so you can start using them right away.

52These silicone cacti that reduce dryer time

Made of food-grade silicone, these dryer balls — well, cacti — have little spikes on them that are gentle on your clothing but help to lift and fluff them in the dryer. This helps circulate air and reduce dryer time, which can save you two coveted things: time and money. Best of all, unlike other dryer sheets, these are reusable for years.

53These handy trays that catch stray drips of laundry detergent

These sturdy plastic gadgets slide right under big bottles of detergent to do one thing and do one thing well: catch extra drips and keep your floors mess-free. They fit under any economy-sized bottle and are strong enough to hold the cups, too, which makes dispensing your laundry supplies easier than ever.

54A dish drying rack that rolls directly over the sink

Save tons of countertop space with this clever dish-drying rack that rolls over the sink. The slats are made of stainless steel and are well-spaced to encourage lots of airflow. Silicone ends keep the rack secure on your countertop and the whole thing rolls up to be stored away within a small footprint.

55These sleep headphones that connect to your device via Bluetooth

Enjoy soothing nature sounds, podcasts, or tunes as you drift off while wearing these sleep headphones. They use Bluetooth to connect to your device and feature controls placed directly on the front of the headband. Wear it over your eyes to block out light or higher up on the forehead as a perfect cold-weather workout accessory. They’re available in 18 colors and patterns.

56This fast-acting mold cleaner gel that’s easy to apply

This mold cleaner gel is ideal for grout, tile, and washing machines and can safely deeply clean those surfaces. It’s easier to apply than sprays, too, thanks to the nozzle that allows for precise application. It only needs a few swipes on a dry surface and will then work in three to five hours.

57This car seat organizer to keep your essentials tidy on the road

Instead of your car’s interior becoming a haven for chaos, use this car seat organizer to neatly contain all your items and keep them easily accessible. Made of sturdy Oxford cloth, it features two large compartments as well as plenty of pockets along the sides and front. Secure it by putting the seatbelt through the two back loops to have it stay in place no matter how bumpy the ride.

58These colorful air vent clips & hooks to keep your car fresh & tidy

These colorful daisies aren’t just pretty little flowers to decorate your car, though of course, they do add some brightness to your dash. Six of these are air vent clips that hold lavender-scented gel pads to refresh your car’s smell. The other six flowers are little hooks that stick to your dash to hold essentials like face masks, chargers, or emergency supplies.

59A 20-pack of clever clips that keep socks together in the laundry

Lost socks on laundry day are a total drag, but these clips will keep your pairs together. They’re easy to apply with an adjustable strap, and of course, that means they can work on all socks — even thick wool ones. Of course, that means the arduous task of folding and putting away socks will be easier, too.

60A small but mighty tabletop fan that looks like a cute cactus

Too-hot days at work will be a thing of the past when you put this fan on your desk. It charges via USB and lasts up to 14 hours per charge, making it an ideal companion anywhere. It has three speeds you can adjust to, and unlike other tabletop fans, this one has an aesthetic cactus design that’s just the right amount of whimsical.

61A phone holder that doubles as a 4-port USB charging station

This clever charging station will save so much space on your desk or nightstand. One side is a phone holder that can prop your device up vertically or horizontally. The other side has four charging ports, two USB-C and two classic USB, to power up your phone or other devices all while taking up very little space.

62A rechargable headlamp with 230-degree illumination & a spotlight

This headlamp is unique because it has two points of light. One is a 230-degree light strip for wide viewing, and the other is a spotlight for targeted lighting. The entire piece is lightweight and made of silicone with an adjustable strap. And it has six lighting modes, ranging from wide angle to strobe.

This article was originally published on

Related Tags