Shopping researchers say these clever, cheap things are worthy of their 5-star Amazon ratings

These highly rated finds are approved by Mic editors.

Shopping
By Amanda Pellegrino
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Who’s more qualified to recommend clever and cheap Amazon finds than shopping researchers? Our editors spend their days scouring the internet for cool things that make life way better. From kitchen gadgets for a faster meal prep to makeup and skincare essentials to up your game to everyday essentials, Mic shopping researchers and analysts know what you actually need. And Amazon shoppers agree, giving these things thousands of five-star reviews.

01A slim portable charger with over 78,000 5-star ratings

“I never leave home without this,” says commerce editor Carolyn Menyes. “It's slim enough to fit in even my smallest purse or my husband's pocket, and it lasts for a long, long time on every charge.” With USB and USB-C ports, the charger is compatible with Android and Apple phones and has a ton of safety features — like a fireproof casing, overcharge protection, and more. It charges super quickly and can provide 2.25 charges for an iPhone, 1.6 charges for a Galaxy, and 1.2 charges for an iPad.

02This easy-to-use press that can create firm tofu in under 20 minutes

In just 15 to 20 minutes, this tofu press can drain all or some moisture from your block with two pressure levels to create extra firm or silken tofu, depending on your preferences. “[T]his makes my tofu so firm and delicious, and it's much, much easier to use than a bunch of cans balanced on top of some plates,” says Menyes. It has a clear base with a stainless steel spring and a drainer that’s slightly elevated from the bottom to keep your tofu from getting soggy after it’s pressed.

03A highly rated weekly pill organizer with individual cases for each day

“I tend to forget to take my medicine, and this simple organizer makes it so I no longer have to count all of my pills to figure out if I took my morning dosage,” Menyes explains. Each day of the week has its own individual carrying case — great for portability while traveling — and is split into day and night to make dose planning easy. Each compartment can hold up to 14 capsules, and it comes in a carrying case that stores all seven days worth.

04These stylish satin pillowcases that are gentler on your hair & skin

Menyes and over 230,000 other people love these satin pillowcases because of their buttery soft surface and how great they are for your hair and skin. “I love everything about these,” she goes on to say. “[T]hey're smooth enough to make my curly hair not frizz, cool enough so I don't have to flip my pillow 10 times a night, and cheap as heck.” Beyond being great on hair and skin, these pillowcases come in over three dozen colors and have an envelope closure for a chic appearance.

05These popular foot peel masks that work in less than 2 weeks

Simply slip your feet into these pre-lotioned booties, wear them for 60 minutes, rinse them off, and in just six to 11 days, dry skin and callus will peel away until you reveal smooth and soft skin. Each booty is packed with fruit acids and extracts that work to soothe and remove calluses, dead skin, and cracked heels easily.

06These breathable under bed storage bags that fully open for easy access

Take advantage of often overlooked under bed storage with these bags specifically designed for that space. “These are great for stashing sweaters and even bulky things like extra linens for our guest room,” Menyes says. They have fabric sides with a tear-proof and reinforced handle to easily pull them out. And they have a clear plastic cover so you can always see what’s inside at a glance.

07These expensive-looking outdoor path lights that are solar powered

These outdoor path lights are a fan-favorite with the commerce team both for themselves and as go-to housewarming gifts. Solar powered, they have an eight- to 12-hour battery life on one day’s charge and it’s all automatic — charging during the day, turning on at dusk, and turning off at dawn. They’re heat-resistant, frost-resistant, and waterproof so you can use them all year round, and they’re attached to spikes to easily put them into grass or dirt.

08A washable microfiber duster with an ergonomic handle

“This little guy is so fluffy, he gets dust I can't even see,” Menyes raves. This duster has a large microfiber head that attracts and traps dust to pick it up and hold onto it instead of simply brushing it into the air. It has a rubber covered handle that’s ergonomic and comfortable. And the microfiber head snaps off and can be tossed in the washing machine to make cleaning a breeze.

09This stylish glass container that keeps your herbs fresh for weeks

“I recommend this to everyone,” Menyes says of this herb keeper, which is great for everything from cilantro to scallions. “I'm not even great at swapping out the water every few days, and my herbs stay fresh for the promised three weeks.” It has an elegant design that looks great in your fridge thanks to a plastic base surrounded by high quality glass with an anchoring ladder and ergonomic handle that keeps your herbs accessible. Plus, there are air vents on top to allow your greens to breathe.

10A quick & funny card game with a 4.8-star rating

Great for two to eight players ages seven and up, this colorful card game is a must-have for parties, game nights, barbecues, bars, and more, and Menyes confirms that it’s quick-to-learn and super fun. You take turns saying the words taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza while laying down a card. When the image on the card matches the word you said, the last one to slap the card loses — and there are some special cards that cause movements, which is legitimately laugh out loud hilarious.

11This lid organizer to get your food containers neat & tidy

This plastic organizer sits neatly inside your kitchen cabinet and comes with one long and four short dividers that are totally adjustable so you can customize the organizer hold all of your food container lids and prevent them from falling out every time you open the cabinet. It has built-in handles that make grabbing and removing the organizer easy and has raised sides to prevent anything from rolling or moving around.

12This adjustable neck light with 101,000 5-star ratings

With over 100,000 five-star ratings, this neck light is a must have whether you use it for reading, working or, like commerce editor Menyes does, cross-stitching. “It really helps me to target the light so I can see the little holes in my fabric,” she says. “It's shockingly bright.” It has three color temperatures — warm white, daylight, and cool white — and six adjustable brightness levels. Because light comes out of both arms, it creates a wide breadth of visibility while still targeting it to exactly what you want to see.

13This weightless & hydrating makeup setting spray that lasts all day

The best part about this makeup setting spray is the way it feels after it’s on your face — weightless, non-greasy, and hydrating to give you a matted but dewy glow and keep your makeup locked in all day long — and Menyes confirms it even works on humid summer days. With a misting head, it sprays evenly on your face and gets rid of excess oil and slickness so you look fresh.

14These versatile plastic storage bins with built-in handles for easy usage

“I never thought I'd be a storage bin person, but these are great for giving odds and ends in my apartment a 'home,' whether it's the spices in my pantry, the pepperoni in my freezer, or the sunglasses and headphones by my door,” Menyes states. With a long and narrow shape, built-in handles for easy portability, and a stacking ability when they’re not filled to the top, these bins reduce clutter almost anywhere around your home. Best of all, they’re see-through, so you can always see what’s inside at a glance.

15These powerful, cult favorite pimple patches that work overnight

There’s a reason why these pimple patches are a bestseller and have over 108,000 five-star ratings: they work like a charm. Packed with hydrocolloid, these patches can be placed directly on top of a pimple — or one you feel developing under the skin — and they work to trap gunk, reduce redness, and quicken the healing process. Plus, the thin sticker is transluscent so it blends right into your skin.

16This wall-mounted cat groomer that keeps your walls clean

“My cat has the oily chin of a bratty tween (which he is), and these groomers seem to satisfy him while leaving my corners free of weird chin marks,” Menyes says. Just add catnip into the center bag, and use screws or adhesive tape to mount the scratcher to the corner of your wall, chair leg, table leg or more. It collects loose hair on your pets so they don’t end up all over your apartment while also giving them a satisfying scratch exactly where they need it.

17This doughy stress ball that is so satisfying & fun to knead

“I saw this thing on Instagram Reels and was instantly obsessed,” Menyes says. “It's super great to play with during stressful moments at work to help me decompress, and I love that it comes in bright colors.” This fidget toy can be squeezed, squished, pulled, smooshed, and more to help ease anxiety, soothe stress, and promote a focused and calm mind. It’s a great fidget toy, filled with non-toxic jelly-like material that’s super durable, won’t break open, and always returns to its original shape.

18This non-greasy anti-chafe balm that works on your arms, legs, & more

Whether you’re an active runner or it’s just hot outside, this anti-chafe balm is a must-have to keep your skin from rubbing on clothes or rubbing together in the warm weather. It’s made with allergen free, plant-derived ingredients, and it goes on smoothly and easily to prevent chafing on your thighs, neck, arms, and anywhere else. “I find Body Glide to be less greasy than other brands and truly unscented, which I appreciate,” Menyes explains.

19This sleek 40-ounce tumbler that keeps your beverages cold for 24 hours

From fan-favorite brand Simple Modern, this tumbler can keep your beverages cold for 24 hours, which commerce editor Menyes can testify to. “I can fill this tumbler with ice and water, leave for the day, and come home and it's still totally frigid, which I love,” she says. It has a slimmer bottom so it fits inside your cupholders, an ergonomic handle, a straw opening, and a leak-resistant lid to prevent spills. Plus, it comes in a over two dozen colorways to fit your aesthetic.

20This cute cushioned pillow slides with a textured surface

“These are my go-to house shoes in warmer weather,” Menyes says. “They're super cushiony, and I've had them for a few years and they haven't lost any support.” The slippers have a 1.7-inch sole that provides so much comfortable cushioning it’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud. They’re made with memory foam and a deep concave heel vamp that adds an extra layer of support. Plus, they have a super wide band, roomy toe box, and a nonslip bottom to keep your foot in place.

  • Available sizes: 4 – 16
  • Available colors: 16

21This universal knife holder made with unique flex rods inside

Packed with unique flex rods instead of pre-measured slots like other knife blocks, this holder is “great for storing my random assortment of chef's knives, which traditional knife blocks just can't do,” Menyes says. It has a sustainable bamboo base and the flex rods inside won’t scrape, dull, or chip your knives. Plus, they’re removable and dishwasher-safe to keep things sanitary.

22These squeezable cat treats with a near-perfect rating

“I recommend these to all of my fellow cat parents, and they've gotten nothing but rave reviews,” Menyes says. “Cats go crazy for these treats, even unfriendly ones.” These squeezable treats are a feline favorite because they keep up to 90% of their moisture, ensuring your furry friend gets hydrated while he eats. Each one comes in a long squeezable pack you can feed directly into your cat’s mouth for some bonding time or pour into a bowl.

23These best-selling reusable ear plugs with 4 sizes of tips

These earplugs are discreet and useful, which is why Menyes and 54,000 five-star reviewers love them. They come with four sizes of tips to customize them to the exact size of your inner ear, and they insert and twist inside to reduce noise, whether you’re at a concert, sporting event, or just trying to sleep on an airplane.

24This powerful deodorizing spray that’s great for trash cans

“Trash cans smell, even if you’re good about taking it out regularly. This spray truly gets rid of funky smells and doesn’t just make my kitchen smell like fish and flowers,” Menyes explains. This trash can spray from the makers of Poo-Pourri neutralizes odors and adds a fresh lime scent to bins with just a few spritzes. That means it also lasts a long, long time.

25This stainless steel skimmer spoon with a fine mesh basket end

“I make a lot of stock at home, and this gets every little last piece of debris out of the pot,” Menyes says. “This skimmer is also useful for getting dumplings and vegetables out of a steamer or boiling water.” It has a fine mesh strainer at the end of the long stainless steel handle that can be used to separate things as fine as quinoa, miso, grains, and floating fat. It’s heat-resistant, rust-proof, and fine polished for a professional-grade look.

26These disposable brushes for cleaning super hard-to-reach spots

These tiny brushes are the perfect size and shape to get into hard-to-reach spots like in between keyboard keys, around your windowsill, behind the kitchen faucet, or around the edges of your stovetop. Each one can be used dry or wet — with water or cleaning solution — and has a long handle to keep your hands clean. “I like that they're disposable, so I never have to look at the grime again,” Menyes adds.

27This best-selling phone stand that folds up to be super small when not in use

“I picked up this foldable phone stand on a whim last year, and it is easily my favorite thing I've bought on Amazon, maybe ever,” says commerce editor Amy Biggart. It’s compatible with any device between 4 and 8 inches. It features a cutout at the bottom so you can use it while charging your phone and a weighted base with a nonslip coating to keep your device sturdy while you’re using it. Plus, when you’re not using it, it folds up super small.

28This cool-looking wooden book tree with 4 shelves

This bookshelf has four shelves placed in a cool tree-like design that can not only hold a ton of books in very little space but also is an eye-catching addition to your home that’s super unique. It’s easy to assemble and takes advantage of valuable vertical storage space to make sure you’re not just organizing books but showing them off.

29A wooden rolling pin with adjustable thickness options

“I've never had a big kitchen, so an all-in-one rolling pin is so great,” says Biggart. This one comes with four removable rings that allow you to adjust the thickness of what your rolling — from 3/8 inch all the way down to 1/16th inch. It has pre-measured lines on the wooden surface to help you tell how wide the dough is, too.

30This bamboo tray that folds around the arm of your couch

“I have spilled more coffee and tea on my couch than I should ever admit,” Biggart explains. “This couch armrest table is so genius, would've saved me so much time and energy spot cleaning.” Using thin planks of bamboo wood, this tray folds to fid around your couch or chair’s armrest, using a nonslip grip underneath to keep it sturdy and hold your glasses, mugs, phone, and other essentials. Plus, it can be used fully unfolded as a tray on top of your couch’s cushions.

31A popular mosquito repellent lantern that works for up to 12 hours

Biggart loves this mosquito repellent lantern because it allows her to sit outside and read at night over the summer without getting eaten alive. It comes with three citronella-packed mats that burn in the lantern to give you up to four hours of protection each for up to 15 feet around the lantern. The mats are not scented and change color when it’s time to swap in a new one.

32These frozen wine glasses with silicone rings to keep your fingers comfy

“It's been so hot where I am recently, this frozen wine glass is not a want, but a need,” says Biggart. Stick these glasses in the freezer for white wine and the refrigerator for red wine, and the cooling gel inside the insulated walls chill the glasses so your beverages are served at the optimal temperature — and stay that way. Plus, they have a silicone ring around the top so you can hold the glass without your fingers getting too cold.

33This hanging propagation station with 15 glass planters

Whether you’re a natural green thumb or just starting your plant collection, this hanger not only holds all your propagations but also doubles as a cool piece of wall art. It comes with 15 glass votives hung on three wooden rungs, all tied together with rustic rope for a chic and minimalist look. It even comes with a cleaning brush as well as hooks to hang on the wall.

34This beauty blender traveling case that’s ventilated

If you use a beauty blender and travel a lot, this convenient case was basically made for you. “I've ruined so many makeup bags by leaving my makeup sponge loose when I travel,” Biggart says, and this sure does solve that problem. While this case keeps your sponge contained and free from staining your brushes or bags, it also has ventilation holes that allow it to quickly dry and breathe while you’re traveling.

35This silicone ice tray with a convenient lid for stacking

The best part about the thoughtful design of this silicone ice cube mold is how easy it is to fill, store, and remove your cubes. “Each ice cube is separated in the mold, and the silicone is super flexible, so they come out SO EASILY (I almost can't believe it),” explains commerce editor Danielle Kraese. It makes four oversized cubes that look great in everything from water to cocktails, and the whole thing comes with a lid that rests on top so you can stack them for space-saving storage.

36This ceramic hair brush that controls frizz & flyaways

“Using this ceramic brush when I blow dry is the closest I've come to getting my hair to look as nice as it does after a pricey salon trip,” says Kraese. The ceramic-coated barrel and anti-static bristles help to distribute heat evenly while controlling frizz and flyaways for a super shiny blow out that will have everyone asking if you just got your hair done at a salon. It works on straight, wavy, or curly hair and has an ergonomic, nonslip handle.

37This snail mucin moisturizer that works on all skin types

“This is lightweight yet hydrating,” says commerce editor Cassandra Seale. “Scentless, a touch slimy (which is a little fun), but perfect for my sensitive skin.” The reason for the fun and slimy texture that’s safe on all skin types? This moisturizer is packed with snail mucin — you heard that right — and hyaluronic acid to build a tough moisture barrier that expertly plumps, moisturizes, and softens skin. It absorbs nicely into your the skin to deliver deep hydration.

38This cult favorite reusable lint roller that traps & collects pet hair in minutes

“I use this every day,” Seale says. “My cat has long fur that gets all over the couch and carpet, every day, and the Chom Chom collects it in seconds.” There’s a reason this best-selling lint roller has nearly 140,000 five-star ratings. All you have to do is roll it back and forth over your couch, pillows, rugs, car seats, clothes, and more, and it traps and collects hair, keeping it in an inner compartment so its super easy to dispose of when you’re done. Seale’s pro tip: “I like to use it before vacuuming too as it makes deeper cleaning easier/faster with the vacuum.”

39This convenient & adjustable phone mount that clips to your car’s air vent

Seale loves this phone mount for your car for a ton of reasons: it “installed in seconds, can handle my thick novelty phone case, and keeps my phone securely in place,” she explains. It has a strong clamp that hooks into your car’s air vent, and it’s lined with nonslip silicone to absorb any shock while you’re on the road. It expands to fit phones and cases from 1.9 to 3.7 inches wide, and it rotates 360 degrees to make sure you have the best viewing angle for your directions.

40This best-selling stain remover that works instantly

“I've been a believer ever since this [powerful spray] got an old, bright yellow curry stain out of a white button-down,” Seale says. Along with curry, this spray works on wine, grass, dirt, sauce, and way more to get your clothes, carpets, and furniture looking good as new. Simply spray it directly onto the stain when it appears and watch it go away before your eyes. Then wash it as your normally would, and you’re stain-free.

41This geometric & rainbow privacy film that also blocks UV rays

“This was a game-changer on one of my windows that needed a little more privacy,” says commerce editor Allison Bolt. “It feels completely private but also lets sunlight and magical rainbow lighting dance across the floor.” This film uses water and static cling to attach to glass — so it won’t leave any sticky residue when it’s removed — and it not only offers privacy but can stop UVA and UVB rays from fading your furniture while helping to regulate the temperature in your home.

42These fan-favorite solar-power lights that dance in the wind

Bolt loves these solar lights because of the way the way they made her space feel “complete and cozy.” Eight small bulbs sit on the end of eight flexible rods specifically designed to dance in the wind, so it looks like your garden or yard is filled with fun fireflies. They’re waterproof, heat-resistant, and moisture-resistant so you can use them outdoors all season long.

43This easy-to-install puck light with a 100-hour run time

“These were such a quick (and budget-friendly) fix for the way-too-bright overhead lighting in my kitchen,” Bolt raves. The tap on/tap off light has three brightness settings — cool white, warm white, and neutral white — and have a 100-hour run time. Because they’re battery powered, you can use them in spots around the home that aren’t easily accessible to an outlet like kitchen cabinets, closets, garage storage, and more.

44This highly rated cutlery drainer with 10 knife slots

Commerce editor Lauren Beach loves this cutlery drainer because it “prevents accidents, keeps my knives sharp while they dry, and it has a removable draining section.” It has three compartments — two that are open to hold all kinds of silverware, and one with 10 slots to hold knives, keeping the blade down and away from your fingers and hands. The white section has built-in draining holes that keep your utensils from sitting in pooling water.

45This stainless steel paper towel holder that mounts beneath a cabinet

If you’re short on counter space, this “exceptionally well made” paper towel holder is Beach’s solution to de-cluttering your kitchen. It has a metal bracket with a stainless steel rod and a quick release knob that makes it easy to replace the roll. It mounts to the underside of your cabinets with screws and has a ring spring that prevents the roll of paper towels from unraveling while it hangs. It’s no wonder that this sleek addition has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.

46These bamboo toaster tongs with a nonslip end

“I thought these were a little silly but I'm converted,” Beach says. The tongs are made of bamboo wood and feature an extra long handle and nonslip end that helps you take things out of a toaster oven, flip food in a skillet, or whatever while keeping your hands and fingers protected from the heat. They’re super lightweight, heat-resistant, and easy to use with one hand.

47This gentle glass foot file that removes calluses, dead skin, & dry heels

“This glass foot file made my (admittedly very rough) heels instantly smoother,” says commerce editor Kelsey Lawrence. “After using it just once or twice, my feet were so much softer.” The non-abrasive design gently exfoliates to remove calluses, dead skin, and dry skin, to reveal soft and smooth feet. It can be used wet or dry, but the brand says you’ll get best results if you soak your feet for a bit first.

48These uniform velvet hangers with a nonslip surface

“It's a simple switch, but using these velvet hangers instead of my usual plastic ones has been so nice,” says Lawrence. “Clothes don't slip, and they make my closet look polished.” They have an ultra slim silhouette that takes up less space in your closet as well as a 360-degree swivel hook so you can easily access your entire wardrobe. Plus, they have a contoured shoulder that won’t change the shape of your clothes with notches on either end to hold spaghetti straps in place.

49This dewy lip balm with nearly 20,000 5-star ratings

“There are so many squeezy balms out there, but what sets this apart for me is that while it's super moisturizing, the tinted versions actually stay where you apply it so it's not a total mess within 30 minutes,” commerce editor Jen Fiegel says. This best-selling lip gloss has a super lightweight and moisture-rich formula that not only hydrates your lips but then keeps them hydrated day long. Plus, the tints do add a touch of color to your lips, making this a one-and-done product.

50This silky smoothe cream that gives you 120 hours of hydration

Packed with ceramide, cholesterol, and fatty acids, the composition of this cream improves the skin’s ability to lock in moisture for up to 120 hours, according to the brand. “This stuff works better than all the balms, sprays, and serums that promise to soothe and calm I've tried — including a lot of much more expensive products,” says Fiegel. It’s dermatologically tested and safe for sensitive skin and allergy-prone skin and does not have any potentially irritating fragrance.

51This popular weed puller with an 39-inch long ergonomic handle

“While weeding will never be fun, this tool single-handedly made me not dread it,” explains Fiegel — and 18,000 five-star raters agree. This weed puller has a 39-inch long handle so you don’t have to break your back bending down to pull weeds with your hands. It has a foot platform at the bottom to help drive it into dirt and soil, three serrated blades to grab onto the weeds, and a handle-operated ejection design for easy removal.

52This layered shoe bag that fits 3 (or more) pairs

Commerce editor Mallory Moreno loves this shoe bag for the ease with which it helps her travel. “I bought this on a whim but I'm so glad I did,” she explains. “It says it can hold up to the 3 pairs but I've been able to squeeze in an extra pair or two, which is great.”

It has three compartments designed for different types of shoes — a thin top layer for sandals, a middle layer for flats or kitten heels, and a deep bottom layer for sneakers. It’s compact enough to fit inside your suitcase and keep the rest of your clothes safe from contact with your dirty shoes, but it also has an outer pouch that can slip around your suitcase’s handle to use as a personal item.

53This sand removing pouch with reef-safe powder

If you’re a frequent beach goer, Moreno’s favorite sand removal bag is a must-have to keep your space clean and sand-free. “I keep them in my beach bag and use them right before I get into the car and on my feet after I get out of the water and trek through the sand,” she explains.

All you have to do is pat the soft microfiber pouch to activate the talc-free, reef friendly powder inside. Gently massage it on your feet, hands, and wherever else to remove sand and leave your skin clean and fresh. Keep it in your entryway to wipe sand off people and things before you enter your house or, like Moreno, in your car to keep your interior sand-free.

54This cheap slow dog feeder with 97,000 5-star ratings

This best-selling dog bowl features a spiral design inside that spreads out up to 2 cups of wet or dry food to promote a healthy eating pace. “This was beneficial right away in helping [my dog] slow down while he ate,” says Moreno. “Now that he's an adult, he still eats out of it and refuses to eat out of anything else. I think he likes the fun in it.” It has a nonslip base to keep it in place while your dog chows down and it’s BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free.

55This best-selling pore cleansing oil that eliminates makeup & residue

“This under-$20 cleanser has transformed my skin-care game,” raves commerce editor Cristina Sanza. “I actually look forward to washing my face before bed now.” Great in a two-step cleansing routine, this oil-based cleanser is designed not only for getting deep into pores, but also expertly removing oil-based makeup and sunscreen to make sure you’re ready for your next skincare step. It has a super lightweight formula and works on all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone.