37 genius products on Amazon that will pay for themselves after just one use

Amazon
Shopping
By Lisa Fogarty
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

The only thing better than discovering a great product is learning that this amazing item will also save you money in the long run. These genius products on Amazon that pay for themselves after just one combine functionality, practicality, and frugalness — how could one possibly go wrong?

These genius products are convenient no matter what — but add in the fact that they help you cut down on other expenses and you are officially the proud owner of one of the most practical products you can find. From portable coffee and espresso makers that discourage you from shelling out money at coffee shops — even when you're traveling — to digital luggage scales that weigh your bags before you reach the airport (and discover you're over the weight limit and will have to pay extra), these are some of the most convenient items worth your investment.

You'll find a wine saver that creates an air-tight seal on opened bottles, a bag that makes pantry goods last forever, a filter for your shower that actually conditions your hair and skin, wool dryer balls that last for more than 1,000 loads of laundry, and so many more amazing products.

And the best part is: you won't feel guilty about these purchases — because they'll pay for themselves after one use.

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

01This portable coffee and espresso maker that can be used anywhere

Going camping, fishing, or hiking and need to ensure you’ll always have that coffee boost you need in the morning? This portable espresso maker, which also makes regular coffee, is your insurance. The genius gadget has a semi-automatic piston that requires a few pushes to extract a rich cup of espresso. The hand-operated maker comes with a carrying case and has a lid that doubles as a miniature cup.

02A suction cup lifter that can remove dents from cars

Before you spend major money to get your car fixed, consider whether you can DIY the problem for much, much less. This suction cup dent lifter can actually pull up minor dents in cars — and it's wide enough to cover more surface area at one time. It may seem like magic (and too good to be true), but reviewers agree it's the real deal. One wrote: "My car was hit last year in the passenger door and I went to a body shop to get it looked at. They wanted to charge me $1300 to get it out. I bought this for the hell of it and I can honestly say I’m really happy with the outcome."

03An acupressure mat and pillow set that helps relieve pain

Feeling back and neck pain is no joke — and there are few options out there that truly help. Getting professional acupuncture treatments is always an option — but before you shell out money, try this acupressure mat and pillow, which reviewers say targets trigger points and can really help provide the comfort you need. Combined, the mat and pillow feature just under 8,000 plastic acupressure points.

04The moldable glue that transforms into rubber for easy DIY fixes

Things break. And when they break it's tempting to just replace them, but you can save a ton of money and time by using this moldable glue to fix everything from the soles of shoes to pot handles. The glue is easy to manipulate and then settles and transforms into silicone rubber overnight. It's resistant to water, heat, and cold, is compatible with glass, ceramic, wood, metal, and other surfaces — and it comes in a number of colors.

05This universal socket that adjust to any size screw, nut, or bolt

This money-saving universal socket can be adjusted to grasp nuts, bolts, hexes, and more of various sizes and shapes. You can quickly get any DIY job done without having to change sockets — or buy a ton of things you don't have in your kit. One reviewer wrote: "Great and easy to use. Used it the first day on building a shed. I could not find my other drill parts for the bolts. Put this bad boy on and did not have to look for the missing parts."

06The balm that patches up leather furniture in mere seconds

When your leather couch or chair starts to look worn out and tattered, apply a small amount of this leather re-coloring balm to areas that need it and prepare to be amazed: It renews and restores leather, making your pieces look brand new. The balm comes in 13 colors on Amazon and works on all absorbent leather. One reviewer wrote: "This product is amazing!! I've tried different leather cleaners and conditioners to try to restore my faded and cracked leather loveseat chair, but nothing worked [...] I'm so glad I found this re-coloring balm!"

07A red wine and stain remover that can get rid of anything

Some stains are more stubborn than others. And if you really want to put a stain remover like this one to the test, you put it up against red wine, blood, and ink. This one passes with flying colors, according to reviewers who say it lifts up even embedded stains from carpets, clothing, and upholstery — and leaves a fresh citrus scent behind.

08This nifty little gadget that helps you find your lost phone

If you've ever misplaced your smartphone (one or one million times), this is the little tile pro that will help you find it. Just give the tile a double press and will make your phone ring, no matter where your phone is located — and even if it has been placed on silent mode. It works for one year solid after it has been activated. It's also good for your wallet or luggage, too — and some reviewers even put it on their pets.

09An adjustable lumbar support cushion that attaches to your chair

Don't wait until your back is in total pain to do something to correct the problem. Attach this lumbar support cushion to your chair (or the seat of your car), and it automatically begins working to support your lumbar spine and reduce back discomfort. You can adjust the curve of the cushion with the adjustable straps, and the mesh material allows air to circulate, keeping you comfortably cool over time.

10The magic wand that filters wine and prevents hangovers

Love wine, but hate the feeling it gives you the next day — including headaches and nausea? You can actually filter out sulfites and histamines that cause those nasty feelings by waving this wine wand into your glass of wine for a few seconds. The disposable wand, which comes in a pack of eight, works on all types of wine — from red to rosé.

11This multi-functional pen that has a number of functions

This is no ordinary pen. It's a multi-functional pen tool that serves seven distinctive functions: it's a ruler, stylus, bottle opener, two screw drivers, a phone stand, and, yep, a ballpoint pen. Keep this compact pen tool on hand, or in your purse or bag, and you'll get yourself out of quite a few jams.

12An all-natural plant-based stain remover for tough spots

You won't find questionable chemicals or toxins in this natural stain remover. Instead, the spray works fast using plant-based enzymes that break through grease, blood, wine, and other tough stains, lifting them up and saving your fabric, car seats, linens, and other washable fabrics. The spray is safe for the environment and is not tested on animals.

13An avocado keeper that prevents the fruit from turning brown

There aren't too many downsides to avocados, but preserving them is definitely no picnic. It feels as if the second after you cut into an avocado, it begins to brown. Keep the fruit fresher for longer by storing sliced avocado face down in this avocado keeper, which has a snap-on clear lid and is dishwasher-safe.

14These wood-colored markers to quickly repair furniture scratches

When you've got nicks and scratches in your expensive wood furniture, your last resort should be replacing everything you own. Use these furniture repair wood markers to fill in scratches and make pieces look brand new. The 13-piece set comes with six markers in various natural shades, six paper-wrapped wax sticks, and one wax stick sharpener.

15A buffer solution for scratched-up cars

If your car exterior has seen better days, try buffing it with this car buffing polish, a powerful formula that restores painted surfaces and coats to a brilliant shine. The set also comes with a buffer pad and reviewers say it really and truly works on light scratches. One reviewer that had three visible scratches on their car wrote: "As I was drying off the product I literally couldn’t even tell where the scratches were. Would totally recommend trying this first before anything else."

16This dense foam stretcher for lower back pain

Relieve lower back pain and save money on doctors and chiropractors by stretching out across this lumbar support stretcher. The dense EVA foam support has a spiky arch and a contoured design that massages trigger points and brings you fast relief from pain and discomfort. It can support a little over 300 pounds and is incredibly durable, too.

17These fridge liners that prolong the life of produce

Keep fruits and vegetables from spoiling so fast with the help of these unique fridge liners, which provide for the flow of air to keep moisture out and prolong the life of produce. The set of four liners can be trimmed to fit your fridge shelves and drawers — and will keep you from wasting money on groceries.

18These waterproof shoe covers for when the rain comes down

Protect your sneakers from rain and snow with these genius shoe covers. They help keep shoes dry and clean so that you don't have to make any quick changes when you arrive at your final destination. The shoe covers are also easy to fold up to take with you when you travel. They come in six sizes to fit most shoe sizes — and they're a must-have if you've ruined even one pair of shoes in a rainstorm. (You can also snag a taller version to protect your boots.)

19The portable bag sealer that keeps food fresh

Re-seal any bag of food after it has been opened and keep it fresh for much longer with this heated bag sealer. The portable device seals bags so that they are airtight, saving you money on food and bag clips. The sealer takes about 60 seconds to heat up and comes in four colors.

20A clip that helps you cut your bangs and hair like a pro

Unless you’re a hair pro, it’s close to impossible to cut your own bangs or trim your hair at home without it resulting in a crooked cut and an expensive trip to the salon. This simple, Shark Tank-approved hair cutting tool is all you need to get things straight. Clip it into your hair, slide it, and trim your strands with ease. It features a rotating level so there's no question about how even something is — you'll know before you snip.

21An electronic foot file that softens feet and removes calluses

Even if your feet are rough, tough, and hardened by calluses, there is hope for them: This electronic foot file is the solution that more than 2,500 reviewers say really works. The rechargeable, battery-operated file features two speeds to help you buffs away thick and old skin cells. Plus, it comes with three different removable roller heads to help you achieve smooth feet and allow you to go longer between pedicure appointments.

22These dryer balls that last so much longer than dryer sheets

Whether you're on the fence about potential chemicals found in some dryer sheets, not a fan of the mark they can leave on the environment, or simply looking for ways to cut costs, these durable dryer balls are an excellent alternative. These reusable silicone balls can speed up your drying time and reduce lint and wrinkles. And, the cherry on top: They can last for years.

23The drain clog removing tools that get rid of everything

Save your pipes from a clogged fate (and save yourself money on plumbers) by using these uniquely designed drain clog-removing tools, which are long, flexible, and feature spiked hooks that lift up strands of hair and debris better than similar tools. The clog removers come three in a pack and are simply inserted into bothersome drains, where they get to work fast clearing out messes.

24An all-in-one salad container with a dressing dispenser

If fancy salads are a large expense for you, there's an easy way to make them at an enormous cost in savings to you. This salad container fits 4 cups of salad and includes a convenient dressing dispenser and ice pack that keeps veggies crisp and fresh. Made from BPA-free plastic, the container can be reused and is safe in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer.

25This wine-saving tool that creates an airtight seal

Just because you've opened up that bottle of wine doesn't mean you should feel obliged to drink it all in one day — or risk it turning stale and tasting bad. This wine saver set includes four vacuum stoppers and one wine saver vacuum pump that creates an airtight seal on opened bottles of red or white wine.

26A knife sharpener for straight and serrated knives

Prepping veggies, meat, and fish is about a million times easier when you have quality knives that are sharp and can cut through skins and peels. This knife sharpener features a two-stage sharpening system that works for both straight and serrated knives. The tool has a non-slip cushion on the bottom that keeps it in place on counters.

27The stainless steel cast iron cleaner that won't scratch pots

Cast iron pots and pans are amazing for cooking up a variety of meals. But keeping them clean and free of food debris is another story altogether. This stainless steel cast iron cleaner frees up pans of grease and dirt, leaving them spotless and without scratches.

28A shower head that softens the water

With three different spray settings to choose from, this filter shower head can make an ordinary shower feel like a trip to the spa. It's designed to push the water through a chamber of mineral beads which soften hard water, according to the manufacturer. It's easy to install and one reviewer wrote, "It definitely softens the water and you feel the difference the very first time on your skin."

29The cord collars that help prevent frayed tech wires

If you own a phone, tablet, laptop, or other piece of tech, you might've experienced a frayed charging wire in the past. To help prevent that from happening again, add these cord collars to your desk. They're each made of stretchy TPE that wraps around the top of your tech cables to help protect them from future wear and tear.

30A shower filter that instantly conditions your skin and hair

The quality of the water in your shower matters more than you might think. This shower filter removes sediments, balances PH levels, and infuses water with minerals that moisturize and condition your hair and skin. The filter is especially helpful if you have hard water, which can be particularly brutal on your hair and skin, and it’s simple to install — you won’t need a single tool to keep it in place. Use this and save money on all those skin and hair products you're using to combat dull hair or dry skin.

31These reusable steel straws that are convenient to carry with you

Make sure you always have a sturdy straw when you need it by keeping these collapsible straws on hand. Made from food-grade steel, each 9.25-inch straw collapses down to just under 4 inches long and fits perfectly inside the included carrying case (which features a convenient carabiner). The straws also come with a collapsible cleaning brush that makes washing your them a breeze — even when you're on the go.

32A powerful milk frother that saves you a trip to a coffee shop

Transform ordinary coffee drinks, matcha tea, and hot cocoa into frothy, fun concoctions with this powerful handheld milk frother. The battery-operated gadget has a stainless steel whisk and it works in just seconds. Bonus points for the fact that it’s an extraordinary multi-tasker capable of whipping up egg dishes and better smoothies and shakes.

33These chemical-free makeup remover cloths that work with just water

You won’t need a drop of makeup remover or soap when you use these reusable makeup remover cloths to get rid of every stitch of makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner. The chemical-free microfiber cloths are activated with a bit of water and are more gentle than ordinary towels and wash cloths. They come in three colors and can be tossed in the washing machine and reused again.

34A colorful set of magnetic cord clips and organizers

Keep all of your cords neatly organized and tangle-free with these colorful cord organizers, which have two built-in magnets that keep them closed together. The silicone clips are lightweight and great for earphones and other wires.

35An accelerating teeth whitening light for brighter teeth

Get a brighter smile at lightning speed with this teeth whitening light that has five powerful LED bulbs that enhance the efficacy of teeth whitening strips and gel. The lights works on batteries and features a built-in timer that beeps at 10 minute intervals. One reviewer who uses it in conjunction with their strips wrote: "paired with the Auraglow ...whitestrips has produced the fastest, most noticeable results."

36A traction device that stretches out your neck to help relieve tension

If you carry tension or tightness in your neck or upper back, you might enjoy this traction device. It's designed to stretch out your neck and help relax your neck and shoulder muscles — and it can actually help mitigate headache pain and head tension, according to some users. One reviewer wrote: “I have a lot of neck pain that causes headaches and I just lay on it and let it put pressure where I need it or I move my head side to side a little for a deep massage. This thing is amazing!!!!”

37These leak-proof silicone travel bottles for products

Not only do these colorful travel bottles pass airport security with flying colors, but they are also designed with three layers that make them a fantastic leak-proof option that relieve you of worrying about them making a mess in your luggage. The silicone bottles are squeezable, so you can get out every last drop of soap, shampoo, or conditioner. The set of four bottles come with a clear zippered travel bag.