Cheap new things on Amazon that are pure genius

Brilliant finds that keep your budget intact.

Cheap new things on Amazon that are pure genius
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Just because something is “cheap” doesn’t mean it can’t provide a huge amount of value. Nowadays if something is cheap, all it means is that the price is low — it doesn’t have any bearing on whether the item at hand is brilliant. So when I say that all the cheap things you’ll find below are pure genius, what I really mean is that every item is just as affordable as it is useful. So scroll on and buy with confidence.

01This dish brush shaped like a quirky gnome

Not only is this dish brush a cute addition to any kitchen sink, but the sturdy, burly bristles make quick work when scrubbing away all sorts of grime. While tough on crud, it’s still suitable for use on nonstick cookware — and each order includes a small drip tray for storage.

02This insert that helps plugs stay inside of loose outlets

Got an outlet that’s too loose to hold onto a plug? Then this insert is worth a look. It fits inside of any 110-volt wall outlet, filling up the extra space so that your plugs stop falling out. Plus, the small size makes it easy to take with you when traveling.

03A mold that makes water bottle-ready ice sticks

Regular ice cubes won’t fit through narrow water bottle mouths, which is only part of the reason why I’m a fan of this mold. It freezes water into narrow sticks that you can easily fit into water bottles — and the flexible silicone can be bent and twisted without fear of cracking.

04A nonslip pad that can hold onto nearly anything

Place this nonslip pad on the center console in your car, and you’ll be able to keep your phone, keys, glasses, and more on top without having to worry about them falling off. The adhesive backing keeps it from shifting out of place. And if you want to peel it off to place somewhere else, simply rinse the backside under warm water to refresh the adhesion.

05These AirTag mounts that attach to dog collars

Keep track of where your dog is at all times with help from these AirTag mounts. They slip onto your dog’s collar, fitting snugly against the band so that there’s no need to worry about them detaching. Plus, the silicone material is water- as well as impact-resistant.

06This BBQ rib rack that won’t tip over on your grill

Home and professional chefs alike can appreciate this BBQ rib rack. It holds your ribs upright, helping ensure that they cook evenly all the way through — and the sturdy frame is designed so that even extra-large pieces of meat won’t cause it to tip over. Many reviewers also noted how it’s “easy to clean.”

07The pop-up net that lets you practice your short game

Anyone who golfs can appreciate this net. Not only is it great for practicing your short game, but the pop-up design also makes it easy to take with you. Plus, the pyramid shape allows it to catch any stray shots that happen to miss their mark.

08These magnetic vent covers that can help boost your AC where you need it

Place these covers overtop of the vents in rooms that don’t get a ton of foot traffic, and they’ll boost the air conditioning in rooms where the vents remain open. The magnetic backing makes installation a total breeze. And with more than 10 sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that fits your vents.

09These body wipes that help you stay clean when on the go

Don’t have the time or ability to take a shower? Not a problem when you have these body wipes. Each one features two sides: one for scrubbing and exfoliation, as well as a second that’s better suited for wiping away dirt. And since they’re hypoallergenic, even people with sensitive skin can use them.

10The pliers that hold onto nails while you hammer them

Don’t risk smashing your fingers when pounding nails. Instead, hold them upright using these pliers. They’re made from tough plastic that can withstand being hit with a hammer. Plus, 10 different grooves make them suitable for use with nails of nearly any thickness.

11A cast iron sandwich press that you can use over campfires

Making a delicious meal when camping can be tricky. Luckily, this sandwich press is made from tough cast iron that’s suitable for use over hot campfires. Use it to make paninis or cook up a full English breakfast. Since it arrives pre-seasoned, you can even start using it right out of the box.

12This microwaveable bowl set that helps you make ramen quickly

You don’t have to dirty up your stove when you’re in the mood for ramen. Instead, make it in the microwave using this set of bowls. It only takes a few short minutes to whip up a quick bowl of ramen — and all three bowls are BPA-free as well as dishwasher-safe. Each order also includes a pair of chopsticks, one spoon, and one fork.

13A sturdy dish brush made by Iron Flask for reaching into tall bottles

Not only does this Iron Flask dish brush feature an extra-long handle to help you clean deep into tall bottles, but the stiff nylon bristles also make quick work of scrubbing away dirt and grime. The nonslip handle helps you keep a firm grip when wet. And since the shaft is made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about it rusting or warping over time.

14The personal blender that helps cut down on mess

Smoothies, protein shakes, juice — this personal blender can whip up all sorts of drinks in no time at all. The blending jar doubles as a to-go cup, so there’s no need to dirty up an extra glass or bottle if you’re heading out the door. And unlike some blenders, this one features stainless steel blades that easily crush ice, nuts, fruits, and everything in between.

15These gentle wipes that clean & condition leather

Whether your leather is dry or dirty, these wipes are a solid pick. Each order comes with 10: five for cleaning, as well as five for conditioning. Plus, they’re gentle enough to use on all types of leather, including furniture, belts, jackets, boots, and more.

16The “Boot Banana” shoe deodorizers that last up to 12 months

Don’t throw out that funky pair of shoes until you’ve tried using these deodorizers to give them a refresh. They’re filled with dried lavender flowers, patchouli, as well as lemon and tea tree oil, giving them an uplifting scent that isn’t derived from harsh chemicals. They also have a lifespan of up to 12 months — so you won’t have to buy new ones anytime soon.

17A sturdy door wedge shaped like a Shiba Inu

If you’re still using random heavy items to prop your doors open, then this wedge is worth a look. Not only is it shaped like a cute Shiba Inu, but a foam strip on the bottom also helps keep it in place. “I wasn't sure it would work on a heavy steel entry door that has a slam latch, but it does,” wrote one reviewer. “And it's super cute too.” If you don’t need it for doors, use it for decor.

18These AirTag cases that take up hardly any space in your wallet

Always misplacing your wallet? Consider using one of these cases to slip an AirTag inside of it. They’re lighter than standard credit cards, so they won’t add very much bulk (if any) to your wallet. Plus, the high-quality ABS frame is designed to last.

19The travel-friendly ping pong paddle set that lets you play almost anywhere

Anyone who enjoys playing ping pong can appreciate this travel-friendly set. The retractable net extends out to 6 feet wide, making it easy to set up and play on nearly any table. Plus, the paddles are made from crack-resistant wood — so feel free to hit the balls as hard as you like.

20An insulated backpack that’s leakproof & waterproof

With a thick thermal shield built into its walls, this insulated backpack makes it easier than ever to keep drinks cold when hiking, camping, or even just relaxing at the beach. There’s enough space inside to store up to 24 cans with ice. And since it’s also leakproof as well as waterproof, there’s no need to worry about getting it wet or spilling.

21A burly LED flashlight that’s waterproof & floats

Whether you’re on a boat or walking the dog at night, this LED flashlight is a worthwhile investment. The waterproof (and floating) design means you can get it wet without having to worry about it short circuiting — and it only needs four AA batteries (which are not included) in order to deliver hours’ worth of light.

22A giant game of outdoor tic tac toe that’s weather-resistant

Made from sturdy New Zealand poplar wood, this giant game of tic tac toe is a fun way to get any backyard gathering started. Each X and O features a polished, weather-resistant finish to help keep them looking good through multiple seasons. But if that isn’t enough, you’ll also receive a handy carrying case to keep everything together in storage.

23The unisex baseball cap that helps you stay cool

Get this unisex hat wet with water, and its proprietary material can cool down to 30 degrees below your body temperature, making it great for beating the heat when outside. It can stay cool for up to two hours before you’ll need to wet it again. Also, the odor-resistant fabric helps keep it smelling clean.

24These elastic bands that help keep your trash bag from sliding down

Tired of having to readjust your trash bags? Consider it a problem of the past once you’ve grabbed these bands. They stretch to fit trash cans up to 33 gallons in size, holding the bag in place so that it can’t slide down. “Easy to put on and keeps the bag tightly in place,” wrote one reviewer. “Solved a really annoying problem.”

25An LED night light that won’t run up your utility bills

Not only is this night light made with an energy-efficient LED bulb, but it also features a dusk-to-dawn sensor that prevents it from turning on when there’s light in the room. The best part? Its compact shape won’t block the second outlet on your wall.

26These meat claws that help you shred proteins

Chicken, pork, beef — these claws are tough enough to shred through all sorts of proteins. Their ergonomic design allows them to fit comfortably in either hand. And if you aren’t in the mood for shredded meat, you can also use them as tongs in a pinch.

27The segmented bowl that helps you bread food with less mess

Breading ingredients is rarely ever a mess-free endeavor — unless you have this bowl to help you out. Simply fill the bottom compartment with your preferred breading, place your egg wash-coated protein on the strainer compartment, then give it a shake. And once you’ve finished cooking, you can even toss it into the dishwasher for an easy clean.

28This carbon steel baking pan that makes extra crispy bacon

Every kitchen needs at least one quality baking pan — and this one is currently available for less than $20. It comes with a raised wire rack, making it great for cooking bacon, roasting proteins, and more. Plus, the nonstick surface makes cleaning it a total breeze.

29This washer door prop that helps keep your machine fresh

Keeping your washing machine door closed can lead to a buildup of funky odors, making this prop a smart buy. The magnetic base makes installation a total breeze — and the flexible arm can be bent or twisted into nearly any position. It’s also suitable for use with nearly any machine, and features a silicone exterior to help prevent scratches.

30A reusable tea infuser shaped like a Mario piranha plant

You don’t have to play the Mario games in order to appreciate this infuser. It’s great for anyone who enjoys making their own blend of loose tea leaves, as the holes on the top and bottom are large enough to allow flavors to seep out, yet small enough that no leaves will escape into your mug. The best part? It’s also reusable as well as BPA-free.

31This miniature vacuum that’s perfect for desktop messes

Eraser shavings, paper scraps, dust — this miniature vacuum is great for all those small messes that tend to accumulate on desktops. The battery lasts for up to 400 minutes before you’ll need to recharge it. And since it runs at a super-quiet level, there’s no need to worry about it disturbing your neighbors at the office.

32These mesh covers that help shield plates from bugs

Got a backyard BBQ coming up? Don’t set up that buffet table until you’ve grabbed these covers. The nylon mesh helps protect plates of food from bugs, while the lightweight frames make them easy to carry around. Plus, the collapsible design helps you save space in storage.

33The Swedish dishcloths that can help you save money

Wiping up messes using paper towels can be incredibly wasteful. Instead, upgrade to these Swedish dishcloths. Not only does each one take the place of up to 15 paper towel rolls, but they’re also 100% biodegradable — so there’s no need to worry about their impact on the environment upon disposal.

34A stainless steel sink strainer that helps prevent clogs

Place this strainer into your kitchen sink drain, and it’ll catch any stray bits of food or debris that flow its way so that your pipes stay clog-free. It’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel — not plastic — and the universal design makes it suitable for use with nearly any kitchen sink drain.

35The duster sponges that reach deep into tight spaces

Window blinds, baseboards, vents — these duster sponges can be squished deep into all those tight little spaces that regular dusters typically can’t reach. The grooves on the top help them latch onto dirt, trapping it within its fibers until you rinse them out. Plus, they can be washed and reused dozens of times.

36A silicone mat that helps you remove hot bowls from the microwave

This silicone mat is one of those rare items that belongs in every kitchen. Place it underneath plates and bowls in the microwave, and the heat-resistant design will give you somewhere cool to grab onto when pulling them out. And if you encounter a stubborn lid? The nonslip surface can also be used as a grip to help pop it open.

37These silicone coasters that can be used inside & outside

Don’t ruin your tables with water rings. Instead, place drinks on top of these coasters. The nonslip tops help keep drinks stable — and they work just as well indoors as they do outside on your patio or deck. Choose from two colors: black or red.

38A portable air compressor that can inflate tires in just 1 minute

This portable air compressor is one of those rare items that’s better to have and not need, than need and not have. Depending on their size, it can inflate flat tires in just one minute — and each order includes five adaptors so that you can use it with a variety of tires.

39A waterproof Bluetooth speaker that’s easy to take with you

Whereas some Bluetooth speakers can be large and bulky, this one is so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand — but don’t be fooled. It still delivers big, room-filling sound despite the small package, and features a powerful battery that lasts for up to eight hours before it needs to be recharged. Plus, the waterproof design means you can even drop it in the tub without having to worry about it breaking.

40This portable washing machine that you can take with you when traveling

There’s no need to find a laundromat if you need to clean your clothes while traveling — just use this portable washing machine. Simply fill a sink or tub with water, attach it to the bottom using the suction cup on the back, then turn it on. High-frequency vibrations will work to remove stains, spills, and dirt from your clothes. And since it produces very little noise, there’s no need to worry about it disturbing anyone nearby.

41An inflatable sleeping pad that’s easy to take with you

Looking for ways to make your camping trip more comfortable? Search no further than this sleeping pad. It inflates to be 2 inches thick, yet collapses down into a small drawstring bag so that it’s easy to take with you. Choose from four colors: green, blue, orange, or red.

42The angry mama that helps you clean your microwave

If you’ve got baked-on crud stuck to the inside of your microwave, it’s not a problem when you have this angry mama. Simply fill her with a mixture of water and vinegar, then microwave her for about seven minutes. Steam will begin to erupt out of her head, loosening up all the grime inside your microwave so that it’s easy to wipe out.

43A cushioned mat that helps prevent leg fatigue

Standing at your kitchen counters for long periods of time can leave your legs feeling fatigued — but that’s where this mat comes in handy. Cushioning on the inside helps soften the impact on your joints, while the stain-resistant top helps keep it looking good if you accidentally spill on it. Choose from four sizes as well as 15 colors.

44This heated beard straightener that helps smooth frizz

When no amount of combing seems to tame that unruly beard, it may be time to give this straightener a try. The heat is adjustable from 300 up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for beards that are thin, coarse, and every texture in between. Advanced ionic technology helps smooth frizz as it passes through hair.

45A glass file that’s gentle on flaking feet

Harsh metal rasps can leave your feet feeling raw. Instead, try using this glass file. Not only is it more gentle on skin, but it also works just as well dry as it does wet. Plus, the ergonomic design allows it to fit comfortably in both hands.

46A collapsible trunk organizer that won’t slide around while you drive

It’s almost too easy for the trunk of your car to become a jumbled mess of stuff — but that’s where this organizer comes in handy. Multiple compartments give you room to store sports equipment, groceries, and everything in between. And if you’re worried about it sliding around while you drive, it’s not a problem, as the adjustable straps on the bottom let you fasten it down securely.

47A luggage scale that can measure up to 110 pounds

Avoid overweight bag fees by weighing your suitcase with this luggage scale before heading to the airport. It can measure up to 110 pounds — simply loop the strap underneath your suitcase handle, then lift up to see how much it weighs. And since it’s small, you can easily take it with you inside your carry-on bag.

48This under-cabinet opener that works on nearly any lid

Nail polish, mayonnaise, pickles — this opener is designed to work on nearly any type of lid. It mounts underneath your cabinets using a few screws (which come included), staying out of sight until you need it. Though if you’d rather not drill into your cabinets, each order also includes double-sided adhesive for tool-free installation.

49The magnetic strips that are great for organizing messy workbenches

Got a workbench that’s overcrowded with tools? Give them a home on these magnetic strips. They’re made from tough carbon steel, and can hold up to 10 pounds’ worth of heavy tools. Each order also includes all the accessories you’ll need to mount them firmly to your walls.

50A can organizer that helps open up space in your fridge

Setting bottled drinks upright inside your fridge can take up a ton of space. Instead, store them horizontally on this organizer. When placed in a pyramid shape, you can easily stack more than 10 bottles on top of it — and the nonslip surface helps keep them from shifting out of place.

51This space-saving organizer that can hold dozens of plastic baggies

Leaving your plastic baggies in the cardboard boxes they came in can take up a ton of space, making this organizer a clever alternative. Four zippered compartments give you ample room to store dozens of bags. Plus, each one is labelled to help you keep track of which bags are stored where.

52These wall-mounted hat hooks that are *so* easy to install

Got a ton of hats that are taking up space inside your closet? Consider hanging them on these hooks to help open up some room. Installation is as easy as peeling off the adhesive backing, then pressing them into place on your walls — no tools necessary. Choose from four colors: white, gray, black, or clear.

53An LED television backlight that can help reduce eye strain

Staring at a bright television screen while sitting in the dark can put strain on your eyes, making this LED backlight a smart investment. Not only can it help reduce strain, but it can even help improve your picture’s contrast and color. The best part? Installation is as easy as peeling off the adhesive backing, then pressing it right into place on the back of your set.

54This wearable fan that can run for up to 24 hours

Hiking, camping, relaxing outside — this fan makes it easier than ever to stay cool no matter what you’re doing. You can clip it to your waistband, wear it around your neck, or even just hold it in your hand. And since the battery lasts for up to 24 hours, you won’t have to recharge it anytime soon.

55A rechargeable lighter that won’t go out in the wind

Unlike flame lighters, this electronic one produces an electrical plasma arc that won’t go out in the wind. Its flexible gooseneck can also be bent into nearly any position, making it easy to light candles, grills, and everything in between. The battery lasts for up to 600 uses before you’ll need to recharge it.

56These insulated glasses that help keep wine chilled

Chilling wine with ice cubes will dilute its flavor as they melt, making these glasses a clever alternative. Simply keep them in the freezer, and they’ll be ready to help chill room-temperature whites whenever you’re in the mood to start sipping. Plus, a silicone band around the middle gives you somewhere comfortable to grip.

57These stainless steel squeezers that help you get every last drop out of tubes

Toothpaste, paint, skin-care serums — these squeezers are great for getting every last drop out of all sorts of tubes. A small handle on the side lets you crank your tube through with ease. And since they’re made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about them rusting or warping over time.

58A karaoke microphone that’s fun for kids & adults

Whether you’re five or 55, this karaoke microphone is a fun way to get any party started. It’s compatible with just about any Bluetooth device or karaoke app. And unlike some karaoke microphones, this one features six built-in voice changers so that you can switch up your performance for added fun: robot, chipmunk, radio, and more.

59The extender that adds 3 USB ports to your wall outlet

Don’t go hunting around for a USB brick when you need to charge your phone. Instead, plug the charging cable into this extender. It adds three outlets, three USB ports, as well as one type-C port to any wall outlet. Plus, built-in surge protection helps shield your gadgets from damage in the event of an electrical spike.

60This extra-thick knee pad that can help prevent joint pain

Whether you’re gardening or practicing yoga, this knee pad is a clever way to help cushion your joints when kneeling on the ground. Both the top and bottom are nonslip — so there’s no need to worry about it shifting around while you’re on it. And with six colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style.