Clever, cheap things our shopping researchers say are worthy of their 5-star Amazon ratings

Clever, cheap, and extremely practical.

Clever, cheap things our shopping researchers say are worthy of their 5-star Amazon ratings
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The best purchases are the things you use day in and day out because they genuinely make your life easier and more enjoyable, but most of the time, impulse buys fall short of expectations and end up shoved in a drawer. However, these clever products have the shopping researchers at BDG raving because they’re cheap and extremely practical.

01Some whimsical solar lights that make a big difference

Associate commerce editor Allison Bolt loves these whimsical solar garden lights, which charge up with the sun and look like fireflies when they blow around. They “are genuinely worth adding to your garden,” said Bolt. “I only have a few little potted plants outside, but these make my outdoor space look so much more impressive. They also give you that cozy string light feel without all of the hassle of hanging up string lights.”

  • Available sizes: 2 Pack — 6 Pack

02This car organizer for tidying & emptying your trunk

I bought this trunk organizer for my partner (who’s a videographer and drone operator), and he uses it constantly to organize his equipment and quickly empty out his trunk. That said, its ample compartments and pockets are also great for groceries, tools, sports equipment, and kids’ essentials — especially since it has built-in handles and steel-tipped latches to secure the organizer in place.

  • Available styles: 3

03Some spiral hair ties that prevent tangles & creasing

I’m a huge fan of spiral hair ties because they don’t get tangled in my fine hair and they look cute worn around my wrist when I need a backup. This set of 10 includes five colors to match most shades of hair, and they’re made from flexible, waterproof material that prevents creasing and headaches.

04This head massager an editor reaches for on the regular

Head massagers aren’t just a novelty gift — they’re “actually a great way to take a second to yourself and just calm down,” said Karen Belz, BDG associate commerce editor. This one “has 20 prongs, is soft on my scalp, and is a great value — especially since it comes with an equally cool extendable back scratcher.”

05These fluffy, breathable pillows that make your bed feel like a hotel

These Utopia Bedding pillows have breathable gussets with fluffy, supportive poly-fiber filling inside — and according to Belz, they’re incredible: “Get these pillows. Seriously. They feel similarly to a hotel pillow, and even have a colorful stripe on the side so that you can tell them apart from the pillows your partner may use. Getting to bed has been a lot easier with these around."

  • Available sizes: Standard — King
  • Available styles: 6

06This personal blender that makes it much easier to eat fruits & veggies

“After watching the Netflix documentary about your gut biome, I realized I should probably incorporate more fresh fruit and veggies into my routine,” said Belz, who bought this Hamilton Beach personal blender and now uses it constantly. “It's a great way to whip up a quick smoothie for one, especially at such an inexpensive price. It's easy to clean and the top also doubles as a cup, making it even easier to use.”

  • Available styles: 5

07This set-&-forget tub that absorbs moisture & musty odors

Simply open this tub of DampRid and place it on a flat surface wherever you have unwanted moisture. Over the next 60 days, the crystals will absorb excess dampness and reduce musty odors to create fresher, cleaner air — without irritating fragrances. “Works great! Can't believe how much moisture it pulls out of the air,” one reviewer said.

  • Available styles: 3

08This spin mop that makes mopping fun, easy, & fast

Editor Anna Anderson loves and recommends the O-Cedar spin mop set, which includes a telescoping handle, a washable microfiber mop head, and a pedal-powered bucket for hands-free wringing. “This not only makes mopping more fun, but it's faster than using stick mops with pads (and much cheaper, too -- just add water to the bucket),” said Anderson.

  • Available styles: 3

09These highlighter tapes that’re mess-free & removable

This translucent highlighter tape comes in six vibrant colors with two rolls of each. Unlike highlighter markers, the tape is mess-free, leak-proof, and fully removable, so you can sell your textbooks after college or highlight library books without damaging them.

10This brush that helps you clean window screens without removing them

This screen cleaner helps you scrub window and sliding door screens without having to take them out. It comes with a removable handle so you can reach further, and its padded fibers work wet or dry to clean in between tiny mesh holes to remove pollen, fuzz, dirt, and dust.

11Some non-stick oven liners that catch any potential messes

With an average 4.6-star rating from over 35,000 reviewers, these oven liners have earned quite the fan base. They’re made from BPA-free Teflon that’s non-stick, removable, dishwasher-safe, and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, melted cheese and baked-on messes simply wipe away without damaging your oven.

  • Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack
  • Available styles: 3

12These Japanese washcloths that exfoliate while you scrub

“If you're a little wary of loofahs, these Japanese washcloths are an incredible alternative,” said senior editor Kate Miller. “Not only do they exfoliate while you scrub, but they also can be tossed in the washing machine for a more hygienic option. They're quite big, too, for a lot of scrubbing coverage.” You can buy this set of three in one color or a combination of shades.

  • Available styles: 9

13This battery-operated misting fan that’s a must for hot weather

“When it's hot out, I'm not leaving the house without this misting fan,” said Miller. “It instantly brings relief and easily fits in a tote bag. I love how the blades are soft, so you don't have to worry about clipping a finger.” It runs on batteries for portability and the 9-ounce bottle holds up to 1,000 refreshing sprays. Get it in your choice of six colors.

  • Available styles: 6

14These pointed cotton swabs that are a “beauty arsenal must-have”

“I love the pointed tips on these cotton swabs for wiping off excess mascara, nail polish, and lip color,” said Miller. The sticks are made from sturdy paper and the ends use genuine cotton. “They're a steal for the price, and you can either keep them in the handy covered container or transfer to an apothecary jar. Overall, a beauty arsenal must-have.”

  • Available sizes: 500pcs — 2000pcs

15This cult-favorite detangling brush with amazing ratings

This detangling brush has racked up an average 4.6-star rating from almost 40,000 Amazon reviewers. Using flexible bristles and a spiral-shaped paddle that adapts to the shape of your head, it removes knots without pain or breakage — and it’s designed to work on all types of hair, including curly, straight, thick, thin, wet, or dry.

  • Available styles: 10

16An ergonomic cushion for all-day comfort & support

Use this ergonomic seat cushion to pad your backside and support your spine, whether you’re sitting in an office chair, on an airplane, in the driver’s seat, on the bleachers, or in a wheelchair. It’s made from memory foam with a removable mesh cover and a cut-out for your coccyx. “An extremely helpful thing to have when you sit all day,” wrote one reviewer who felt a “noticeable difference.”

  • Available styles: 6

17These ribbed tank tops you can wear in 3 ways

Thanks to their stretchy straps, you can wear these racerback tank tops three ways: as a halter-style, a one-shoulder, or criss-crossed in the front. They’re also made from seamless ribbed fabric, which reaches to the waist for lower bottoms but still tucks and layers well.

  • Available sizes: X-Small-Small — Large-X-Large
  • Available styles: 16

18A quick-drying microfiber towel set that’s great for travel

Senior editor Jen Fiegel, always travels with a quick-dry towel, and this three-piece set made from absorbent microfiber is an “amazing value.” According to Fiegel, “they're super handy for everything from a workout to the beach to quickly wiping something down. Plus, you can just rinse them in a sink and it's ready to use again.”

  • Available styles: 8

19This double-decker bamboo lazy Susan that lasts years

“This has been holding spices next to the stove for the last three years, and it's still going strong,” Fiegel said about this lazy Susan, which is made from bamboo and smoothly rotates 360 degrees around. “The double decker design and easy-to-clean material make such a difference."

20These food storage containers that keep produce fresher for longer

Inflation is too high to let your produce rot. These food storage bins come in four different sizes, each with matching lids and colanders. The baskets not only allow you to rinse your fruits and vegetables before storage, but they also separate out the moisture, so your produce stays fresher for longer.

  • Available styles: 3

21This spray that protects outdoor fabrics against moisture & fading

I’ve used Scotchgard sun and water shield on outdoor pillows — but it also works on outdoor upholstery, umbrellas, covers, tarps, flags, and awnings. The clear, odorless spray repels moisture from rain and snow and creates a clear barrier to protect fabrics against UV damage and fading.

  • Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 4

22The best acne patches this editor has ever used

“These are by far my favorite acne patches I've ever used,” said Amy Biggart, Mic editor. “The circular ones are great, but I love these longer patches, since I tend to get break out a lot all in one spot." They protect the blemish while absorbing excess moisture, so it heals faster.

23These retro oval sunglasses that “always get compliments”

Looking for a pair of stylish, affordable sunglasses? According to Biggart, these retro oval sunglasses are it: "I always get compliments. Truly, they are worth 10 times their price." The lenses reduce glare and have UV400 protection to guard your eyes against harmful UVA and UVB rays, plus they come in seven color options.

  • Available styles: 7

24These gentle dermaplaning tools that remove dead skin & unwanted hair

“These have been game-changing for applying makeup. I wish I started using them years ago,” Biggart said about these best-selling Schick dermaplaning tools. I also use them to remove peach fuzz, exfoliate dead skin, and shape my brows, and I can confirm: They’re super effective, yet portable, easy to use, and gentle on sensitive skin.

25This low-stakes way to leave notes in your books

Biggart also recommends these transparent sticky notes, which are water-resistant, easy to write on, and won’t cause damage to the page when removed. "I use these to annotate my books, and it's a really low-stakes way to leave notes that I can take out if I want to lend it to someone,” said Biggart.

  • Available styles: 2

26This rechargeable toothbrush that’s dentist-recommended

Biggart also loves the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush, which is rechargeable, lasts up to 14 days on one charge, and has a built-in timer for two-minute brushing sessions. "This came recommended by my dentist, and it is so much better than the battery-operated electric toothbrush I was using before,” Biggart said. “It's made maintaining my gum health so much easier."

  • Available styles: 2

27This stackable organizer that holds up to 12 water bottles

Reviewers called this stackable organizer a “sturdy space saver” and a “game changer” for those with lots of reusable water bottles and tumblers. It holds up to 12 items vertically, so you can see your entire collection at once, grab the one you need without starting an avalanche, and maximize your shelf storage.

28This keychain case that keeps jewelry & pills safe

Associate commerce editor Lauren Beach uses the Lion Latch to keep tiny items safe and contained on the go: "I've used this to keep jewelry and pills handy and safe while traveling and it works great. It's secure, small, and the carabiner is strong."

29A compact block that charges 3 items at once

“This three-in-one charging block is compact and works well,” Beach said. “No worrying about finding enough spots to plug everything in." It has a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a wireless mount for watches — but since it folds up into a compact cube, it’s also great for travel.

  • Available styles: 6

30A pocket-sized phone mount that attaches to airplane tray tables

“I used this on a recent flight and it worked great,” Beach said about this airplane phone mount. “Held my phone steady and let me adjust the angle with ease." It has a clamp that universally attaches to most tray tables — but also works well for luggage handles, shelves, desks, tables, and bedframes. When folded up, it fits in your pocket.

  • Available styles: 5

31This tiny Bluetooth speaker with “big, clear sound”

According to Beach, this portable Bluetooth speaker is “just as good as advertised — it's tiny with a big, clear sound. The case it comes with is nice, too.” It weighs less than 7 ounces, fits in the palm of your hand, and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to eight hours per charge.

  • Available styles: 4

32A refrigerator deodorizer that tackles smells for 10 years

Using something called catalytic decomposition technology, this refrigerator deodorizer transforms smelly gasses into water molecules. As a result, it’s designed to remove unwanted odors in your refrigerator for up to 10 years without refills or a power supply — and according to reviewers, it “works so much better [than] baking soda.”

33A slim organizer cart that holds toiletries, ingredients, & supplies

I have one of these slim organizer carts between my washer and dryer. That said, you can also use it next to the toilet for bottles, beside the fridge for ingredients, in your craft area for supplies, or as a compact side table in your living room. It has wheels for portability, three tiers to maximize storage, and hooks for wires, tools, keys, and other small accessories.

  • Available styles: 3

34A bottle holder & brain teaser at the same time

This Think for Drink puzzle is a bottle holder and a brain teaser in one. Figure out how to disassemble the wooden parts to unlock the wine. “Had so much fun and laughs as everyone took a turn to see if they could untangle the ropes,” one reviewer wrote. It’s not only a fun drinking game, but a statement and conversation piece for your home bar.

  • Available styles: 6

35These deodorizer bags with thousands of 5-star ratings

Pop these portable deodorizers in any pair of shoes, or use them to tackle unwanted odors in your gym bag, closet, bathroom cabinet, trash can, pet area, or car. Using zeolite crystals, they absorb and neutralize smells without toxic ingredients or fragrances — and judging by their thousands of five-star ratings, they work.

  • Available sizes: 2 Count — 8 Count

36This automatic dispenser that fits most bottles

Use the Magic Tap dispenser with milk, juice, lemonade, water, or anything else your household drinks often. Using AA batteries and a universal screwtop that fits most bottlenecks, it automatically dispenses liquid without spills, overflow, or the need to lift heavy jugs — which makes it especially great for kids or those with limited mobility.

  • Available sizes: 1 — 3
  • Available styles: 4

37This best-selling splatter screen that reviewers “can’t live without”

According to reviewers, this best-selling splatter screen is one of those things you “didn’t know [you] needed,” but now “can’t live without.” It allows you to cook eggs, bacon, steak, and more without a lid — but its fine mesh screen still catches all the oil splatters to keep your stove clean. It also doubles as a cooling rack and a strainer.

  • Available sizes: 9.5-inch — 15-inch

38This cult-favorite bowl that makes delicious popcorn in the microwave

This cult-favorite popcorn popper is designed to turn loose kernels into crisp, fresh popcorn using the microwave. That way, you can minimize unwanted ingredients and customize your homemade snack with your favorite flavors. Since it’s made from silicone, it’s shatter-resistant and collapsible for compact storage.

  • Available styles: 15

39An adjustable coat rack that’s stylish & sturdy

Made from natural wood in your choice of four colors, this coat rack assembles in under 10 minutes without tools. It’s also size-adjustable to suit your space and has six branches to hold your bags, coats, and accessories. Best of all, it’s “stylish and sturdy,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 4

40This PT-recommended roller stick for at-home massages

“A physical therapist recommended this product to me,” one reviewer said about this massage roller stick — and it “truly helps break down tension” and provides “a great massage.” Seven trigger-point rollers glide over your legs, back, and arms to work out tight muscles and target sore areas, either after a workout or as daily relief from pain.

  • Available sizes: 16 Inch — 18 Inch
  • Available styles: 4

41A narrow end table that maximizes storage in small spaces

Thanks to its 7.1-inch width, this narrow end table fits in tight corners and small living spaces. Despite its compact size, it still offers two shelves for snacks, drinks, and decor as well as a fabric sling for remotes and reading materials. It also comes in five woodgrain colors, all with modern alloy steel frames.

  • Available styles: 5

42This barely there backpack for running, walking, or hiking

“You barely notice it's on” because it’s “super lightweight” and “VERY comfortable,” one reviewer wrote — but this running backpack still holds your phone, cards, cash, and house key while you’re jogging, walking, or hiking. It also has three cable pull-throughs for headphone cords, and it’s well-ventilated, washable, and adjustable to fit most people.

43Or a packable backpack for travel or hiking

Unlike your average knapsack, this packable daypack is made from ultra-lightweight nylon, so it weighs just 4 ounces and collapses into a tiny pouch that fits in your pocket. That way, it’s a fully functional backpack when you need it (complete with padded, adjustable straps and plenty of pockets), and virtually non-existent when you don’t.

  • Available sizes: 16L — 32L
  • Available styles: 11

44This rechargeable fabric shaver that makes your stuff look like new again

Use this fabric shaver to gently yet effectively remove lint from clothing, pilling from furniture upholstery, and fuzz from old sweaters. It’s USB-rechargeable and has a blade cover that safeguards all kinds of fabrics. “Now my quarter zip is like brand spanking new,” wrote one reviewer. “I also used it on leggings and it is just phenomenal.”

  • Available styles: 5

45A fabric storage bag for clothes, bedding & more

Store unused bedding, towels, or seasoning clothing safely and compactly on shelves, in attics and basements, or under your bed. This storage bag is made from durable yet lightweight fabric with dual zippers, side handles, and a clear panel so you can see what’s inside. It also folds flat when it’s not in use.

46These faux hydrangeas that “look so real”

These artificial hydrangeas come in 21 color options. According to reviewers, their faux-silk petals and textured stems make them “look so real.” Needless to say, they’re a popular choice for home decor, seasonal centerpieces, and weddings.

  • Available styles: 21

47Some carrying straps that can support up to 100 pounds

Made from durable, weatherproof materials that can support up to 100 pounds, these Easy-Carry Wrap-It straps work well with hoses, extension cords, and outdoor equipment. The hook-and-loop closure adjusts to fit cords of most sizes and the handle is great for both transporting and hanging your items.

  • Available sizes: 17” — 48”

48A non-slip bathmat made out of loofah material

Instead of those mats with suction cups (which are slow to dry and difficult to clean), this non-slip bath liner has a porous fiber structure and self-drainage holes. It also doubles as a loofah for your feet, so you can scrub your soles without bending down. Get it in several sizes and a handful of colors.

  • Available sizes: 16x24 — 24x35
  • Available styles: 4

49This hair growth promoting shampoo that works, according to reviewers

This hair growth shampoo is packed with ingredients that are designed to combat thinning hair and nourish new follicles: namely biotin, rosemary, peppermint, jojoba, and coconut oil. It also skips the sulfates and synthetic fragrances, and according to reviewers who stuck with it, “this stuff really works!”

  • Available sizes: 8 Fl Oz — 25 Fl Oz
  • Available styles: 5

50These makeup sponges that work better than the name brand

Applied my foundation flawlessly and actually much better than the original Beauty Blenders,” one reviewer said about these makeup sponges, which cost significantly less than the name-brand. They’re egg-shaped with a tapered edge to help you apply everything from primer to under-eye concealer, and you can use them wet or dry.

51A straw hat that protects your face without flattening your hair

This stylish sun visor is made from paper straw that offers UPF 50+ protection for your face — but unlike most other sun hats, this one won’t flatten your hair. Its open top allows room for your ponytail or bun while its adjustable velcro closure comfortably fits most heads.

  • Available styles: 16

52This clip-on ring light for your phone or laptop

Whether you’re participating in a Zoom meeting, video-calling your best friend, or recording a makeup tutorial for TikTok, this selfie ring light illuminates your face and minimizes shadows. It’s rechargeable for wireless use, has 10 adjustable light settings, and clips onto most devices with ease.

53A wobble cushion that engages muscles whether you’re sitting or exercising

Sit on this wobble cushion while you’re working, stand on it at your standing desk or incorporate it into your workout. Its air-filled design engages core muscles in order to keep you steady, so you’re exercising and improving your balance while going about your day. It’s also great for bouncy fidgeters.

54These claws for shredding & transferring meat

If you barbecue often, these meat claws are an “amazing product,” according to reviewers. Their handheld design and sharp points make it easy to shred pulled pork, chicken, or ribs — but they’re also great for transferring meat and holding it steady while slicing. Since they’re dishwasher-safe, clean-up is a breeze, too.

  • Available styles: 2

55This organizer bag for knitters, crocheters & other crafters

This large craft organizer bag has an overall 4.7-star rating from more than 7,300 reviewers because it’s “well-made,” “easy to carry,” and “holds A LOT.” It’s a favorite among knitters and crocheters thanks to its roomy 10-skein interior and tangle-resistant, yarn-dispensing slits, but it has plenty of pockets for other tools, too.