Ready for a little bit of impulse shopping? In the internet age, you can upgrade your life with a few clicks of the mouse, and there’s nothing better than getting a package or two that you forgot you’d ordered.
Of course, it helps if the stuff you order is actually, you know, useful. To that end, we scoured Amazon Prime (get a free trial here) to find the most practical, awesome, and downright weird products available. The only catch: Everything had to cost around 25 bucks.
1. Clear up your skin and prevent breakouts.
Safe House Naturals’ Detox lives up to its name with a PETA-approved, cruelty-free formula with bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and coconut oil. The natural ingredients work together to reduce oil, preventing breakouts without drying out your skin (for best results, you should still follow up with a non-greasy moisturizer).
The manufacturer even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and with average reviews of over four stars, it’s extraordinarily effective.
Safe House Naturals Detox Face and Body Wash, $19.99 from Amazon
2. Blast your tunes with a truly portable Bluetooth speaker.
This 3-watt speaker is remarkably loud, with terrific bass response in a small package. A full charge provides about four hours of playback. It connects to any device that uses Bluetooth (including most newer smartphones).
While there are more expensive Bluetooth speakers on Amazon, this is an excellent option for anyone who doesn’t want to make a big investment. It’s great for bathrooms, dorm rooms, hotels, and other environments where space is at a premium.
dodocool Bluetooth Speakers, $10.21 from Amazon
3. Put thick or curly hair in its place.
These hair ties are a game changer for people with thick, heavy, or curly hair. Made with high-quality elastics, they hold hair in place and retain their strong hold through months of regular use.
You can even take them to the gym—they won’t slip out of place during high-impact activities, and they can handle the fullest ‘do without stretching out.
Burlybands Ultimate Hair Ties for Thick Heavy or Curly Hair, $10.99 from Amazon
4. Grow out your eyelashes without harsh chemicals.
This organic eyelash growth serum contains vitamin E and a selection of natural extracts formulated to promote hair growth without irritating your skin. Apply twice per day, and you’ll notice results within a few weeks.
The reviews are fantastic, so if you’re looking to get long natural lashes, this is an excellent pickup at a great price.
Eyelash Growth Serum, $18.99 from Amazon
5. Make restaurant-quality burgers in seconds.
Here’s the problem with hamburgers: It’s hard to keep the sizes consistent, and that can lead to an undercooked (or worse, over-cooked) dinner. These burger presses solve that problem while opening up dozens of new possibilities; create stuffed burgers in seconds, make a plate of perfectly sized sliders, or build scrumptious vegetarian burgers without making a mess.
If you consider yourself a burger lover—and really, who doesn’t—this is a must-have for your next cookout.
Cuisinart Stuffed Burger Press, $7.99 from Amazon
6. Get organized with this highly rated planner.
By using positive psychology, the Simple Elephant Planner keeps you motivated throughout your week. You’ll set clear goals, reflect on accomplishments, prioritize, and stay focused.
And while it’s extraordinarily effective, it’s also—as the name implies—remarkably simple to use. While it’s especially great for students, anyone can benefit from a little bit of extra organization. The manufacturer offers a 100 percent “happiness guarantee,” and judging by the five-star reviews, that’s a solid business strategy.
The Simple Elephant Planner, $18.99 from Amazon
7. Treat your skin to a touch of rosewater.
Think about this: Two hundred years ago, a product like this would cost hundreds of dollars (also, dollars would look really weird). Free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, it uses rosa damascena (in other words, rose extract) to gently nourish your skin.
Unlike other sprays designed for dry skin, it won’t leave you feeling oily or sticky, and the floral scent is pure happiness. Try spritzing on dry hair for an instant pick-me-up, or combine with facial masks and therapeutic oils for a truly luxurious experience.
Heritage Store Rosewater Spray, $7.88 from Amazon
8. Add an unconventional light source to your favorite dojo.
Have you ever looked at a lamp and thought, “This is great, but it’s just not salty enough?”
Jokes aside, we dig the design of this Himalayan salt lamp. Professionally hand-carved from—you guessed it—real Himalayan rock salt, it glows with a soft warmth that’s perfect for meditation, yoga, or general relaxation.
Note the sizes and colors can vary, since it’s carved from real rock salt. A one-year warranty provides peace of mind (om, indeed).
Levoit Cora Himalayan Salt Lamp, $15.99 from Amazon
9. Make the most of limited closet space.
This is one of those products that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it before.
The Wonder Hanger holds up to 30 pounds of clothes, and the novel design lets you hang coats, purses, sweaters, or anything else while maximizing your closet space. Made with a durable plastic, it’s an essential pickup for anyone with a sizable wardrobe. Each kit contains 10 Wonder Hangers.
Wonder Hanger, $14.99 from Amazon
10. Brew fresh tea with this adorable infuser.
Why make tea in a plain steel ball when you could have this cute whale swimming in your cup? Its “spout” stays out of the water, keeping cool for when you need to remove the infuser. Made with food-safe silicone, it’s easy to wash and won’t impart any flavor to delicate tea leaves.
According to the product description, the whale is named Fred, but you’re free to rename it if you’d like. We’d suggest Willy.
Fred BREW WHALE Tea Infuser, $10.31 from Amazon
11. Stay hydrated with this ultra-portable silicone cup.
It holds 12 ounces, but it collapses down into an easy-to-pack disk, so it’s ideal for traveling or camping. Made with food-grade silicone, it doesn’t impart any unpleasant taste to hot or cold drinks, and a built-in white ring insulates your drink while protecting your fingers.
The manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee, and at less than $10, it’s a great buy if you’re looking for a unique gift idea.
ROCONTRIP Silicone Collapsible Cup, $8.99 from Amazon
12. Free up tight muscles with this fascia release self-massager.
If you want to try trigger point therapy without shelling out hundreds of bucks for a professional masseuse, this massage stick is the next-best thing. The pointed massage balls gently break up fascia, warm up your muscles, and increase circulation.
The included instructions provide everything you need to know to get started. Great for use before or after your workout—and if you suffer from muscle knots, this is absolutely essential.
Coolife Fascia Release Muscle Roller, $10.99 from Amazon
13. Enjoy fresh, home-cooked popcorn without the mess.
Instead of buying boxes of microwaveable popcorn, use the real stuff. This heat-resistant borosilicate popcorn popper lets you enjoy your favorite snack in about three minutes.
Simply add the popcorn, put the top in place, and put it in the microwave. A few minutes later, you’re kicking back with a great movie and a big bowl of the good stuff. Both the popper and the lid are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy, and all components are 100 percent BPA free.
Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper, $13.93 from Amazon
14. Never lose your keys again.
The KeyCatch is the key rack you’ve needed your whole life. It replaces the screws on any standard light switch faceplate; when you come home from a hard day of work, touch your keys to the powerful magnet, and they’ll stay in place. The magnet isn’t powerful enough to erase digital components, so you won’t have to worry about your electronic key fobs.
The subtle design shouldn’t impose on your home decor, and if you’re even slightly absent-minded, this is a real game changer.
KeySmart: A Modern Magnetic Key Rack, $19.99 from Amazon
15. Take your own shampoo on your next trip.
If you’re buying individual travel-sized cosmetics, you’re wasting a fortune. These reusable bottles let you pack your own shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions, and their leak-proof design protects your luggage.
Each squeezable bottle is 100 percent TSA-approved, so you can stash them in your carry-on luggage with complete peace of mind. They’re squeezable, refillable, and adorable—the owl-inspired design is wonderfully cute. There’s even an adjustable ID window so you can write each bottle’s contents for easy identification.
MrLifeHack Travel Bottles Accessories Set, $16.97 from Amazon
16. Get the absolute best cosmetic sponge on the market.
With its unique teardrop shape, the BOUNCE cosmetic sponge lets you apply foundation, concealer, powder, and other makeup with ease. Use the tip around your eyes, nose, and other areas that require a careful touch; the flat edge ensures that you never apply your products where you don’t want them. When you’re ready to blend, switch over to the rounded end.
This sponge is cruelty-free, vegan, and remarkably durable. After each application, you can wash it quickly with a bit of soap and water. The non-latex foam dries quickly and provides truly professional results.
BOUNCE Cosmetic Sponge, $6.97 from Amazon
17. Start living your best life.
Work on your personal wellness with this brilliantly minimal five-year reflection book. At the end of each day, you’ll write a single sentence; a brief summary of the day’s events, a clever thought, a goal, or some other musing.
Over time, you’ll see your personal growth play out on the pages. At the end of five years, you’ll have a profound document of an important period in your life. If you want to cultivate a process of self-reflection, this is a fantastic way to get started.
Living Well One Line A Day: A Five-Year Reflection Book, $13.38 from Amazon
18. Get the perfect set of mixing bowls.
This high-quality set contains seven stainless-steel mixing bowls and seven BPA-free lids. They’re stackable, so they won’t take up too much cabinet space, and the 1-8 quart sizes should help you tackle most recipes.
Rounded lips make each bowl easy to grip, and while the lids should be washed by hand, the bowls are dishwasher safe. Though this is a bit above our $25 range, it makes for a great gift for any casual baker nonetheless.
P&P Chef Mixing Bowls with Lids, $34.99 from Amazon
19. Relax while revitalizing your skin with these bath fizzies.
Infused with shea butter, these bath bombs fizzle in your tub for about five minutes, releasing a soft scent while gently coloring the water (but not your skin). After the five minutes are up, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a spa-quality bath in your own home.
While this is organized as a gift set, we won’t tell anyone if you decide to keep it for yourself. Each set contains eight bath bombs with a variety of colors and scents.
Macaroons Bath Fizzies Bath Bombs, $18.99 from Amazon
20. Drain your pasta safely and efficiently with just one hand.
That old colander in the back of your cabinet needs to go—this clip-on strainer is better in every conceivable way. It fits onto any round pot, pan, or bowl, even if your cookware has a curved lip, and allows for safe one-handed straining.
It’s also a great option for smaller spaces since the compact design takes up about a quarter of the space of a normal strainer. Plus, it’s made with BPA-free, dishwasher-safe materials.
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Strainer, $15.99 from Amazon
21. Make your own coffee when you’re on the road.
This is essentially a personal French press, and it’s ideal for getting your morning caffeine fix without settling for gas station coffee. Add your favorite coffee grounds, then add boiling water and stir. After about four minutes, press down on the plunger, tighten the top of the bottle, and enjoy.
It’s made with BPA-free, food-grade silicone, which doesn’t impart any unpleasant taste or aromas. This is a lifesaver for coffee snobs, and it makes a great gift.
AmoVee Travel Coffee Press, $18.99 from Amazon
22. Get a dish sponge that won’t turn musty over time.
This scrubber is porous, so it’s effective at removing tough stuck-on food. Big deal—lots of scrubbers are porous. The real draw is the high-quality silicone material, which repels mold and doesn’t allow musty odors to take hold.
It’s safe to use on most types of cookware, and the manufacturer offers a “breathe-easy” guarantee; if it takes on odor within three months, you’ll get your money back.
Antimicrobial Silicone Scrubber by Peachy Clean, $9.95 from Amazon
23. Stop wasting lint-roller sheets with this reusable roller.
If you’ve got pets, lint rollers are an essential part of your everyday life. Unfortunately, it’s hard to make a lint roller last for very long; leave them out and they’ll pick up bits of dirt, hair, and fabric, so you’ll end up wasting valuable sheets. Plus, typical lint rollers aren’t exactly discreet.
This miniature lint roller is fully retractable, so it’s perfect for tucking into a purse or keeping in your car’s glove compartment. You can buy moderately priced refills online (and finally start wearing that awesome black shirt again).
Flint Reusable Lint Roller, $6.99 from Amazon
24. Cool off at the office, on the road, or anywhere else.
Your boss probably isn’t going to give you control over the office thermostat anytime soon. Fortunately, you can keep cool with this inexpensive USB fan. It plugs into any desktop or laptop to provide a steady stream of air without creating too much noise.
Plus, it’s pretty cute! A little bit of extra circulation goes a long way, and for $20, we’re big fans of this…fan.
Fred & Friends Fred Little Big Fan, $20.00 from Amazon
25. Stay organized with this clever two-way makeup bag.
This silver-on-black (or black-on-silver) bag can be laid out flat; put your cosmetics in place, then draw the single drawstring to bring everything together. There’s also a zippered closure to keep your cosmetics from coming into contact with the rest of your stuff.
Unfolded, it gives you a great clean space for laying out your makeup. Folded up, it’s small enough to fit into a decent-sized purse.
2 In 1 Travel Cosmetic Makeup Bag, $7.99 from Amazon
26. Charge your phones with your lamp, because hey, why not?
This is billed as a “travel charger,” but we prefer to use it as an everyday bedside lamp. Touch it to cycle between the three brightness levels.
Two 4.8-amp USB ports on the back let you charge phones, tablets, and other devices fairly quickly. It’s small enough to fit into your luggage but bright enough to make those late-night bathroom trips much easier. We also love the modern, sleek design—if Apple designed a lamp, it would probably look like this (although it’d cost several hundred dollars more).
2 in 1 USB Travel Charger, $14.99 from Amazon
27. Enjoy a more comfortable seat on your next trip.
A good cushion can make that red-eye flight or cross-country car ride much more tolerable. This orthopedic pillow features high-quality memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal to prevent heat from building up. The washable cover is soft and attractive, and the smart design ensures compatibility with most types of seats.
It also has temperature-sensitive technology; when it’s cold, it’s relatively hard, but it softens as it warms up (i.e., when you’re sitting on it). This is an ideal pillow for people with back problems, but it’s also great if you simply feel like treating yourself to an upgrade during a long trip.
CYLEN Memory Foam Orthopedic Seat Cushion, $26.79 from Amazon
28. Embrace your inner witch with these magic-inspired makeup brushes.
When you really think about it, makeup is pretty magical stuff. Before you cast your next spell, make sure you’re working with the right tools. These cute makeup brushes feature magic-inspired designs with incredibly detailed patterns. They have a nice weight to them, and the high-quality fibers give you the control you need to (witch)craft your look.
We’re just going to say it: These would make a wonderful gift for your favorite makeup-wearing Harry Potter fan.
CINIDY Wizard Wand Potter Makeup Brushes, $16.99 from Amazon
29. Celebrate your love of Star Wars by…seasoning your food properly.
Okay, we’re not exactly sure why someone decided to make Star Wars-themed salt and pepper shakers, but we’re not complaining. These adorable ceramic shakers are officially licensed, so Lucasfilm won’t show up at your door with a subpoena demanding to see your spice rack.
A removable base lets you fill them up with salt, pepper, or other fine spices. Remember, “he who controls the spice, controls the universe.”
Oh, wait, sorry—that’s from Dune. Uh, may the salt be with you?
Star Wars Salt and Pepper Shakers, $19.99 from Amazon
30. Get perfect coverage with the Magic Cushion sponge.
Designed for buildable coverage, the aptly named Magic Cushion foundation features a micro-cover pigment to cover flaws and provide the appearance of a cleaner complexion. It’s SPF 50 rated, but it feels remarkably lightweight.
It’s Korean-made, and the quality silica bead powder formula gives you long-lasting wear without any sort of darkening effect.
MISSHA M Magic Cushion, $10.50 from Amazon
31. Hydrate your skin while setting your makeup.
This fast-drying spray helps to set your makeup without leaving behind any sort of sticky residue. It contains revitalizing tea extracts, DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), which minimize the need for touch-ups by keeping your skin in prime condition.
Tuck this into your purse before weddings or other big events, and you’ll save the day. It uses mostly organic ingredients and is safe for all skin types.
Makeup Setting Spray with Organic Green Tea, $23.00 from Amazon
32. Be the envy of your next pool party.
Everyone else will be trying to float on pool noodles and inflatable rafts; you’ll be sitting like a king in your inflatable lounge chair. The product description notes that you can take it “literally anywhere,” so if you’re looking for a lounge chair that will still function on the surface of Mars, this is apparently what you need.
The manufacturer also notes that it’s “multipurpose,” but really, we can only think of one: sitting. Available in five colors, it features an ergonomic design with a comfortable headrest. Uninflated, it weighs less than two pounds, so it’s a great choice for camping trips.
MAMBLE Inflatable Lounger Chair, $15.99 from Amazon
33. Keep your hair heating tools organized with this heat-resistant travel case.
This is a nice cosmetics case with a durable canvas exterior. If you travel frequently—or if, for some reason, you keep accidentally melting your other cosmetics cases—this is a nice pickup at a great price.
This flat iron case has a heat shield, although to be honest, we’re not sure it’s that useful; who accidentally powers on their flat iron while traveling? But, hey, better safe than sorry.
Hairizone Thermal Pouch for Hair Styling Tools, $12.99 from Amazon
34. Impress guests with these fun salad servers.
Okay, we’ll admit that we don’t know of anyone who’d actually be impressed by salad servers, but these still make a fun addition to your next backyard barbecue. They’re made from a high-grade glazed melamine, which is shatter-resistant, so if you feel like slamming salad down on each guest’s plate as hard as you can, go for it.
Jokes aside, these dishwasher-safe tongs are well made, and the colorful pattern is a nice touch. Hey, maybe someone will be impressed.
French Bull – Melamine Salad Servers, $10.35 from Amazon
35. Choose a healthier snack with these probiotic cookies.
These plant-based cookies are organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO. They’re made without rice, corn, or wheat. Don’t worry; they still taste great. With a touch of lemon and honey, they provide a delicious, guilt-free snack for anyone who cares about watching their intake.
They’re billed as “Ancient Grain” cookies, but we doubt that any ancient civilizations had snacks this good. Each serving contains less than nine grams of sugar.
NurturMe Organic Ancient Grain Cookies, $11.52 from Amazon
36. This flat iron styles hair without frying it in the process.
Using heat to style your hair is tricky. Sure, you can straighten your curls or curl your straights, but what kind of damage are you doing in the meantime?
With this flat iron from SABUY, the answer is none at all. The ceramic plates distribute heat evenly for quick, safe results every time. Even better, they release negative ions to prevent static and leave your hair soft and manageable. Get salon-quality hairdos in your very own bathroom—or the one in the hotel, since this thing is compact and easy to take on the go.
SABUY Ceramic Flat Iron, $19.99 from Amazon
37. Quickly defrost meat, poultry, and fish with confidence.
We don’t know about you, but defrosting meat always makes us a little nervous. Maybe that’s because we can never remember to thaw our dinner ahead of time, so we’re always working with the faucet or microwave.
No longer. The Chiachi Defrosting Tray is the procrastinating cook’s best friend. This antimicrobial thawing plate takes a steak from ice-cube to fresh-off-the-bone in around half an hour. Poultry and fish are even faster. Best of all, you can quickly thaw meat without having to worry about making anyone sick. Bon appetit!
Chiachi Defrosting Tray, $14.85 from Amazon
38. Losing things in your purse? Let’s shed a little light on the subject.
Anyone who’s gone fishing for keys in the bottom of a purse can tell you: Handbags should come with nightlights. And while we don’t think Gucci or Chanel will start wiring their bags any time soon, the solution is already here.
The Wasserstein Purse Light flips on when you reach into your bag, illuminating contents with bright, long-lasting LED technology. This button-free operation ensures you won’t have to rummage for anything in your purse, not even a light switch. These things are small and light. Attach via clip or just toss one into your bag for the light you need, right when you need it.
Wasserstein Handbag/Purse Light, $11.99 from Amazon
39. Treat your baby (and, by extension, yourself) to a better night of sleep.
This little speaker pumps out six soothing noises: heartbeat, white noise, cradle, ocean, brook, or summer night. Select the sound that works best for your little one, adjust the volume, then set the sleep timer.
It’s loud enough to wash out ambient noise without hurting your infant’s ears, and with a compact, travel-friendly design, this little sound machine can quickly become a parent’s best friend.
White Noise Machine for Babies, $31.55 from Amazon
40. These reusable mesh bags help save the planet—and your sanity.
Plastic bags may be convenient, but they also choke dolphins. It’s hardly a worthwhile trade-off. This set of mesh produce bags is designed particularly for groceries; they report their own weight on little tags so you can buy produce by the pound without paying for your own sack.
This product includes nine dependable mesh bags. They come in a few sizes, but they all share super-strong, double-stitched construction and a simple closure bead. Throw a few in your trunk and you’ll always be ready for grocery shopping—without hurting any dolphins.
purifyou Premium Reusable Mesh/Produce Bags, $12.97 from Amazon
41. Hydrate and nourish skin the natural way.
You’ve probably heard that argan oil is a skincare superstar, but not all argan oil is created equal. Our new favorite recipe comes from MyChelle Dermaceuticals.
They call it Advanced Argan Oil for a reason: Bioactive baobab essence, vitamin E, and moisturizing fatty acids make this our go-to solution for reducing the appearance of lines and making dry patches a thing of the past.
Pro-tip: Try it on your hair, too. It boosts body and shine and improves ease of styling.
MyChelle Advanced Argan Oil, $13.78 from Amazon
42. Focus on the little details with this remarkably affordable vanity mirror.
This mirror has two magnifying panels that make cosmetic application much easier (just don’t point it up your nose unless you’re ready for a truly horrifying experience).
The swivel base can be rotated to 180 degrees, so you’ll never have trouble getting the perfect view, and the center mirror has built-in LED lights for use in darker areas.
