Here’s the problem with shopping on Amazon: It’s way, way too easy to spend hundreds of dollars. Sure, you know that you don’t need that new coffee maker or the state-of-the-art security camera, but sometimes it’s hard to resist the allure of the 1-Click button.
Fortunately, Amazon has plenty of high-quality products in for around five bucks. We decided to round up some of our favorite Amazon deals that cost less than a single Hamilton, and many even less than a Lincoln; if you’re looking to impulse buy on a budget, here are some of the best items currently available.
1. Get better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Made with a soft silk, this premium eye mask blocks out all light without locking in heat (so you won’t wake up with a pair of sweaty eyes). The high-quality material is comfortable, and it doesn’t contact your eyelashes or eyes, allowing you to concentrate on getting some hard-earned rest.
Really, everyone should have a high-quality sleep mask on hand, and for less than $2, this is one of the best values on Amazon. Just remember to take it off before getting into your car in the morning. That’s a mistake we won’t make twice.
Restorology Sleep Restoration Sleep Mask, $1.96 from Amazon
2. Protect your sunglasses (or glasses, or goggles, for that matter).
It’s easy to accidentally damage your sunglasses when you leave them lying around without protection. This stylish case effectively fixes that problem.
It has a zipper latch to keep your favorite shades firmly in place, and with four chic colors to choose from, it’s great for accessorizing.
Plus, it’s remarkably cheap—certainly cheaper than a new pair of sunglasses.
Mimgo Portable Sunglasses Box, $3.56 from Amazon
3. Wash your favorite baseball cap without getting your hands dirty.
This cage fits over your baseball caps and visors, keeping them from warping in the wash. Simply place the cap in the cap washer, then throw it in your dishwasher (we’d recommend the gentle cycle). Add a little detergent, run it, and let it dry. Voila! You’re ready for the big ballgame.
While this is effective and cheap, be sure to use it in the dishwasher—not your clothes washer or dryer.
Geyou Cap Washer, $3.99 from Amazon
4. Add some minimalist hairpins to your jewelry collection.
These geometric hair clips are great for casual or formal wear, and they’re an eye-catching addition to any outfit.
You get one gold piece and one silver piece per package. Both clips are made with a fairly high-quality metal alloy. With shipping, the cost balloons to about $8, but it’s still a nice deal for a pretty classy set of hairpins.
Minimalist Triangle Hair Pin, $0.60 from Amazon
5. Upgrade your makeup game with a 20-piece brush set.
Yes, this is a 20-piece makeup brush set for less than $5. We live in amazing times.
The bristles are ultra-fine synthetic hair, which stays soft through multiple washes (you can clean them by hand with a bit of soap and water). You get individual brushes for foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara—everything you need to build your look.
This makes a great gift, and given the price, you can pick up a few sets to give away without overspending.
Cinidy Makeup Brush Set, $3.69 from Amazon
6. Massage your joints and soothe tired hands.
This clever little gadget lets you massage your own hands, which is a godsend at the end of a long day of typing (trust us). It’s pretty simple to use; slide it over your finger, then gently press down with your other hand. Release tension around your joints and enjoy a remarkably relaxing experience for about a dollar.
Granted, this is pretty much a single-function product, but at that price, why not give it a shot? Your fingers will thank you (probably via thumbs up).
Machee Finger Massager, $1.10 from Amazon
7. Upgrade your cookware with real bamboo.
We have no idea who Helen Chen is, but she makes a nice spoon. This lightweight mixing spoon is made from sustainably sourced bamboo, which is lighter and less absorbent than most woods.
It’s safe for use on metals and non-stick cookware, and it’s absolutely ideal for wok stir fry dishes.
Every kitchen needs a few wooden spoons, but these are a definite upgrade from the stuff you’ll find at your local big box store.
Helen’s Burnished Bamboo Spoon, $4.81 from Amazon
8. Get rid of blackheads with this premium peel-off mask.
This mask is easy to use; apply a small amount, let it dry, and peel it off. The peeling part feels oddly therapeutic, so we’d probably use this stuff if it didn’t get anything out. It’s remarkably effective, however; a single application will leave your complexion looking fantastic.
It’s also not too painful, which, if you’ve used blackhead masks before, is a definite plus. Note that it’s powerful enough to pull out tiny hairs, so apply with caution.
BioAqua Peel-Off Blackhead Mask, $6.99 from Amazon
9. Use flat irons, curling irons, and other hair heating products with confidence.
This heat-resistant glove is designed for use with flat irons and curling irons. It lets you easily work with your hair without risking burns, and yes, it is something you’ll use every day.
Each one-size-fits-all glove is made with a moderately thick cotton, so you’ll still be able to feel the heat when you need to. At this price, you might consider picking up a pair.
Kiloline Professional Heat Resistant Glove, $4.86 from Amazon
10. Apply your facial masks, peels, and serums with ease.
You could use your fingers to apply masks and peels, but you certainly won’t get even coverage, and you’ll have trouble applying around the eyes, nose, and other sensitive areas. This soft brush fixes that problem.
Made with synthetic bristles, it effectively spreads face masks and other cosmetic treatments evenly, allowing you to target hard-to-reach areas with ease. Check out the five-star reviews—these brushes are legit.
Facial Mask Brush, $4.57 from Amazon
11. Stop your cords from getting tangled with these reusable ties.
What’s worse than a tangled set of headphones? These cute rubber twist ties hold their shape, and they’re fantastic for keeping headphones, A/V cables, and USB cords from getting tangled. They’re available in a variety of colors, so you can finally get the color-coded cable management solution of your dreams.
More importantly, they’re reusable, unlike zip-ties and cable ties. Made with UV-resistant rubber, they’re great for indoor or outdoor use, and the manufacturer offers a worry-free guarantee.
Nite Ize Gear Tie, $2.98 from Amazon
12. Whiten your teeth without harsh chemicals.
Most teeth whitening treatments use peroxides and other chemicals that could potentially damage the enamel of your teeth. If you’re not willing to take that risk, this activated charcoal powder is a nice substitute. It draws out stains from coffee, tea, and other substances, leaving you with a truly pearly set of pearly whites.
The charcoal is made with bamboo, so it’s sustainable, and it actually tastes pretty decent.
Creazy Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder, $1.50 from Amazon
13. Organize your home with these compact storage containers.
This bag is billed as a “quilt storage” solution, but that’s selling it short. Use it for clothes, spare sheets, towels, or anything else that needs dry, dust-free storage.
It can be compacted easily when not in use, so you can stash a few of these in your closet and bring them out when you need them. They’re also stackable, and we like pretty much anything that’s stackable.
IEason Storage Bag, $2.29 from Amazon
14. Peel your garlic in seconds.
We’ll admit it: When we’re cooking, we usually reach for the garlic powder, even when we’ve got plenty of fresh cloves available. Garlic is a pain to peel, but this little tool makes the process much easier (and keeps your hands from smelling like the inside of a pizza shop).
Simply put the clove in the top of the flexible silicone tube and rub it between your hands. The friction removes the outer husk, leaving you with a perfect clove of garlic.
Drhob Silicone Garlic Peeler, $3.97 from Amazon
15. Treat yourself to hand-crafted shea butter soap.
Made with real shea butter, this handcrafted soap has a wonderfully smooth texture and a gorgeous fragrance. It contains few impurities, which allows it to last for much longer than other soaps, and the rich lather soothes and nourishes your skin while locking in moisture.
We’d describe the fragrance as unisex, and it’s undeniably French, with notes of lavender, herbs, and fruits. A quad-milling process ensures a luxurious feel with every bar.
Pre de Provence Shea Butter French Soap, $9.29 from Amazon
16. Get rid of dark circles with a premium powder eye mask.
These gold eye pads provide the sort of deep hydration that you’d expect from a professional spa treatment, treating eye bags, dark circles, crow’s feet, and puffiness. Ingredients include real specks of 24-karat gold, vitamins C and E, provitamin B5, high-density plant collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
Sure, the gold is a bit gimmicky, but hey, if you’re not putting bags of real gold on your eyes, you’re not really treating yourself.
Crystal 24K Gold Powder Eye Masks, $6.59 from Amazon
17. Perk up your morning shave with caffeinated shaving cream.
Yes, you read that right. Why caffeinated shaving cream, you ask? Well—why not?
This cream works up into a rich lather than limits inflammation, reducing the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs. It also contains a moderate dose of caffeine, which you can actually feel as you shave; it’s not enough to give you a jittery feeling, but it’s a nice addition to your morning routine. It smells pretty nice, too (and no, before you ask, it doesn’t smell like coffee).
Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream, $5.22 from Amazon
18. Perfectly boil your eggs every single time.
We love soft-boiled eggs, but they’re not exactly easy to make. If you’re not watching the clock, you can easily end up with an overcooked breakfast.
This egg timer fixes that problem. Throw it in with your eggs, and the timer gradually darkens from outside in; keep an eye on the timer, and you’ll be able to take out your eggs when they’re eggs-actly right (sorry). Because it measures by temperature, not time, it’s always accurate, regardless of the number of eggs, the size of the pot, or other factors.
Norpro Egg Perfect Egg Timer, $5.28 from Amazon
19. Carry your lunch with style.
This aesthetically pleasing lunch bag makes a great accessory for moms, office workers, or particularly stylish general contractors. It features an insulated interior that keeps food cold for hours.
We should note that this is fairly small, so if you’re looking for a tote that can hold an entire picnic, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. Still, if you’re looking to carry a mid-day meal or a few small snacks, this incredibly affordable lunch bag is well worth its paltry asking price.
Travel Insulated Lunch Bag, $4.30 from Amazon
20. The next time you need a quick fix, this pocket screwdriver will have your back.
Need to quickly fix a loose door handle? Want to change the batteries on your kid’s favorite electronic—or remove the batteries entirely for a few minutes of peace?
You don’t realize how often you need a screwdriver until you start carrying one. This time-saving pocket screwdriver is no bigger than a pen, and its interchangeable tip ensures that you’ll always be ready for your next on-the-spot carpentry project. At under $5, you might want to pick up a couple.
Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver, $4.50 from Amazon
21. Organize your pencils, pens, and markers.
This cute pencil case features a floral pattern and a durable zipper closure. It’s great for holding pencils, glasses, cosmetics, and just about anything else; get a couple and give them out as gifts.
Note that early versions of this bag had a few grammatical errors on the inside patch; per the reviews, that problem seems to be fixed. Each order comes with a set of three bags of varying colors and designs.
Miayon Countryside Flower Floral Pencil Pen Case, $6.79 from Amazon
22. Gently remove makeup with these reusable makeup cloths.
Made with a microfiber material, these cloths remain soft after multiple washes. They’re an effective alternative to disposable makeup removal wipes (and much more environmentally friendly).
Because they’re made with microfiber, they won’t leave behind bits of fuzz, and they work fairly well with just a bit of water. You can also use them with your favorite makeup remover.
S & T Always Off Makeup Remover Cloths, $2.97 from Amazon
23. Drastically extend the life of your makeup brushes.
If you’re not cleaning your makeup brushes on the regular, you’re putting some nasty stuff right up against your face. This makeup brush shampoo gently cleanses, leaving your brushes looking (and more importantly, feeling) like new.
It’s free from petroleum, perfumes, parabens, and other potentially dangerous substances, and it removes more than 90 percent of makeup in a single application.
Ecotools Makeup Brush Shampoo, $5.99 from Amazon
24. Shape your eyebrows (without accidentally shaving them off).
Throw out your tweezers. These eyebrow shapers do the same job in a fraction of the time, and they won’t leave your skin feeling irritated. For that matter, they won’t leave you feeling irritated.
The shaver allows you to shave close to the skin without risking nicks or cuts. A sharp blade provides effortless shaping, and the ergonomic handle lets you easily craft your look. Say goodbye to the pain of plucking without sacrificing your awesome brows.
Noxzema Eyebrow Shaper, $2.84 (set of 3) from Amazon
25. Ice cubes are over. Join the era of the ice sphere.
Make beautiful ice spheres to keep drinks cool in your own freezer with the Ice Ball Maker from Utopia Home. It’s a two-piece silicone mold that transforms water into slow-melting balls of ice. Here’s the thing about traditional ice cubes: They’re small, and they tend to melt quickly, watering down your beverage of choice.
The large ice spheres that this thing produces chill drinks and resist melting for as long as possible. The BPA-free, food-grade silicone construction ensures maintenance-free ownership. Forget the cube; get with the sphere.
Utopia Home Sphere Ice Ball Maker, $4.99 from Amazon
26. Work the angles for perfect brows every day.
Who knew that the secret to a great eyebrow pencil would be a matter of geometry? The Etude House Drawing Eye Brow pencil in dark grey is way more precise than its awkward name might suggest; the business end is a tiny pyramid, giving you total control over lines both thick and thin.
It’s not just that this eyebrow pencil gives you more control over shading and shaping, either. The stuff itself is packed with vitamin E to moisturize and soften the brows as you apply. If you’re looking for a new dark grey eyebrow pencil, your search is over.
Etude House Drawing Eye Brow, $4.19 from Amazon
27. Scalp-care just got a whole lot easier.
Shampoo treats your hair, but what takes care of the scalp beneath? The Scalpmaster Shampoo Brush gently whisks away dirt, bacteria, and other pollutants to keep your scalp clean and comfortable.
If you suffer from dandruff, this could be the answer. It agitates the surface of the skin, removing dry patches and irritants. Meanwhile, the soft bristles distribute shampoo along every hair on your head. This is a simple, affordable way to keep your hair looking as good as it feels.
Scalpmaster Shampoo Brush, $3.19 from Amazon
28. Calluses don’t stand a chance against Mr. Pumice.
There’s only one way to keep your feet clear of calluses: You have to rasp them off. Mr. Pumice’s Ultimate Pumice Bar is the salon industry’s preferred weapon in the battle against sandpapery feet.
This anti-bacterial scraper features two sides, medium and coarse. Use it on wet or dry skin and wash clean in hot water afterward. If you want to keep your feet, elbows, and even hands callus-free, this is the way to do it.
Mr. Pumice Ultimate Pumice Bar, $4.50 from Amazon
29. This tongue cleaner completes your dental hygiene routine.
Your teeth aren’t the only place plaque and food debris tends to congregate. It’s best to brush every surface in your mouth, including your tongue. But as the name implies, a toothbrush is built for enamel—how do you get gunk off of your tongue itself?
Try this Dual-Action Tongue Cleaner from Sunstar. It features two plaque-blasting surfaces, with a brush and a gentle scraper-edge. It’s easy to use and helps keep breath fresh. Try it; your coworkers will thank you.
Sunstar Dual Action Tongue Cleaner, $2.49 from Amazon
30. Get rid of acne with a scientifically proven patch.
Washes and creams only go so far in the battle with acne. Acne Pimple Master Patches from COSRX cover and eliminate blemishes one at a time.
These translucent bandages stick directly to the skin, where they virtually disappear. They cover blemishes, preventing even worse outbreaks, and treat the zits where they form. This is gross, but pimples are little lumps of pus; Master Patches pull that stuff right out of the skin.
When the patch turns white, pull it off to reveal clean, pimple-free skin.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $4.97 from Amazon
31. Organize your kitchen sink for easier cleaning.
Keep your sponges at the ready without cluttering up your sink. This caddy fits in with any decor, and it’s a functional addition to your kitchen for under seven bucks.
The two sides can hold about four sponges (depending on the size of your sponges, of course). There are plenty of holes on each side, so your cleaning tools won’t end up smelling musty, and the flexible plastic adapts to most standard sinks easily.
It’s not ideal for smaller sinks, but that’s just about the only drawback. It’s an excellent choice for offices.
Sponge Holder Sink Caddy, $6.79 from Amazon
32. Drastically improve your next camping trip.
This brilliantly combines two of our favorite things: camping and drinking soda. The Carabiner Clip attaches easily to your backpack or belt. One end is an excellent bottle opener; the other can attach extra bags, cords, ropes, and anything else you’ll need on your trip.
This is one of those ultra-practical items that seems incredibly obvious once you’ve used it a few times. If you love spending time outdoors—or if you’re looking for a gift for your favorite adventurer—this is a must-buy.
Nite Ize Carabiner Clip Bottle Opener, $3.98 from Amazon
33. Eliminate stains without harsh chemicals.
These soft sponges pack a punch. They’re capable of removing stains from just about any surface imaginable, and while you might be able to find a similar product at your local grocery store, you’re definitely not going to find the same price.
Each pack comes with 10 sponges, and each sponge can be cut into smaller pieces for cleaning corners, cracks, and other hard-to-reach places. Use them wet to remove stains or keep them dry to dust.
Thumb Thing Book Page Holder and Bookmark, $4.99 from Amazon
34. Protect your furniture with these cute silicone coasters.
Everyone needs a decent set of high-quality coasters. These non-slip silicone coasters are stain resistant, BPA free, dishwasher safe, and absolutely adorable. We think that the last point’s the most important.
For under $3, you get a set of six fruit-inspired coasters, with pineapple, orange, tomato, kiwi, lemon, and lime designs. Great for summer barbecues (or, for that matter, winter barbecues).
JASSINS Fruit Slice Silicone Coasters, $2.20 from Amazon
35. Get strong odors off of your hands.
Stainless steel soap seems like a gimmick, but it’s remarkably effective at removing difficult scents from human skin. To grossly simplify the science, the molecules in the stainless steel bind with the offensive smells, quickly eliminating them within a few seconds.
It’s great for getting rid of garlic, fish, gasoline, mildew, and other problematic odors. Just be sure to wash with regular soap when you’re finished since the steel doesn’t have any antibiotic properties.
Stainless Steel Soap, $5.99 from Amazon
36. Here’s an easier way to apply false eyelashes.
We love the look of false eyelashes, but we have vowed not to spend another second in front of the mirror, trying and failing to apply them perfectly. Thanks to this False Eyelash Applicator from Tinksky, we can uphold our vow without giving up our favorite fashion accessory.
These stainless-steel tweezers take a commanding hold of your falsies, giving you way more precision than you can achieve with your fingers alone. They grasp the entire lash, so they make it much easier (and less painful) to remove when the night is over.
We’re not sure how people wear false eyelashes without them.
Tinksky False Eyelashes Extension Applicator, $4.98 from Amazon
37. Enjoy oranges without the mess.
The orange is the perfect snack fruit—almost. It comes pre-packaged, which is cool, but it’s almost impossible to peel without spraying sticky OJ all over your keyboard. At least, that used to be the case.
These days, they make little plastic orange peelers that offer a simple, mess-free way to enjoy an orange. This handy little device will do wonders for your snacking life. They’re small and colorful and easy to carry.
Start eating oranges at work again. All it takes is one of these orange peelers.
CJESLNA Orange Peelers, $1.00 from Amazon
38. Soothe your soles with these gentle toe spacers.
Maybe you’ve never heard of a toe separator. While it may sound like a medieval weapon, it’s actually a powerful way to treat foot problems in comfort. The manufacturers explain that these soft gel spacers help to straighten toes misshapen by our unnatural taste in shoes.
They may even help with bunions, bone spurs, and arthritis, say the manufacturers. That’s not bad for footwear you just tuck in while you watch TV for a few hours. These things are discreet, too.
You can even wear them inside your shoes. Just, you know, make sure they’ve got a wide toe-box. Impractical shoes is how we got here in the first place.
IDLOCK Toe Separator, $7.99 from Amazon
39. Serve rice in a way that’s hard to describe, except to say that a squirrel is involved.
Rice and paddles go together like squirrels and nuts. Maybe that’s what the good folks at Uxcell were thinking when they designed this rigid, non-stick rice paddle. It’s shaped like a squirrel. Other than that, it functions like any other high-quality rice paddle.
Now, we’re not sure we’d welcome a squirrel tail into our rice cooker. Luckily, this animal is all plastic. There’s something undeniably cute about preparing your sushi rice with a tree-dwelling rodent, and if you agree, we know what to get you for your next birthday.
Uxcell Squirrel Rice Paddle Spoon, $9.14 from Amazon
40. Eliminate static cling the natural way.
It’s pretty convenient to do your laundry at home, but we haven’t perfected the art of the dryer just yet. Clothes can still come out stiff and crackling with static.
The best solution to these problems is also one of the simplest. Wool Dryer Balls from EcoJeannie offer a dependable, hypoallergenic alternative to chemical fabric softeners. By the way, when we say “wool dryer balls,” that’s exactly what we mean. These are just balls of pure, natural wool, and they really work.
EcoJeannie Wool Dryer Balls, $5.59 from Amazon
41. Relax with a refreshing cup of tea.
This cute little infuser is shaped like a tea leaf, which should help to remind you that you’re drinking…tea. Hey, sometimes the simple ideas are the best.
The high-quality silicone is heat resistant and easy to wash. At the bottom, a steel ball steeps your tea without leaving any big chunks of tea leaves behind, and both components are dishwasher safe. Best of all, the infuser floats in your cup—you’ll be the talk of the tea party.
