70 cheap things on Amazon that'll impress the hell out of people

2022-12-02 19:44:29 By : Ms. Cecy Yan

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

There is no shortage of brilliant products on Amazon that make life exponentially easier and more fun — I could probably spend hours browsing through the multitudes of categories in search of things to add to my cart that I know will spice up the daily grind or handle some weird menial task that I never feel like doing myself. Even better is its tendency towards low prices on items you know you’ll love that are backed by thousands of reviews you can trust. I never have to worry about breaking the bank or expectation versus reality when I press that yellow “proceed to checkout” button in my cart.

With so many underground hits and cult favorites to choose from, though, it can feel impossible to know where to begin. That’s why I’m highlighting these 70 amazing Amazon products that are totally impressive (and won’t cost you an arm and a leg) whether you’re shopping for a really great gift or just want something fun delivered to your doorstep for no particular reason.

From genius kitchenware and unexpected Bluetooth-compatible items to the multitaskers that make working from home easy and enjoyable, you’re guaranteed to find something here that you’ll be dying to score. And, with nearly 100 ideas that run the gamut, they also make rock-solid gifts for every sort of person in your life. Check out these 70 affordable Amazon finds, and don’t forget to recycle the inevitable pileup of cardboard boxes.

Editor's note: The only thing we love more than finding a great deal is spreading the word about it. That's why we've added a selection of our favorite holiday deals from Amazon below. They're only available for a limited time, so act fast. Happy shopping!

Nobody likes a watered-down cocktail, which is why everyone who chooses to imbibe needs these chilling stones in their metaphorical bar cart. The nine soapstone cubes stay in your freezer until it’s time to mix a drink, then keep your cocktail cold without diluting the flavor like regular ice cubes will. A quick rinse is all it takes before they’re ready to use again.

Spice up your office or gaming setup with this colored LED keyboard. It’s perfect for tech-lovers or gamers who want not only a cooler keyboard but also one loaded with functions you won’t find on a regular keyboard, like playing music or going straight to your inbox with the press of a button. “I love this keyboard so much: it looks really cool, is easy to see in the dark and is a joy to type on,” one shopper wrote. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, it pairs with all your gear.

Traditional drip machines, step aside — this cold brew coffee maker is guaranteed to take over as your new morning essential. The 34-ounce carafe makes your favorite pick-me-up a cinch to DIY, with marked measurement indicators that do the thinking for you and a laser-cut filter that keeps even the most finely-ground coffee from seeping through. Built with a stainless steel frame and silicone gasket, it even comes with a lifetime warranty.

Score this 50-pack of disposable KN95 face masks at a great price. Fans of these masks say that they're comfortable and easy to adjust, and they boast five layers of protection.

This couch arm tray table will revolutionize your next streaming marathon. It has a special slot for your phone so you can scroll with ease and a nonslip rubberized surface to rest a glass of wine, bowl of popcorn, or a book safely nearby. The lightweight bamboo is a sustainable choice, and it resists water in case there’s a spill in the middle of the opening credits.

Nothing adds a fun touch to your space quite like this color-changing lightbulb. It can be controlled through the Govee Home app, giving you access to controls like turning it on or off, setting it on a timer, and changing the color or scene mode depending on your mood. It even synchronizes with music for a truly immersive experience.

You won’t need to go out for a delicious panini after using this at-home panini press, and you’ll be shocked by how much use you get from this thing. It’s perfect for making any sized sandwich, quesadilla, or flatbread hot and crispy, plus it’s nonstick so cleanup’s a cinch. “I have talked about this machine as if it was my baby. I'm not even kidding. I've used it almost everyday,” one fan swore. “Not only have I made paninis in it but I've toasted bagels and made juicy grilled chicken,” they added, finally confessing, “I threw out my toaster...and my foreman grill too.”

A portable charger is a necessity when you’re traveling, and this solar-powered one is a smart option for those who’ll be spending tons of time outdoors. This charger is durable and compatible with most smartphone models — you can even charge devices wirelessly — but, more importantly it’s waterproof and equipped with both a compass and flashlight, making it an ideal device to bring on your next trip to the great outdoors.

If you’re always snapping away using your phone’s built-in camera, this set of different phone lenses is going to massively upgrade your camera roll. This kit comes with 14 different attachable lenses (including zoom, fisheye, and kaleidoscope) plus a dimmable light that ensures your selfies turn out amazing. Compatible across multiple lens layouts, you’ll be able to use them with any phone in your arsenal.

There is more than meets the eye with this essential oil diffuser and will have all your guests asking where you got it. With it’s timer setting, you can choose the perfect amount of time to let the device run and fill your home with beautiful aromatics. This diffuser is designed to also function as a humidifier and keep the air in your home purified.

Make mornings easy again with this guillotine-style bagel slicer. This is a lifesaver if cutting bagels always ends up with your hands bandaged (been there, done that) — it keeps your hands away from the blade and even comes with a built-in shield that ensures safe, smooth bagel cutting. Although it looks intricate, the business end is dishwasher-safe. With more than 13,000 ratings, it has a nearly perfect 4.8 stars.

Whether you have a new driver in the house or just want to feel safer behind the wheel, this wide-angle rearview mirror is a great addition to your car’s interior. The curved, high-definition glass is tinted to reduce glare — even at night — and provides a crisp image of traditional blind spots that’ll help keep the daily commute stress-free.

City dwellers will love this phone mount for pedaling between neighborhoods, while trail riders will never stray too far off the beaten path. It mounts easily without any hardware and is big enough to accommodate most recent smartphone models in their cases, with a sturdy spring system holding your screen in place that can be positioned horizontally or vertically on bike and stroller handles.

If ice cream is your go-to for dessert every night, you need this frozen ice cream bowl. The BPA-free plastic bowl has special cooling gel inside that stays icy-cold in the freezer until it’s time to fulfill your late-night ice cream craving, and will prevent your scoops from melting prematurely. It’s also great for salads or dips, with a silicone base for protecting fingers and countertops.

This smartphone tripod is not just any tripod: it has flexible legs that enable you to position it any way you’d like — even upside down — making it perfect for vlogging or snapping self-timed photos. It has 360-degree rotation so you can shoot from every angle and comes with a universally compatible Bluetooth shutter remote, but it also has the chops to hold a DSLR camera.

Whether you’re a pro or an amateur in the kitchen, this cast iron reversible griddle is a must-have for grilling indoors and out. One side is grooved to leave picture-perfect sear marks on steak and veggies, while the smoother surface will crisp up a grilled cheese or pancakes to golden perfection. It’s pre-seasoned and practically nonstick with built-in handles for easy flipping. Use it everywhere from stovetop to campfire.

Amp up the morning routine with this waterproof Bluetooth speaker that lets you play your favorites in high def while you lather and rinse. It’s built to be fully submersible, so splash as much as you like, and comes equipped with a suction cup that makes it easy to stick onto shower walls. Compact enough for camping with up to 12 hours of play, it even has a built-in microphone so you can use it with smart assistants like Siri and Alexa.

A truly smart accessory for any tech-centric home or office space, this wireless charging station can not only keep multiple types of smartphones charged without a tangle of cords, but also your AirPods and Apple Watch, too. Not only that, it powers your devices quicker than traditional cables — with protection against over charging and foreign object detection on sensitive surfaces.

This mini humidifier can ease the side effects of dry air, a persistent cold, or seasonal allergies wherever you roam. It’s small enough to fit in your car’s cup holder and has two mist modes — intermittent and continuous — that will help to banish dry air and allow you to breathe comfortably. You can even use it to diffuse essential oils for an ahhh-inducing boost.

If you prefer to do your WFH duties from the comfort of your couch, this bamboo lap desk is something you need. It can comfortably fit your laptop or books, and has five adjustable angles that make reading or typing a breeze when you’re lounging on the couch — plus, there’s a small drawer for pens and other essentials. Thousands of shoppers gave this unassuming little lap desk five stars.

Elevate your mood in no time thanks to this sleek optics light therapy lamp. You get the sensation of sunlight against your skin without having to deal with any potential damaging UV rays. Sunlight is the key to regulating our natural sleep cycles, and this lamp helps you maintain a healthy circadian rhythm even during those long, winter months.

Those with a green thumb will appreciate how easy it is to grow things in this indoor garden. This mini garden has an LED light that’s calibrated to mimic the full spectrum of wavelengths present in natural light, with a timer that gives your plants 16 hours of simulated sunshine and eight hours of darkness to ensure healthy growing in the comfort of your own home. It’s also waterproof and heat-resistant for countertop peace of mind.

Every pro or beginner in the kitchen needs a good knife set, and this one looks exceptionally sharp on a kitchen countertop. This six-piece set features stainless steel blades dipped in titanium for a pitch-black finish, and rubberized handles that provide extra grip when you’re chopping — all with rose-gold accents, and a sleek, transparent knife block to keep them all stored yet on display.

If the blue light from your computer is always straining your eyes and you’d rather not slip on a pair of special glasses every time you log on, this blue light filtering screen will save you. The twin-pack of protective screens cuts down on potentially headache-inducing wavelengths — it even provides UV protection and eliminates glare!

Ease the tension and pain from sore, overworked muscles with the assistance of this handheld muscle roller. The ribbed design of the center massaging area gets down deep into the tissue and relieves built up lactic acid. It also helps alleviate knots that might be causing your discomfort. You can’t beat the cushioned handles or the fact it doesn’t require any batteries or electricity to use.

If multitasking is your thing, you need this shower wall mount for your smartphone. Pick a spot to hang it, then happily scroll away on Pinterest or watch Netflix with the touch-compatible waterproof case that refuses to fog up. The inside is even padded to protect your tech and it only opens so far, so you never have to worry about accidental drops or falls when you take it out.

Any indoor, outdoor, or underwater(!) space can benefit from the addition of these colorful LED lights. They’re waterproof and can easily suction onto any surface, with 16 different colors and four display modes for an instantly cool effect. Silicone gaskets ensure a leakproof seal, and they run on standard AAA batteries that are easy to switch out. Control the mood lighting without getting up via two included remotes.

A planner is the perfect way to get your life in order. This compact one, in particular, has pages dedicated to your vision boards and mind maps in addition to its monthly and weekly layouts. The no-bleed paper is protected by the soft leatherette case that has an attached elastic loop on the side where you can keep your pen. Plus, there’s three attached ribbons so you can easily flip to important pages.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to dive into virtual reality — just add this VR headset to your cart and download a few apps to your phone. The headset is compatible with a range of iPhones and Androids, and the handy sliding case makes it easy to insert your device. The adjustable head strap offers a secure fit, while the soft nosepiece and breathable foam lining keeps you comfortable as you explore new worlds.

Coffee and tea lovers alike need this compact kitchen countertop organizer for their coffee pods or tea bags. The three-tiered storage container hides 18 compartments in its clear plastic drawers that allow you to scan your favorite flavors at a glance, making picking out a tea bag or coffee pod (or pack of sugar or cream) in the morning a total breeze. That said, it’s also a game-changer outside the kitchen — use it anywhere that needs a little bit more organization.

If you can’t justify splurging on AirPods, these wireless earbuds are truly the next best thing. They have a nearly identical minimalist design with similar volume, calling, and music controls at a dramatically lower price, and they’re even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about ruining them when rain threatens.

Standard lighters require lighter fluid — which inevitably runs out — but this plasma lighter is rechargeable, so you can use it again and again. To boot, it’s totally windproof, making it easy to use, no matter how much the breeze kicks up outdoors. It has a soft-touch case and two separate power buttons, so you can light things from both above and below.

Bullet journals will never be the same once you have this smart digital notebook in your hands. The notebook can be used again and again — jot down your thoughts with the included erasable marker, scan a picture of them using the Rocketbook app, and you’ll have all of your content in the drive of your choosing for easy access. (Then erase the notebook and do it again!)

Create deliciously seasoned and perfectly grilled meats, veggies, and more in no time once you’ve started using this cast iron grill skillet. Not only is this pan great for cooking indoors, but it’s also a great utensil for when you’re camping. It is also capable of being used for baking in the oven when needed.

There’s an easy solution to rough, callused feet — and it doesn’t involve paying for a pedicure or spending hours bent over with a pumice stone. These foot peel masks are infused with gentle exfoliants that stimulate your skin’s natural renewal process. Wear them for an hour, and within a few days, layers of dead skin will begin peeling off your feet. You’ll have soft, smooth skin without having lifted a finger.

Transform any outdoor space with these globe string lights. The pack comes with a generous 48 feet of shatterproof and weather-resistant bistro lights that are guaranteed to make your back patio, garden, or any other outdoor area an ideal haven for entertaining or relaxing. (And pick up the matching dimmer switch if you want some next-level ambience.)

Know exactly when your furry friend needs to use the bathroom with this dog doorbell. It’s completely wireless and doesn’t even require any batteries or charging so you can easily stick it on any doorway. Your pup can press it and alert you when he goes to the sliding door to longingly look at the backyard. It has four volume levels and 38 different tones to choose from. Plus, it takes just .75 pounds of pressure to set it off so it’s great for pets of any size.

The clear window on this pocket pillow can be used for a number of things. Slide your phone in so that you can watch all your favorite shows while comfortably laying in bed, store your remotes in it so they don’t get lost, or use it as a picture frame and decorate it with your own photos. Either way, having another soft pillow around doesn’t hurt.

Get the look of turndown service in just minutes with the installation of these sheet holder straps. They’ll pulls your wrinkly, loose bedsheets taut and keep them in place to create a crisp finish that looks like you never slept in it at all. With sturdy elastic and durable nickel clips, they’re also great for battening down the hatches on tablecloths or slipcovers.

Making your own homemade pasta in the comfort of your own home has never been easier thanks to this hand crank pasta maker. You’re able to make all sorts of pasta with this one tool: spaghetti, fettuccini, ravioli, lasagna noodles, and more. The possibilities are endless! Once you’ve started making your own pasta at home, you’ll never buy them at the store again.

Easily access your needed spices while cooking dinner with this set of bamboo salt and pepper bowls. They each have a magnetic swivel top lid that covers the spices when you’re not using them. You’ll love how sleek they look and the subtle upgrade they bring to your kitchenware. Easily wipe them out with a cloth to clean them in between uses, too.

Whether you want to look brighter in your Zoom meetings or consider yourself an avid vlogger, this USB-powered LED ring light is for you. It clips directly to your laptop screen damage-free — no more bulky stands cluttering up your desktop — and comes with five different brightness levels and color modes that you can adjust to your preferences to give yourself the perfect glow.

These geometric designed and wall-mounted floating shelves will catch the eyes of all your friends and family when they come over. You get a set of two, which gives you plenty of options for how to display them on your wall. Use them to hold books, clocks, decorative plates, small plants, picture frames, and more to suit your taste.

There is a lot to love about these stainless steel no spill food bowls for your favorite furry companions. You can choose from three different bowl sizes: small, medium, and large. Each set of bowls comes with a spill-proof silicone mat to catch any messes your dog or cat might make while eating or drinking water. You’ll love the time it saves you having to clean up after your pet, as well.

This wearable blanket solves the problem of trying to keep your feet warm when moving around on the couch. Its feet pockets and sleeves are what will keep your entire body covered no matter how much you roll around. There’s also a large center pocket for you to store your phone or the remote. So feel free to get up and grab a snack without having to give up any comfort. Plus, the breathable fleece fabric won’t pill or fade.

Your little one will love the adorable tortoise shape of this toilet nightlight. The tortoise’s shell sticks to the side of the bowl as the inside is lit up with LED lights any time motion is detected. There are 16 different fun colors for them to choose from and five brightness levels so the automatic bulbs aren’t too harsh on the eyes in the middle of the night.

With this sofa slipcover, you can finally enjoy a snack while lounging without having to worry about anything getting stained. With 20% spandex, it’s stretchy enough to form a snug fit over your couch so that it’s nearly undetectable. It even comes with anti-slip foam pieces to place within any spaces and prevent the piece from moving around as you sit. The super soft material will feel just as good, if not better, than the original couch fabric.

Yep, these moisturizing under-eye masks are infused with real 24-karat gold — and no, it’s not just a gimmick (just ask the 14,000 Amazon reviewers who have given them a perfect five-star rating). The masks work to stimulate circulation, which can help reduce puffiness and give you a wide-awake, bright-eyed look. The addition of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid boost hydration and overall skin health.

You may already have a toiletry bag, but you don’t have one as roomy and convenient as this one. It’s the size of an iPad but expands like an accordion and comes with tons of spacious compartments to hold all of your essentials — even some full-sized bottles. The waterproof fabric resists stains, and you can hang it on a hook or closet rod for easy access.

To instantly be transported to another world, all you need to do is plug in this galaxy projector. It creates 14 swirling color combinations that can set the mood for a party or help you fall asleep. Use the remote control or app to adjust the colors, brightness, rotating speed, color saturation, and light effects. It can also connect to your phone via bluetooth and used as a speaker for your music.

For a better night’s rest and less stuffiness, set up this mini humidifier anywhere you have just five inches of space. As it releases a cool and moisturizing mist, it can also light up and create a relaxing ambience that may lull you to sleep even quicker. Plus, it’s extremely quiet as it operates. Grab a few so that, in addition to your bedside, you can keep them on your desk at work or in your car.

Streamline your breakfast routine down to just a few minutes with this microwavable bacon grill that quickly cooks the iconic breakfast side without any hands-on time required. This grill has a rigid, elevated surface that cooks up to six strips of bacon evenly while draining excess fat, and the vented cover prevents grease splatters in the microwave. Over 13,000 shoppers gave it five solid stars.

Try your hand at growing some greenery around your house with this at-home Bonsai tree seed kit. Included are packets of seeds, wooden bamboo stakes for labels, and instructions to curate a beautiful Bonsai garden in your house. Choose your kit based on either getting four or eight seeds packets, depending on how ambitious you are for this project.

Anyone can benefit from a dash cam, especially in emergency situations when playback footage might be necessary. This camera attaches onto the front windshield of your car and records everything in front of you, and provides clear footage no matter what time of day it is. With a wide-angled lens, motion detection, and looped recording, you’ll always know exactly what happened — and when.

The act of shaving facial hair has finally met its match when it comes to keeping the bathroom vanity clean. Meet the beard king bib apron and immediately wonder where this super handy item has been all your life. The ends of the apron have suction cups on them so they can stick directly to your mirror and collect all that excess hair from trimming and shaping your facial hair.

Save precious counter space in your bathroom with this wall-mounted toiletry holder. This little organizer has it all: three toothbrush holders (two for plastic toothbrushes and one for an electric toothbrush), a toothpaste holder, a space for mounting your razor, and a hook for a loofah or scrub brush. Dedicated drainage holes keep everything clean and dry, even in waterlogged showers.

Cars can quickly get messy considering how often we’re in them, which is why this organizer is a must-have for those with cluttered interiors. It slips over your sun visor and has multiple compartments for sunglasses, wallets, or credit cards on the outside, with space to corral smaller essentials in the zippered compartment.

Cords and cables tend to pile up — this zippered organizer keeps them all streamlined, preventing mixups, tangles, and the potential of losing important adapters or connecting cables that you need. It’s easy to toss your entire tech kit in a bag, and the waterproof fabric protects delicate electronic components.

Invite Mother Nature into your living room with this clear window-mount bird feeder. Suction it to the outside, fill up the two compartments with birdseed, and watch as birds perch themselves there all day long. The trays slide out for easy refills, and it’s squirrel-proof so the only wildlife you feed is feathered.

Having a universal socket wrench is one of those must-have tools around the house that will help you finish and complete more projects than you can even think of off the top of your head. If you’re not all that handy, it makes a great gift for friends or family members that love working on household projects. The main feature that makes it so popular is how versatile it is.

Not only will this car seat gap organizer save you the headache of having to look for your chapstick, phone, and sunglasses underneath your seat but it also promote safer driving. Instead of worrying about where your things went, you’ll be able to put all your focus on the road. The holder is made of durable leather and can be wedged right between the center console and either of the front seats. Two foam wedges are included to help it fit as snug as possible in cars with larger gaps in between.

Recharge this electric lighter with the included USB to use time and time again. You’ll never have to spend money on matches or butane ever again with this safer version at hand. The compact device won’t create any dangerous flame and even has two separate power buttons to keep fingers well away from the spark. It’ll light up while being held at any angle and can even be used in the wind. So pack it away for your next camping trip or give it at home for those candles you’ve been waiting to enjoy.

Take your pies and sundaes to the next level with fresh-made whipped cream that comes from this cream whipper. Made of chic, durable aluminum, this handy kitchen gadget turns cream, vanilla, and a touch of powdered sugar into whipped cream in just a few shakes. It comes with three decorative tips, which makes it great for frosting, too.

This wireless doorbell kit couldn’t be easier to install — just use the double-sided tape to set up the buttons and plug the receiver into any standard outlet. This doorbell has a reach of 1,000 feet, so it’s suitable for most homes, and it’s completely customizable with over 50 chimes and four different volume settings.

This ultra-secure laptop bag is the ultimate accessory for anyone heading into the office (or classroom) every day, with thoughtful features that convert well to travel. It comes with several compartments that can hold all of your work or school essentials and a dedicated laptop sleeve, plus a USB port so you can stay powered. The included combination lock secures its zippers, and there’s even a trolley sleeve on the back that slips easily over suitcase handles when you’re racing to the gate. “Definitely a steal for how nice this is,” one shopper confirmed.

If the center console isn’t enough storage for you, then this faux leather cup holder is sure to do the trick. The organizer slips into the crevice between console and passenger seat, and comes with two cup holders that are tiered to hold any size of travel mug securely, plus a center cavity for your phone, wallet, or anything else you’re bringing along with you. One fan swore it was even better than the original cup holder that came in their Audi.

If you’re ready to put your days of stale, moldy pastries behind you, this bamboo bread box is for you. At over 15 inches long and 11 inches deep, it features a wide, retracting door that opens and closes with ease. The classic bamboo construction will look great in your kitchen, all while keeping your freshly-baked bread or bakery pastries fresher for longer.

Any gathering will feel a little more celebratory with these mason jar mugs, which come in a set of six. They’re made of high-quality glass with sturdy handles and screw-on tin lids so they’ll travel well with you throughout your home or outdoor space. These mugs also add a nice touch to picnics and barbecues, whether you’re serving cocktails, juice, or fruit-infused water.

Made of durable, shatterproof plastic, these fish bowl glasses will make any outdoor gathering feel like a true party. Complete with lids to prevent spillage and straws for convenient sipping, these fish bowls are lightweight yet sturdy. They hold 20 ounces each, which is plenty for a can of soda or a tropical cocktail.

If you’re looking to improve your sleep or reduce the symptoms of stress, this cooling weighted blanket could very well do the trick. It’s sewn from a full seven layers of certified nontoxic cotton and filled with glass beads that add calming compression without holding body heat. This comfy blanket comes in bunch of different sizes and weights that feels like getting a bear hug from a loved one, and it even has loops for slipping into a duvet cover.

You’ll never be stranded without your headphones with this Bluetooth beanie in your back pocket. It’s just as functional as it is stylish — the soft built-in speakers provide HD sound, and you can even adjust the volume or hit pause without reaching for your phone thanks to some discreet navigation buttons on its small leather patch. Connect your smartphone and rock out to your favorite music or take phone calls, then charge it back up via USB when you’re deskside again.

This article was originally published on 11.26.2021