Lifestyle

62 Clever Things You Should've Bought Sooner

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by Rebecca Martinson
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Amazon

Being frugal has its advantages, but there's something to be said for diving in head-first when you're shopping online. I mean, I've been eyeing the same pair of leggings for a few weeks now — and if I bought them already, I'm sure they would've been worth the cash. It's a bitter-sweet feeling, but there's always a chance to go ahead and press "Add to Cart." This list is full of clever things on Amazon that you'll wish you'd bought sooner (but don't worry — you can still purchase them).

Not only do the products I've selected for this list solve some sort of everyday problem, but they're also more than worth the money. Take the sink caddy made from stainless steel, for example. It has a super-ventilated design so that your scrubbers don't get clogged with mildew, and it's even resistant to rust so you don't have to worry about getting it wet. And if your kitchen is already decked out to the nines, I've also made sure to include a muscle soak for relaxing baths, a pet hair removal system to refresh your furniture, and even a pack of laundry balls made from premium New Zealand wool.

Because it doesn't matter whether you're looking for easy home upgrades or affordable gadgets that won't break the bank — there are tons of clever products to choose from on Amazon. Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite picks.

01The Sink Caddy Made From Stainless Steel

Not only is it made from rust-resistant stainless steel, but this sink caddy is also super-ventilated to help prevent mildew. There's space for a sponge as well as a handheld scrubber, and the suction cup is able to hold up to 15 pounds.

02These Two Bags Of Soothing Muscle Soak To Relax And Detoxify

Made with epsom salt, this muscle soak epsom salt helps ease muscle pain after strenuous workouts. Just dissolve a few cups in your warm bath (exact directions are listed here), and enjoy.

03This Smartphone Mount That Sticks To Mirrors

Universally compatible with any type of smartphone, this mount sticks to windows and glass without any adhesive necessary. The bond is so strong that it's able to hold up to 2 pounds, and it's even reusable so you can move it around your home.

04An Outlet Shelf That Can Hold Up To 10 Pounds

Don't leave your smartphone on the ground while it's charging — just place it on this outlet shelf. It's so sturdy that it can hold up to 10 pounds, and it works great as a platform for your Alexa or Google Home.

05These Baking Mats Made From Food-Safe Silicone

Instead of using wasteful sprays while you're baking, switch over to these reusable baking mats. They're made from food-safe silicone that's non-stick, and you can also use them to roll out pastries since they're flexible.

06A Spray That Stops Your Glasses From Fogging Up

Does your mask keep fogging up your glasses? Just give your lenses a few spritzes of this anti-fog spray. It's safe for all types of non AR-coated lenses like binoculars, goggles, or even ski masks — and each bottle comes with enough serum for about 400 uses.

07These Gripper Clips That Let You Create Cabinet Spice Racks

Just pop these gripper clips onto the inside of your cabinet door, and you'll have a convenient place to keep all of your spices. The included adhesive makes it easy to stick them anywhere, and the grip is adjustable to fit a variety of bottles.

08A Book Light That Produces Warm Amber Light

Amber light is easier on the eyes than bright white light, making this clip-on light perfect for reading. The flexible gooseneck makes it easy to adjust where the light is pointed, and the battery lasts for up to 30 hours before it needs to be recharged.

09The Water Bottle That Reminds You To Stay Hydrated

Have trouble remembering to drink water throughout the day? Make sure to grab this motivational bottle. Not only does it have printed time stamps and messages that remind you to stay hydrated, but it's also able to hold up to half a gallon of water.

10A Pet Hair Removal System That Doesn't Need Costly Refills

There's no need to buy any refill sticky paper when you have this pet hair removal kit, as the brushes inside are completely reusable. Once the brushes are full of hair or lint, simply dip them into their bases, and it'll strip away all the hair so that the bristles are clean.

11This Wearable Fleece Blanket With Sleeves & A Pocket

Unlike regular blankets, this one is made with cozy sleeves and a large pocket so that you can wear it around your home. It's made from soft micro-mink, and you've got options when it comes to color: gray, purple, wine, and more.

12This Reusable Cotton Swab Set That's Actually Made Of Silicone

Instead of letting piles and piles of cotton swabs build up around your bathroom sink, replace all of them with this pack of silicone swabs. Since they’re made with silicone, they’re reusable and easy to clean. Plus, the set is available in so many different colors.

13The Hat Rack That Fits Over Your Door

Don't take up all the shelves in your closet with hats — just throw them onto this over-the-door rack. There's enough space for up to 18 hats, and the buckle lets you adjust how tightly it fits against the door to prevent any sagging or swaying.

14A Cup That Lets You Enjoy Cereal On The Go

Don't have enough time to sit down for a bowl of cereal in the morning? Just pour your cereal and milk into this special to-go cup. The dual chambers keep your milk and cereal separate until you pour them into your mouth so that your breakfast is crunchy — not soggy.

15This Makeup Organizer With Space For Brushes, Polish, & More

It doesn't matter whether you've got brushes, nail polishes, or even lotions clogging up your vanity — there's space for it in this makeup organizer. The tower rotates so that it's easy to reach all your cosmetics without knocking anything over, and the middle shelf is even adjustable for any extra-tall bottles.

16A Bendable Smartphone Tripod That Comes With A Remote

You don't have to race against your phone's timer to make it into a photo, as this tripod comes with a shutter remote you can use from up to 30 feet away. The octopus legs are flexible so that you can balance it on uneven surfaces, and it's compatible with various smartphone brands.

17The Tool That Helps You Open Stubborn Jars

Can't get that stubborn jar open? Grab this jar opener, pop it over the lid, then give it a twist — the anti-skid teeth will latch on and pull it open. It's designed to work on all types of lids, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use.

18A Pair Of Body Brushes That Exfoliate Away Old Skin

Leave your skin glowing while helping to stimulate blood flow with these body brushes. You can use them wet or dry, and they're great for getting rid of old skin or dry flakes. They're made from high-quality bamboo, and the handle helps you maintain your grip in the shower.

19These Dryer Balls Made From Premium New Zealand Wool

Not only are these dryer balls made from 100% premium New Zealand wool, but they also help aerate your laundry so that it dries faster. And if saving money on your utility bill isn't enough, get this: They're also completely reusable and can even soften your laundry without any additives required.

20A Water Flosser That's Totally Affordable

Many water flossers can be expensive, whereas this one is only $40. You can use it in the shower when you’re trying to save time on busy mornings, and the water pressure is adjustable depending on how sensitive your gums are: normal, soft, custom, or pulse.

21The Affordable Way To Fix Dings In Your Wood Furniture

I ordered this pack of furniture markers and crayons after my coffee table started showing signs of wear, and let me tell you: They're way cheaper than buying a new table. Each set comes with six markers and crayons in wood-friendly shades like maple, oak, cherry, mahogany, and more.

22A Power Strip Tower With 4 Built-In USB Ports

Tons of power strips don't have any USB ports — but not this one. Not only does it feature four ports, but the upright design also makes it great for desktops or saving floor space. The 10 outlets feature surge protection, and many reviewers raved about how conveniently long the power cable is.

23This Sanitizing Wand That You Can Bring With You Anywhere

Whether you've got a dirty countertop or you want to clean a door handle, this sanitizing wand can help. The UV-C light technology helps kill germs and bacteria in just 60 seconds of exposure, and you can take it with you anywhere thanks to the rechargable design.

24A Screen Enlarger For Your Phone

Tired of watching videos on your tiny smartphone screen? Make sure to check out this screen enlarger. Just pop your smartphone or handheld game console on the back platform, and the screen will appear up to four times larger.

25These Resistance Bands For Getting Toned At Home

You don't need an expensive gym membership to tone your muscles — just grab this set of resistance bands. Each order comes with five in increasing levels of resistance, and they're made from heavy-duty latex that's 100% natural.

26A Set Of Colanders That Collapse To Save Space In Your Kitchen

Regular strainers can take up a ton of space when you're not using them, whereas these ones collapse for easy storage. They come in three different sizes, and each one is made from durable silicone with convenient side handles.

27These Food Saver Balls That Help Keep Greens Fresh

If your produce tends to spoil before you're able to eat it, you might want to grab these food saver balls. They absorb excess moisture to help extend the life of your greens by up to three times, and they're even reusable — just switch out the inside packet once every three months.

28A Pack Of Reusable Cloths That Are Ultra-Absorbent

Instead of using wasteful paper towels, you can save yourself some money with these reusable dish cloths. Each one is made from materials that are vegan as well as non-GMO, and they absorb up to 20 times their own weight in water.

29The Face Mask That's Loaded With Nourishing Collagen

Collagen can help improve your skin's elasticity, and these face masks are absolutely loaded with it. The hyaluronic acid on each mask is also great for helping to reduce unwanted inflammation in your face, while the vitamin E and aloe vera work to hydrate any dry areas.

30A Face Scrubber Infused With Cleansing Tea Tree Oil

Just add water to this face scrubber, and the tea tree oil that's infused into its fibers will help exfoliate away old skin while softening your complexion. It's reusable for more than 20 washes, and many reviewers wrote about how it "smells great."

31This Chic Spray Bottle That's Perfect For Olive Oil

Made from solid glass that's completely BPA-free, this spray bottle is perfect for holding olive oil, vinegar, or even cooking wine. The spray top is made from food-grade stainless steel, and the anti-dust nozzle is even resistant to leaks.

32A Chiller Container That Cools Coffee Down Fast

You don't have to dilute your hot coffee with ice cubes: Simply pour it into this chiller container, instead. It cools down any mug of coffee in just one minute, and it's incredibly easy to use: Simply keep it in your freezer, and it'll be ready to go whenever you are.

33The Knife That Curls Your Sticks Of Butter

Sliced chunks of butter don't spread easily, which is why this butter knife features slotted holes along the blade that allow you to cut small curls of butter. The curls are thinner, which means they'll spread easier — and the knife itself is made from stainless steel.

34A Pair Of Lint Removers That Don't Require Sticky Sheets

There are no sticky sheets required with this pair of lint removers, as the textured copper heads latches onto collections of fluff so that your clothes are left looking crisp. They also work great on pet hair, and they’re small enough that you can easily take them with you while traveling.

35These Shower Fizzies Formulated With Essential Oils

Made without any artificial fragrances, these shower fizzies release relaxing essential oils into your shower to help you de-stress after a long day. They only take about 10 minutes to dissolve, and some reviewers even found that they helped to soothe headache pain.

36A Mop & Broom Holder To Organize Your Utility Closet

Mount this mop and broom holder into any wall, and you'll instantly have a convenient place to keep cleaning supplies, shovels, or even golf clubs. Each ball gripper is able to hold up to 7.5 pounds, and they automatically adjust to fit large and small handles alike.

37The Desk That Fits Around Your Steering Wheel

Whether you're working in your car or eating in between meetings, this steering wheel desk is a must-have. It easily hooks onto your wheel without any tools or clamps, and it takes up hardly any space in the car when you're not using it.

38A Pair Of Scissors That Make Quick Work Of Chopping Herbs

Chopping up herbs quickly becomes tedious, whereas these kitchen scissors seriously expedite the process. The five blades are made from stainless steel, and each order also comes with a protective blade cover to help keep you protected when not in use.

39This Dish-Drying Rack That Rolls Out Over Your Sink

I upgraded to this over-the-sink drying rack once I got tired of my bulky dish rack taking up tons of counter space. It's made from food-grade stainless steel that's rustproof, and you can even use it as a trivet for hot pots and pans in a pinch.

40A Double-Ball To Target Muscle Knots

When regular rollers and massagers won't get the job done, it might be time to give this double massage ball a try. It can reach deep into sore muscles to target any tense trigger points, and they're so versatile that you can use them all over your body.

41The Shower Caddy That Mounts Without Any Drilling

Drilling through your tile can seem daunting, which is why this mounted shower caddy comes with super-strong adhesive for easy installation. It's rust-resistant so that you don't have to worry about corrosion — and there are four hooks on the bottom for loofahs, towels, razors, and more.

42An Icy Face Roller That Helps Soothe Unwanted Puffiness

Whether you woke up with unwanted puffiness underneath your eyes or if you want to calm irritated skin, this ice roller can help. Just keep it in your freezer so that it's ready to go whenever you need it, then rub it anywhere that needs to cool down.

43This Set Of Laundry Bags That Keep Your Clothes Organized

Keep your intimates separated from your whites — or even keep track of all your socks — with these laundry bags. They're made from breathable mesh so that you can toss them straight from the washer into the dryer, and each order comes with five: one extra-large, two large, and two medium.

44A Ring Light Tripod With 5 Different Color Modes

Not only does this selfie light stand on its own tripod, but there are also five color temperature modes to choose from, ranging from 3000 - 6000 Kelvin. The phone mount is adjustable, so you can use it with a range of phone models, and the head can be rotated to help you take photos and videos from any angle.

45The Anti-Chafe Stick Made With Natural Ingredients

Made with natural ingredients from plants that help hydrate your skin, this anti-chafe stick is a must-have for anyone who suffers from uncomfortable rubbing. Unlike other anti-chafe balms, this one provides hours or protection without leaving behind any greasy residues.

46A Pair Of Hair Towel Wraps Made From Absorbent Microfiber

Microfiber can absorb more water than regular cotton, which means these microfiber hair towel wraps help get your hair dry faster. They're big enough to fit long hairstyles, and they have secure button closures, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off while you do your morning or nighttime routine.

47These Acne Patches That Shrink Unwanted Blemishes Quickly

Got a stray unwanted blemish that popped up in the middle of the day? Just cover it with one of these acne patches. They're infused with hydrocolloid dressing to help get your blemish visibly smaller within six hours, and the matte finish lets you blend them in using makeup.

48A Pack Of Scrunchies With Hidden Pockets

Need a subtle place to stash some cash? These scrunchies feature hidden pockets that are large enough for money, your ID, or even precious jewelry. They're also completely functional — wrap your hair up like normal knowing that your items are close by and your hair is secure.

49The Serum That Gets Rid Of Cuticles In Just 4 Seconds

I've been doing my own gels at home for about a year now, and this cuticle serum is an absolute game changer. It only takes about 45 seconds to soften your cuticles so that they're easy to scrape away, and the formula is even 100% cruelty-free.

50A Set Of Floating Shelves That Upgrade Any Space

You can never go wrong with adding a cute set of floating shelves to a blank wall, and these ones are available for less than $20. Each order comes with the mounting hardware needed for installation, and there are two finishes to choose from: carbonized light, or dark.

51These Tongue Scrapers Made From Medical-Grade Stainless Steel

When brushing your teeth isn't doing enough to get rid of odor-causing bacteria, these tongue scrapers can help. Simply drag the rounded end across your tongue to get rid of any buildup. Because they're made from medical-grade stainless steel, you don't have to worry about them rusting.

52A Shelving Unit That Fits Into Tight Spaces

Keep it up against a wall for some quick storage, or slide these rolling shelves into any tight spaces around the house (like the gap between your washer and dryer). One reviewer even raved that "it was easy to install and holds quite a lot of stuff."

53The Applicator Wand That Helps You Spread Lotion Everywhere

Can't reach those awkward spots in the middle of your back? Then you'll definitely want this applicator wand. The pad at the end of the handle makes it easy to apply self tanner, lotions, sunscreen, and more. Plus, it's made from microfiber that easily washes clean.

54A Sponge Holder Made From Durable Silicone

Not only is it made from durable silicone, but this sponge holder also features slots on the bottom so that your scrubbers dry quickly. Many reviewers raved about how it's "well-made," and one even wrote that "This keeps my counters dry, stops the soap dispensers from sliding and is easy to clean!"

55These Burner Covers That Help Keep Your Stove Clean

Looking for an easy way to keep your stove clean? Search no further than these burner covers. Simply pop them over your gas burners before you start cooking, allow them to catch any drips or spills, and then rinse them clean once you're done. Choose from two colors: black or silver.

56A Bluetooth Tracker You Can Stick To Your Phone

Phone, keys, wallet — if you often misplace one of these, you'll want to stick one of these Bluetooth trackers on it. You can use the free downloadable app to locate your items from up to 160 feet away when outside, and it comes with an extra replacement battery.

57The Lightweight Foam Roller That Won't Fall Flat

Instead of falling flat over time, this foam roller stays sturdy. Not only is it made from polypropylene, but it’s designed to stand up to heavy use. Plus, it comes in multiple size options and it's lightweight, so it’s easy to take with you to the gym.

58A Set Of Storage Bins That Slide Underneath Your Bed

When you don't have enough space in your closet or wardrobe for all your sheets and blankets, just put them into these storage bins. The low profile makes it easy to slide them underneath your bed, and they're made from breathable fabric so that your garments stay fresh.

59This Cheese Board Made From Bamboo

If you're going to kick back with some charcuterie, you may as well do it in style with this cheese board. It's made from all natural bamboo that's easy on your knives, and it comes with two bowls and a hidden drawer with four knives, so you’ll always be ready for a cheese party.

60A Wireless Charger That Also Works On AirPods

Compatible with any Qi-enabled smartphone, this wireless charger stands apart from the competition since it's also designed to work with AirPods as well as Apple Watches and Apple Pencils. And unlike other wireless chargers, this one works through most cases so that there's no need to remove it.

61The Water Flosser That's Gentle On Your Gums

Just slide the nylon cleaning tip between your teeth, and this water flosser will flush away plaque and bacteria so that your mouth is left feeling fresh. Each order comes with 15 disposable tips, and all it requires to work is one AA battery (which isn't included).

62A Miniature Food Processor For Garlic & Veggies

Small veggies and herbs like garlic are perfect for this miniature food processor. And if you're in the mood for a quick guacamole, it's also great for making spreads and salsas at the office. Since the casing is waterproof, you don't have to worry about damaging it when it needs a hand-wash.

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