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64 Clever Things That Seem Expensive But Are Actually Cheap AF On Amazon

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by Rebecca Martinson
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Amazon

Don't get me wrong: Treating yourself to something pricy that you've been saving up for is always exciting — but sometimes, it isn't ideal (especially for your wallet). There's a way around that, though, and it involves checking out all of the clever Amazon products that seem expensive but actually aren't. They're high-quality items that might trick you into thinking they're out of reach, but the truth is that they're cheap AF.

How affordable am I talking? For the most part, I've tried to pick items that are $30 or less. That means you can easily grab two pairs of Bluetooth sleep headphones, a few satin pillowcases, and even a hot-air brush without breaking the bank. There's even a magnetic eyelash kit, a chic bamboo plant stand, and even a drip-free coffee carafe. I've already added a few of them to my cart.

As long as you're on Amazon, there are tons of cheap things to choose from that reviewers swear by. So what are you waiting for? That shopping list isn't going to buy itself, you know.

01The Sleep Headphones That Play Music For Up To 8 Hours

If you ask me, regular headphones are usually too bulky to sleep in — so why not give these Bluetooth sleep headphones a try? The speakers are enveloped in soft fabric so they don't squish your ears when you relax on them, and the rechargeable battery can last for up to eight hours.

02A Cable Organizer That Keeps Your Wires Neat & Tidy

Available in more than a dozen shades, this cable organizer has room for your headphones, charging cables, styluses, and more. The exterior is made from water-repellent nylon to help keep everything high and dry — and one reviewer even raved, "I was able to get some bulky things in too, like a portable speaker."

03These Soft Pillowcases Made From Gentle Satin

These pillowcases are made from gentle satin that produces less friction against your hair than cotton, which means that they can help reduce unwanted frizz in the morning. Choose from more than 20 colors, including teal, sage, chocolate, and more.

04A Hot Brush That Styles & Dries At The Same Time

If no amount of teasing and spray will give you the volume you want, it might be time to give this hot brush a try. The rounded barrel combined with the hot air works to style your strands while they dry — and it boasts two heat and speed settings and a lengthy 8-foot cord.

05This Coffee Maker Designed With A Reusable Filter

While drip coffee machines aren't suited for making cold brew, this pour-over model can be used to make a hot cup of Joe as well as a mug of cold brew. The reusable filter is made from stainless steel, and the borosilicate glass is heat-resistant — no need to worry about pouring hot water inside.

06A 14-Day Sheet Mask Set With Nourishing Ingredients

This set of 14 sheet masks contains a number of nourishing ingredients to help hydrate, brighten, and calm skin. Filled with tea tree oil, collagen, lotus flower, and more, the masks offer an opportunity to pamper yourself daily. This pick has a high 4.7-star rating with one reviewer raving: “My skin has looked so good since starting to swap over to this brand! I couldn’t be happier with my results! [...]”

07The Bamboo Cheese Board That Comes With Chic Knives

What's better than a classy cheeseboard? A classy cheeseboard that also comes with a set of stainless steel cheese knives — like this one. It's made from natural, eco-friendly bamboo, and there are even grooves on the side where you can place crackers, jams, or dips.

08A Portable Stand Designed To Work With Any Laptop

Putting your computer on a stand is an easy way to instantly elevate it to eye level, and this one is designed to accommodate any laptop up to 17 inches. It's made from heavy-duty aluminum alloy, and it's so sturdy that it can even support up to 13 pounds.

09This Refreshing Facial Mist With SPF 18

This refreshing facial mist protects skin from UV rays with SPF 18 while delivering a hydrating veil of moisture. The alcohol-free spray gives your skin a significant pick-me-up thanks to natural ingredients like coconut water and organic aloe. The vegan and reef-friendly spray is the perfect alternative for anyone who wants to protect their skin without messing up their makeup with a creamy sunscreen.

10A Rolling Stand With Room For Up To 6 Plants

Want to add a little green to your home? Just load up this adorable plant stand with flowers, succulents, herbs (or even fake plants). The wheels on the bottom make it easy to move where the sunlight is, and it's made from natural bamboo that matches nearly any style.

11The Silicone Pouch That Protects Your Hot Tools

Made from heat-resistant silicone, this pouch will keep your flat iron or curling iron safe in transit. It also works great as a mat where you can safely rest your hot tool while you're styling your hair, and the wavy pattern on the top helps keep everything from sliding off.

12A Hydrating Eye Gel That Can De-Puff On Early Mornings

Waking up not ready to face the day just yet? This hydrating and cooling eye gel can make you feel refreshed and help de-puff and brighten the under-eye area so you can take on the world. The gel is infused with natural ingredients like caffeine, plant stem cells, and vitamin C and features a massaging rollerball applicator that cools your skin and helps promote circulation.

13A Cooling Neck Gaiter That'll Keep You Chilly In The Heat

Complete with UPF-50 sun protection and cooling capabilities, this neck gaiter can help cool you down in the heat. To activate the chilling effect, simply wet it with water, wring it out, and then snap it. After that, wear it any way you want and enjoy its cooling powers: as a neck gaiter, headband, or anything in between.

14A Stylish Mug With A Built-In Tea Infuser

You don't need to brew an entire batch of tea when you only want a single cup — just use this mug. It features a removable, reusable infuser basket made from stainless steel, and the borosilicate glass is heat-resistant up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes in five different sizes and styles, too.

15This High-Tech Notebook That Sends Your Notes To The Cloud

Dropbox, iCloud, Slack, Google Drive — whatever service you use, this reusable notebook can likely upload your written notes to it with a simple scan of your phone. It's compatible with any Pilot Frixion pen, and the pages easily wipe clean after being warmed up in the microwave.

16An Eyeliner Stamp That Delivers Even Wings

It's almost too easy to screw up drawing on eyeliner — so why not make sure you have even wings every time by using these stamps? You get one for each eye, and the opposite ends feature a regular eyeliner pen for drawing the rest of each lid.

17The Essential Oil Diffuser For Your Car's Cup Holder

Just pop it into one of your front seat cupholders, and this little diffuser will let you enjoy the scents from essential oils while you're driving. It also works great on your desktop since it's powered via USB, and there are two colors to choose from: white or black.

18A Tool That Helps You Pop Bottles & Open Cans

Bottle tops, tight cans, soda pull-tabs — this tool can open all of it, and the compact size takes up hardly any space in your kitchen drawers. One reviewer even raved that it’s "easy to use, ergonomic, and easily opens the cans.”

19The Comfy Foot Rest That Fits Under Your Desk

Work in comfort when you rest your feet on this ergonomic memory foam footrest that sits under your desk. The teardrop-shape rest contours perfectly to the shape of your feet and comes with a machine-washable cover. Flip the rest over and it doubles as a rocking exerciser.

20A Reusable Roller That Removes Pet Hair From Your Furniture

Got a few chairs that are caked in pet hair? Just give it a few swipes with this roller. It's completely reusable, since there are zero sticky sheets or adhesives required — and all collected pet hair gathers into the built-in dustbin for easy disposal.

21This Cruelty-Free Mascara From A Brand You Grew Up With

There’s one thing you should know about Wet n Wild — they always deliver. This nourishing mascara is no different. With a castor oil add-in, this mascara includes omega-6 fatty acids that will help your eyelashes look even more incredible than they normally do. As with all Wet n Wild products, this mascara is cruelty-free and a huge bargain for what you get.

22A Throw Blanket That Comes In Tons Of Rich Shades

Blue, burgundy, green, yellow — this cozy throw blanket comes in all of those colors and more. It's mad from 100% acrylic that's soft to the touch, and the fringe along the side gives it a stylish touch if you choose to use it decoratively.

23The Silicone Mat For Scrubbing Your Makeup Brushes Clean

If your makeup brushes are caked in foundations and creams, it might be time to give them a good scrub with this silicone mat. There are four different thread designs to help get every inch of your bristles clean, and the suction cup on the bottom keeps it held firmly in place.

24A Pack Of Tools That Are Perfect For Any Candle Lover

If you're looking to make your candle-lighting experience even more romantic, these tools are a great start. Each order comes with a snuffer, wick trimmer, as well as a wick dipper. They're made from rust-resistant stainless steel, and one reviewer even wrote about how trimming their candle wicks helped extend the life of their candles.

25The Perfect Brownie Pan For Those Who Like Crispy Edges

This nonstick stainless steel pan is perfect for anyone who prefers corner brownies with crispy edges. That's because it's made with small dividers that cook "edges" throughout the entire brownie pan (there are 48 of them, to be exact). Many customers wrote about how it "works great," too.

26This Collapsible Colander That’ll Save Space In The Kitchen

There’s nothing worse than bulky appliances taking up your cabinet space, which is why this collapsible colander, which comes in a set of two, should be on everyone’s “must-buy” list. Available in both red and blue, this colander is great for washing pasta and veggies. It’s also heat resistant, able to take on up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit without issue. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze.

27These Webcam Covers For Extra Privacy Post-Video Calls

Sometimes, it's easy to forget about turning your webcam off after video calls — so why not give yourself guaranteed privacy with these covers? They're ultra-thin so that your laptop closes shut without any issue, and you can even use them with the iPhone 6 (or newer).

28A Desktop Protector Made From Durable Faux Leather

There's no need for a mouse pad when you have this desktop protector, as the faux leather provides enough traction for any wireless mouse to work. It's waterproof as well as stain-resistant, and many colors are even reversible; you're basically getting two protectors for the price of one.

29The Knee Pillow Filled With Plush Memory Foam

Most side sleepers know how uncomfortable it feels when your knees knock together — and if you agree, you can buy this pillow. It's contoured to fit the shape of your legs, and the plush memory foam filling keeps your knees pleasantly separated. Many reviewers also wrote about how it helped alleviate their lower back pain, as it helps keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep.

30A Toothbrush That’s Perfect For Travel

It’s about time that you get on board with electric toothbrushes, and quip is the perfect place to start. Once you start brushing, it gives off sonic vibrations that’ll help you tackle plaque, and help prevent instances of gingivitis. The soft brush head is replaceable, so you don’t have to worry about throwing out the entire brush when it’s time to change it up. Since it doesn’t come with wires or chargers, it’s ideal for people who love to travel.

31The Bladeless Fan With 3 Wind Modes & An LED Light

Not only is this desk fan rechargeable via USB, but it's also completely bladeless. However, it still boasts three wind speeds — soft, medium, and strong — and can emit a colorful glow with the built-in LED light. The fan can also work up to six hours on one charge, which could keep you cool throughout the work day.

32A Desk Lamp With A USB Port For Your Phone

With space for pencils and a built-in USB port and phone stand to charge your devices, this desk lamp is an easy way to consolidate a few items on your desktop. The lamp neck is flexible, so you can point it wherever you please — and there are two color modes to choose from: warm light or day light.

33This Phone Stand That’ll Help Give Your Hands A Break

This iPhone stand is perfect for watching late-night movies, or simply to give your phone a place to hang out during your work day. Don’t have an iPhone? Luckily, this stand is compatible with most devices, and that includes Kindles as well. It has a sturdy design and is made with aluminum alloy to make sure your tablets and devices stay secure. Since it comes in five different colors, you might find yourself buying one for every room.

34These Shower Steamers That’ll Elevate Your Morning

These shower steamers are a great way to upgrade your shower experience without paying much. Why shouldn’t your morning shower feel more like a spa experience? Chock full of organic aromatherapy essential oils, these steamers are also a good way to treat yourself at the end of a long day. Since they have a long shelf life, they can serve as a nice treat whenever you need them most.

35This Blanket That Wraps You Up In A Toasty Burrito

With this blanket, you'll be able to wrap yourself up warm and toasty just like your favorite burrito. It's made from soft flannel, and the fun design is printed on both sides — not just one.

36A Lazy Susan That Doubles As A Charcuterie Board

This Lazy Susan made from bamboo can wear different hats as a spice rack, table centerpiece for napkins and condiments, or a revolving charcuterie board. Rotating a full 360 degrees, keep this turntable out on a countertop or stashed in a cabinet for easier access to spices.

37The Weather-Resistant Smart Plug You Can Use Outdoors

Want to enjoy Alexa or Google Home's abilities on your patio? This smart plug not only features two sockets, but it's even weather-resistant so you don't have to worry about it getting too wet. It has a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet, and you can also control it using the free downloadable app via your phone.

38A Mandoline That Comes With 8 Interchangeable Blades

Chopping up vegetables quickly becomes tedious, whereas using this food chopper makes quick work of boring chores. The eight interchangeable blades let you chop, slice, julienne, and more. Plus, it even comes with an egg white strainer that's perfect for everything from morning omelettes to baking.

39This Coffee Grinder That Can Also Grind Herbs, Spices & Nuts

This Kaffè coffee grinder does more than just ensure a rich, fragrant cup of coffee — it can also serve as a spice grinder for herbs, nuts and grains. A transparent lid lets you keep an eye on the desired coarseness, and a simple on/off button makes this grinder easy to use. It also comes with a cleaning brush and in four colorways: black, matte black, stainless steel, and white.

40A Motion-Activated Night Light That Gently Guides You To The Toilet Bowl

Don't bother turning on that bright ceiling light on your next midnight trip to the bathroom — just pop this night light into your toilet before you go to bed, and you'll be all set. The brightness is adjustable and the bulb is motion-activated. Plus, there are nine different LED colors to choose from (as well as a rotating carousel mode).

41These Magnetic Utility Hooks That Customers Say Are "Strong"

The next time you need to hang up your keys, some wash cloths, or even kitchen utensils, just pop them over one of these magnet hooks. Each pack comes with 10 hooks made from durable steel — and each hook can hold up to 22 pounds. Many customers have written that they're "very strong."

Need something a little stronger? For a few more bucks, you can opt for ones that can hold 35 or 100 pounds instead.

42A Cutting Board That Does So, So Much More

You've got options with this cutting board. Use it to chop up vegetables for dinner, or pop the sides up and use it as a basket. You can also remove the drainer cap on the bottom to use it as a quick strainer in a pinch, and it's completely BPA-free.

43This Plastic Eyewear Organizer That Keeps Glasses Safe

Keep your glasses safe and clean with this plastic eyewear organizer. With six individual compartments, this organizer keeps reading glasses, sunglasses, and their accessories separated. This saves them from looking jumbled — and possibly getting scratched — on a countertop. They’re also stackable in case you’d like multiple units for other items like watches, jewelry, or craft supplies.

44This Highly-Reviewed CHI Hair Spray That Protects Hair From Heat Damage

This CHI thermal protection spray is a highly-reviewed favorite among Amazon shoppers, with a 4.5-star rating and over 30,000 five-star ratings. It’s formulated to protect hair from heat damage, and it’s infused with vitamins A and E, jojoba oil, olive oil, keratin and silk proteins for hair shine and strength. “This leaves my hair so so soft,” one reviewer said. “I love that it protects when I dry my hair and when I use heat styling devices.”

45This Sleek Book Stand Made From Bamboo

Made from high-quality bamboo, this book stand works great for display, or even for holding sheet music while you practice. The angle is adjustable up to five levels, and it folds down so that you can easily take it with you in a backpack.

46These Sphere Ice Molds With Over 9,000 Positive Reviews

Whether you're planning on giving these ice molds to the mixed drink enthusiast in your life or keeping them for yourself, you won't be disappointed. They create spherical ice cubes that melt slowly, resulting in delicious drinks that aren't quickly diluted with water.

47The Knife That Makes Your Butter Easy To Spread

Cold butter doesn't spread easily, which is why this untensil features slots along the side that curl your butter into thin strips. The strips are easier to spread than sliced chunks, and the ergonomic handle fits comfortably in both hands.

48A Security Camera To Keep An Eye On Your Home

Ever want to check up on your home when you’re away? Just set up this camera in your home. The built-in microphone offers two-way sound, and it even has night vision. Plus, it can pair with your Alexa devices.

49These Coasters That Assemble Into A Cute Cactus

Once you're done using these coasters, just stack them on top of each other to create a decorative cactus for your tabletop. The anti-skid backing on each coaster keeps them from sliding around, and they're made from waterproof EVA material.

50A Set Of Rose Quartz Skincare Tools To Massage & Soothe Skin

Ever wake up with tired eyes? Just give them a few swipes with the smaller end of this rose quartz roller to soothe them, and use the larger side to help stimulate circulation on the rest of your face, too. Plus, if you keep it in the fridge, you can even use it to cool down whenever you need to. One shopper attested, “I keep mine in the fridge, it feels so amazing and refreshing on my skin when it's cold.” The set also includes a gua sha tool.

51The Sun Hat With A Hole For Your Ponytail

Sun hats don't always fit over high ponytails, so why not put on this ponytail hat instead? There's a hole in the back where you can thread your hair through, and it's made with a built-in shade to help keep the sun out of your eyes.

52A Pair Of Bluetooth Headphones That Keep Your Ears Warm

Your AirPods won't keep your ears warm in the cold weather, but these Bluetooth headphones will. (You can even think of them as earmuffs.) The speakers are wrapped in soft, cozy fabric, and the battery lasts for up to 10 hours when fully charged.

53This Lighter That's Windproof & Rechargeable

Tired of buying new lighters again and again? Then it's time to upgrade to this rechargeable version. Simply plug it into any USB port when the battery runs low. Also, since the flameless lighter is completely windproof, you won't have to mess with cupping your hands to shield the flame.

54This 4-Pack Of Elegant Tortoiseshell-Patterned Claw Clips

The tortoiseshell patterns on this four-pack of claw clips look so chic. Style your hair in a Y2K-inspired twist or a half-up, half-down look — however you wear it, these clips are designed with a nonslip tooth clip to hold your hair in place.

55This Pillow Mist That Reviewers Say “Is So Calming”

“It smells good and I have truly slept so good since using the product!” one reviewer wrote about Muse Apothecary’s pillow mist. Scented with soothing lavender, this linen spray can be spritzed on your pillows and bedding before sleep as part of your wind-down ritual. You can also take it with you as a travel spray to make a hotel room or vacation rental smell like home.

56An Eyebrow Pen That’s Easy Enough For Beginners

Whether you’re an eyebrow-shaping pro or just beginning to experiment with different looks, this eyebrow pen is great for any level of makeup artistry. A four-pronged tip creates hair-like strokes that define and shape your brows into your desired style. The pen comes in a set with three eyebrow stencils and one eyebrow razor.

57This Magnetic Mount That Works For Tablets & Smartphones

With its flexible gooseneck, you can easily bend and twist this smartphone mount into any viewing angle that works for you. It's stable enough that you can also use it with tablets, and the foam padding around the base helps prevent accidental scratches to your surfaces.

58An Outlet Extender With 2 Built-In USB Ports

Not only does this outlet extender feature four extra plugs for you to use, but it also has two USB ports so you can easily charge your phone. But the best part? The built-in night light contains a dusk-to-dawn sensor so that it only turns on in the dark.

59The Detangling Brush That Gently Glides Through Knots

Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, this brush can help detangle any stubborn knots. Unlike regular brushes, this one gently separates the tangled strands instead of tugging at them — and the plastic bristles are soft (no uncomfortable scalp scratching here).

60A Nourishing Cuticle Oil Made With Jojoba Oil

Do your cuticles need a pick-me-up? Just give them a few dabs with this moisturizing oil. It's formulated with hydrating jojoba oil as well as vitamin E, and it even helps fortify your nails to help prevent chipping and peeling. Use it every day for the best results.

61This Tool That Painlessly Trims Fine Hair

Plenty of trimmers tug at your hair and leave your skin irritated — but not this one. Simply pop in one AAA battery (which is included), and hover the pivoting head over the hairs you'd like to remove. It works best on finer facial hairs, and the trimmer also comes with two precision heads for shaping your brows.

62A Trivia Game Filled With Questions You'll Actually Know

There's a reason this game is called ...I should have known that!, and it's because it's filled with more than 400 questions about stuff that you "should" know. It's best played with at least two people — though the more, the merrier. Many reviewers have called it a "great game" with "lots of laughs."

63This Simple, Yet Popular Card Game With Over 10,000 Ratings

It only takes about 15 minutes to play Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, making it great for anyone who loves a quick, fast-paced game. The rules are simple: Players try to run out of cards by matching them to the words spoken aloud by their opponents. Whoever runs out first, wins.

64A Party Game That Gets The Night Going

Need to get your guests amped at the start of your party? Break out Beat That. The game is made for anyone over 9 years old, and it comes with more than 150 challenges for players to complete in their quest for the ultimate win.

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