30 Things That Are Super Affordable Yet Unexpectedly Effective

Buzz Feed

28-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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News flash: Products that work really well don't have to cost you your last paycheck.
1. A portable digital luggage scale because it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful.
I have been at BuzzFeed for almost eight years now and have written many travel articles where I have included this reviewer-loved luggage scale. Heck, reviewers (and the BuzzFeed audience) love it so much that I put it in non-travel articles because I just thought it was genius.
With that being said, every time I pack for a trip, I have done one of two ridiculous options: 1) use a mechanical bathroom scale to weigh my luggage, even though said mechanical bathroom scale is nearly 20 years old and is definitely broken; 2) weigh myself on a digital bathroom scale, then step onto the scale again holding my luggage and do the math. This past summer, I went on a trip to Cabo and, upon leaving the hotel, did this second option thanks to a scale in the bathroom. When I found myself sitting on the bed trying to convert kilograms to pounds, I knew I needed a better system going forward.
I purchased this prior to a recent trip to Puerto Rico, and I am SO glad I did. First of all, I am amazed at how accurate this is. I mean, I knew from the reviews that it was, but this is kinda one of those products where you really have to see to believe. Shy of .02 of an ounce from the airport scale weight, this thing really gave me an accurate measurement (and that's no easy task with the way I pack — a very large suitcase, 50-pound capacity reached for a three-day weekend, oops). Best of all, it's small enough to store in your suitcase or carry-on (mine went through TSA just fine!), so if you're like me and ALSO enjoy getting souvenirs wherever you travel, then there won't be any surprises when you head to the airport to go back home. Highly recommend!!!
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors and a two-pack).
2. Teeth-whitening pens for brightening up those pearly whites with a quick swipe. No yucky gel, bright lights, or dentist trips required! Just click, apply, and get ready to have "My Shiny Teeth And Me" by Chip Skylark stuck in your head all day.
After brushing and flossing, you paint your teeth with the pen (each pen contains about 20 uses), wait for 30 minutes, then rinse!
Promising reviews:"I have to say, I was skeptical about this product from all the TikTok hype about it, but after trying it out, it really does work. This was super easy, didn't hurt my teeth at all, and didn't taste much different than my regular toothpaste since I got the mint-flavored one. I used it for a few weeks before my brother's wedding, and it worked like a charm. I noticed visible results in only a couple of days and was able to keep using it until I reached my desired shade of white. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with sensitive teeth and tastes!" — Victoria Bravo
" Saw this on BuzzFeed — they were right! It's easy to use and actually works. I was so surprised at how well this pen bleached out some coffee stains on my teeth after just one application. I've tried Crest Whitestrips, and this is better because you can get in between the teeth." — C.S.
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $17.95.
3. A slicker brush that not only does an excellent job of detangling fur and grabbing dirt, debris, and more but is also ridiculously easy to clean afterward. Spring is shedding szn so this is a great way to get ahead of your pet's fur plastering your home all spring.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Lots of reviewer pets love being brushed by it, too!
Promising reviews: "A dog brush that I don't have to pick dog hair out of. At first, I thought this was some form of dark wizardry. But I don't care because this is awesome!" — Madd.Sweet
"I've spent hundreds of dollars on toys, treats, houses, scratchers, etc. for my cats. This is, hands down, not even close, the best money I've ever spent! I got so much fur off them, and they loved it! They look so sleek and shiny, and they are rolling around like kittens; they feel so fresh and happy. My cats are still young (all ages 4 and under) so they were pretty well groomed to begin with. I couldn't believe how many knots and snags were hiding in their fur. The whole time I was brushing them, they were purring and rubbing all over me, trying to get more. The self-cleaning feature is so easy!! A click of a button and all the hair falls off." — Samantha
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
4. A garbage disposal brush to help break up stubborn food debris living rent-free in your disposal. For all the time it spends stuck in the depths of your sink, causing a nasty stench, it could at least contribute to rent. In the wise words of Stephanie Tanner: "HOW RUDE!"
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Do you ever remove the rubber cap between your sink and disposal? It is beyond gross! This is shaped just right and makes quick work of a yucky job. Good to do to keep odors away." — Mom328LSA
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. A USB mouse mover so you can enjoy an afternoon snack break, a quick walk around the block, or a nice little TikTok FYP scroll without a couple of minutes of idleness alerting your boss that you're slacking off.
Promising review:"Saves me from auto logouts! My brother recommended this handy gadget. I work from home and have three monitors. When I leave my desk for lunch, the computer goes to sleep, and when I come back, everything is logged out, and whatever was on three monitors ends up on two. SO frustrating. This is programmable for three settings, and I use it on the minimal movement, so when I come back, everything is just as I left it. Revolutionary! Just remember to turn it on!" — Isaiah
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in eight colors).
6. A WD-40 precision pen that might just become your new favorite tool in your home solutions arsenal. This thing helps tackle rusty bolts and squeaky hinges and protects against corrosion in the easiest way possible.
Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
7. A hair wax stick formulated with beeswax, vitamin E, avocado oil, and more plant-based ingredients to provide a nongreasy, nonhardening solution to smoothing frizzy hairs and stray strands. This is especially great for fans of the slicked-back ponytail look.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This wax stick effortlessly tames even the most stubborn flyaways and unruly strands. Its unique formula provides a firm hold without the stiffness or flaking associated with traditional hairsprays. It keeps my hair looking sleek and polished all day long. The compact, easy-to-use stick design makes application a breeze. Simply swipe it over flyaways or areas that need a touch-up. The wax glides on smoothly and blends seamlessly, leaving no visible residue." — cwin
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
8. A clear gel for keeping valuable (and breakable items) set nice and sturdy where you want them. Playful pets who like to jump and knock things over, curious kiddo hands, and even natural phenomena like earthquakes are no match now for this powerful paste.
Promising review:"A little goes a long way, and it works perfectly! We needed this for Southern California's earthquake-prone geography and the glass art on glass shelves. We were able to affix the gel easily, and everything stays put now. You can barely see the gel through the glass shelf. The amount you need is very small, so I nearly have a full container left, and I was able to attach all the items shown in this picture. I could have done 10–15 sets of shelves just like this." — Karen Gunther
Get it from Amazon for $11.30.
9. A saline nasal gel to assist in restoring moisture to your dry, irritated nose. This little under-$5 solution may just help you out between recovery from winter dryness and spring allergens in the air that you're dealing with. A true MVP for your nightstand or bag this spring.
www.amazon.com
Reviewers say this is also helpful if you use CPAP machines or if you fly (it helps deal with dry air on a plane).
Promising review:"I don't like to talk about it, but every year, my nose becomes super dry to the point where I sometimes get a bloody nose. I usually use some squeeze saline, but it got so bad this year that I decided to get this gel. A dab on a finger or a swab and my nose is hydrated, moistened, and not dry as a desert. No winter bloody noses! It is very light, is not slimy or like Vaseline, and it does not have any smell." — Catherine
Get it from Amazon for $3.62.
10. A grocery bag carrier because your commitment to making only one trip from the car to your home with all of your grocery bags is STRONG, and this handy little device will make it possible AND easy. This is also really great if you live in a city and have no choice but to carry numerous bags from the market to your apartment.
Each of these carriers can hold up to 80 pounds! Click and Carry is a woman-owned small business; you may recognize it from Shark Tank!
Promising review:"TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." — Hung
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in seven colors and a two-pack).
11. A Pikk-it tool you can use to not only detangle hair from your brush bristles but ALSO to remove hair that's lodged in your vacuum head. If your last floor vacuuming sesh ended with you feeling puzzled as to why your expensive Hoover refused to suck up Fluffy's hair, it's probably because so much of it is already lodged inside the head.
Promising review: "Between myself (medium long hair) and my overly fluffy cat, a lot of hair and fluff was continually getting caught up on the roller brush of my vacuum. I dreaded vacuuming because it took so long to pull and snip the hairs wrapped up on the roller brush out with scissors. Not anymore! This silly, little, inexpensive thing works great! Super quick to remove all the hair/fur — in virtually a minute, then back to vacuuming with my lovely Miele vacuum." — MKS
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
12. A pack of mess-free toothpaste caps if you've reached the point in your life where opening a new tube of toothpaste involves making a mini promise to yourself that it won't end in a dried-up toothpaste mess, only to break that promise several weeks later...again. It can't just be me.
Promising review: "I saw these on an Amazon review video on YouTube and figured I'd give them a try because my boyfriend tends to leave the toothpaste bottle a complete mess, and I can't stand it! These things have a great seal and give out a good amount of toothpaste when you squeeze it. It wipes clean very easily. So glad they come with more than one, but not sure what I'll use the other ones on yet." — Kimberly C
Get a set of three from Amazon for $6.45+ (available in seven color combos and larger quantities).
13. A nifty lil' wine tool that *takes a deep breath* works as an aerator, pourer, wine filter, and leak-proof bottle stopper all in ONE! Now you can trick your taste buds into thinking your $9.99 bottle of wine is from the most lavish vineyard in Napa while ensuring it doesn't spill when you store it back in the fridge.
Amazon
Promising review:"I wouldn't consider myself a 'wine connoisseur' by any means, but I typically have a bottle or so, float through my house each week. This wine corker takes the hassle out of pulling the original cork out, it is easy to clean, makes the wine taste better, and hello it's five bucks! It would make a GREAT cheap gift for a wine drinker. At the moment, I only have the one, but I'm planning to grab a few more to keep on-hand. :)" — JasonKim Lebeda
Get it from Amazon for $10.32.
14. A snout soother stick for pups whose noses need a little extra love. Simply swipe this onto their dry, chapped nose to help restore softness and hydration, so they can go back to sniffing all that fresh springtime grass outside.
www.amazon.com
This snout soother is organic, vegan, and made with all-natural ingredients!
Promising review:"Well, I have never before been so shocked at the effectiveness of a product. Our 5-year-old Frenchie, Carol, had a nose that was so crusty it was sprouting these long strands of more crust. There was literally crust on crust on crust. The nose had strings of crust. This nose was so crusty and repulsive that it was almost beautiful. Her nose might have resembled the rarest, most exotic geode to be mined from the rarest mine in Guatemala. A friend recommended this snout soother for Carol's repulsive nose. I was worried she would just lick it all off, and it wouldn't work. We never imagined she could have a regular, soft, moist nose again. Unbelievable results in three to five days. No one paid me to write this." — Brittany
Get it from Amazon for $5.95.
15. An oil solidifier powder that works like this: Simply sprinkle it over hot oil (do it dramatically like you're a fairy godmother and it's magic dust), let it solidify, and then safely get rid of the now hardened leftover oil in the pot/pan. If you love frying food (it's delicious, who doesn't?!) but hate the process of disposing of oil, then you need to get this immediately. A world of homemade chicken tenders and fries awaits!!!
Plus!!!! This product is made from 100% plant-derived fats, so you'll feel good about it! FryAway is a woman-owned small biz that made a deal with Lori and Mark on Shark Tank!
Promising review:"Honestly, I didn't know if this would work. Waiting for it to cool down made me nervous, but once it was at room temperature, it was solid. It popped out of the fryer so nicely. Worth every penny." — Emma
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
16. A jewelry cleaning pen to get your precious gems looking brand-new with a quick pen swipe. Let's be real, the last thing you feel like doing is putting on real clothes, driving to a jewelry store, and paying triple the amount of what this pen costs.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I absolutely love this product. I saw it on TikTok and figured I would give it a try. My grandmother passed away almost eight years ago, and she left me her first engagement ring in her will. I have tried so many jewelry cleaners, toothpaste and toothbrush, you name it, tried everything except for sending it away to get cleaned. I ordered the Diamond Dazzle Stik on Thursday and it arrived the following Saturday, fast shipping! Today is Sunday and I cleaned my ring with the Diamond Dazzle Stik. My ring is just as shiny as it was when my grandfather bought it for my grandmother many many years ago. I will definitely use this Diamond Dazzle Stik on all my jewelry. Highly recommended!" — Heather
Get it from Amazon for $9.48.
17. A faucet extender that'll come in handy if your current faucet is so old it barely extends to a normal length OR if you live with kiddos who need easier access to the water when it's time to wash their hands and brush their teeth.
Promising review:"Before I knew a thing like this existed, I spent the time it took to wash my squirming kiddo's hands one at a time, wondering how long it was going to take for his arms to grow enough to reach the faucet. I'm so glad I have this thing now! The setup is just taking it out of the box and stretching the rubber part around the faucet; it took two seconds plus some time to adjust to the best angle. Now, I can wash my 15-month-old's hands at the same time, and the whole process is much faster and easier. He liked it right away, too!" — Michelle G
Get two from Amazon for $10.95.
18. Coffee mug organizers especially great for anyone with limited kitchen storage space. Now, you can cut the amount of space your mugs take up in half and use that extra bit of room for additional drinkware, a cool kitchen gadget, or more snacks.
Amazon
Comes in a pack of six so you can organize 12 mugs! Elypro is a small biz with all sorts of smart home organizers.
Promising review: "What an ingenious idea! These are simple little plastic discs with three prongs that fold out and adjust to the cup you want to put on top of another cup. They are easy to use and certainly increase the number of cups that will fit in your cupboard which maximizes your space. I bought a set for myself to try, then I bought one for friends and family for Christmas. I really like the concept and design. I would recommend them to anyone who needs more space in their cupboard!" — rrlphd
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors).
19. A set of pins to put an end to the midnight duvet shuffle — no more waking up with all the fluff bunched at your feet. These handy clips keep your comforter perfectly in place, so you stay cozy all night long. No more twisting, tangling, or fighting with your bedding — just uninterrupted, snuggly sleep.
Amazon
Pinion Pins is a small biz that sells home improvement products!
Promising review:"We just bought a king-sized duvet insert and several covers, but the cover never stays in one place. These pins are a game-changer. I stick one end through the fabric and duvet, simply attach the other side of the pin (it basically attaches itself), and I repeated that at about 40 centimeter intervals, and those pins are solid and don't bother us at all when we sleep. I would most definitely buy these again and recommend them highly." — M rol
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $17.95.
20. A dryer vent cleaning kit because be honest, when's the last time you checked and cleaned out all the lint accumulating in your machine? Don't worry, we're not here to judge; we're just here recommending that you buy this kit so your dryer can run more efficiently.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This thing is seriously amazing. I figured out how to use it very quickly and it worked like a charm. I had a sock stuck wayy down in my vent and would've had no idea! I still can't believe how much lent and dust came out of my dryer. My husband is already talking about other uses for this unique tool, like getting into tight spaces in our cars." — J. Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $9.45+ (available in three colors).
21. Anti-slip silicone glasses sleeves for keeping your eyewear where it belongs — ya know, on your face — and NOT slipping and sliding down to the floor and risking getting broken AGAIN.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I was a little dubious about these, but my daughter's glasses were always falling off her face and to the floor, so if I could spend a couple of bucks to save her expensive glasses, it was worth a shot. In fact, because you get five pairs, I put a set on my glasses, and I'll be darned if they don't work really well. They add a little bit of bulk to your glasses, so if you're extremely fashion-conscious, it's not like tape-on-the-bridge nerdy, but it's there. But if you're more concerned about having your glasses feel like they're going to stay put on your head, then you'll like these. They aren't too thick, so you don't really notice them on your ears. In fact, because of the soft silicone, they actually result in less of the occasional soreness I would get from my glasses on my ears sometimes." — Domenico Bettinelli
Get a pack of five pairs (10 total) from Amazon for $6.99 (available in two colors).
22. An Angry Mama microwave cleaner to get mad at you like a mother would because how in the heck did you let your microwave get to this point? But hey, she's a mama, and in the end, she's gonna clean up the mess you made because she loves you too much to let you do it all on your own.
Promising review:"This little device is great. Super simple. Fill to the lines with vinegar and water, nuke for seven minutes, let sit for two minutes, then wipe clean. My embarrassingly super gross microwave wiped completely clean with a couple paper towels. Highly recommend." — UglyPetty
Get it from Amazon for $8.59 (available in four colors).
23.
Wad-Free, a truly wonderful creation that'll stop bedsheets from getting all tangled and twisted in the washer and dryer. In turn, this will help ensure that your sheets and the other items that frequently get caught in them come out cleaner. I don't know about you, but I'm all too familiar with finding a soaking wet sock or shirt caught in the crevices of my bedsheets and having to put them back in the dryer, and it's SO. VERY. ANNOYING!
Amazon
If you watch Shark Tank, then this product may look familiar to you! Kevin and Lori both made offers, but the founder picked Mr. Wonderful. These are reusable and BPA-free! Wad-Free is a woman-owned small biz!
Promising review: "Wow!!! You wonder if things like this really work — well, I can absolutely confirm this does! I was impressed that the package came with two of the devices so there was one for the fitted sheet and the flat sheet. I tried it out, and my sheets not only did NOT wad up, but they came out of the dryer feeling fresher, feeling more dry, and unwrinkled! I will be buying a set of these for each of my immediate family members and close friends! What a great gift!!!" — katy
Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99.
24. And while we're on the subject of ways to make doing your laundry easier and more efficient — a Sock Dock because if you're anything like me, then you probably also have a very hungry washer/dryer that makes a meal out of your socks. Somehow, one sock always seems to go missing every time I do laundry! This handy tool will hold onto your socks, so you no longer have an excuse to wear mismatched socks and call it a "trend."
Amazon
Promising review:"This product is genius! I LOVE it!! Seriously, I hate putting my sock matches together, and as a wearer of colorful ones, it's kind of important that I pair them up after the wash! Now I don't have to! I would totally recommend this to anyone who hates playing the match game, or anyone who loses socks in the washing machine or dryer vortex!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors).
25. A grout pen to get your floors shining like the top of the Chrysler building in no time at all. Did you hire a fancy schmancy service to clean your tiles? Nope, you used a PEN to cover it all up.
The pen is ideal for use on floors and walls!
Promising review:"These things are awesome! I cleaned my bathroom tile grout first because the lady who lived there before me really let it go. A few places stayed stained, and I was worried it wouldn't cover them, but all grout areas are bright white and look new after using this." — Donna K Cook
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes and other colors).
26. A pet tag silencer if the sound of Fido's pet tag jingle-jangling around the room has disturbed your Real Housewives marathon one too many times. (How often must you rewind to properly hear what Sutton and Dorit are fighting over now?!) This silencer is great because it's waterproof and designed to hold up through rough play.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "If you hate listening to your pet's tags clink and jingle, save yourself the pain, and just order this tag silencer. You will love it. My husband loathes the sound of clicking dog tags and would perpetually take our dog's collar off. This tag silencer has solved that issue. We keep three tags on our dog's collar: ID tag with contact info, rabies tag, and city license tag. All three fit with no issue and no jingle. There is definitely room for more tags. It is easy to attach to the collar, and once it's on, you don't have to mess with it again (unless you add or take tags off, obviously). This was the second one we purchased for our dog. The first one lasted roughly 2.5 years on a growing puppy. Our dog is pretty active, so it survived lake swimming, hiking, rough play with other dogs, etc. It also survived hot summers and cold winters, but our dog prefers winters spent under a blanket next to the heater vent. We have recommended it to family and friends, and they all love it. I also work in a veterinary office and recommend it to clients who complain about the clinking of tags." — Work hard, play hard.
Get it from Amazon for $12.95 (available in three colors).
27. A stainless-steel odor-absorbing soap bar because garlic, onion, and fish may taste delicious in your meal, but their smell is pretty yucky, ESPECIALLY when it lingers on your hands hours after cooking.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Works wonders. I was very impressed. Tried using it after cutting meats, fish, and onions, and it really works well. No smelly hands at all. If you're in the kitchen a lot, get yourself one. You won't regret it." — Sweety mum
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
28. A hairpin designed to do the work of 20 (yes, 20) bobby pins. Not only will make it quicker to achieve your desired hairstyle, but it'll also help keep it in place.
Promising review:"I'm a nursing student and have to wear my hair in a bun every day. I've tried all the bun makers, watched YouTube videos, and spent way too much time on getting my hair into a bun. I was able to make a pretty bun that was secure in under 30 seconds. I thought it was a fluke so I did it again, and then again. I just ordered two more packs because I know if I lose one of these, I'd have to tear the house down looking for it. I have hair to my mid back, and three of these worked perfectly for me. If I can get my hair in bun in under 30 seconds, trust me...anyone can." — Tina
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $6.48.
29. A wrapping paper cutter because try as you might, evenly cutting through wrapping paper is a constant losing battle. Well, not anymore! Not only does this help with uneven edges you get from scissors, but this is easy to grip and may be simpler to use if you have arthritis or another condition that affects dexterity and mobility.
Amazon
Little Elf is a small biz that sells gift-wrapping accessories.
Promising review:"I was so excited to try this, and it actually works! I am terrible at cutting straight, and this product was incredible. It cut straight across a long roll in no time." — TOOdamnFRANK
Get a pack of two on Amazon for $13.99.
30. Bra extenders that'll add an extra 2 inches to your bra. If you wear a bra, you know just how rare it can be to find one that you actually adore and we want to help you preserve your faves for as long as possible.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Bought these for my pregnancy based on a tip from a recently pregnant friend. Total game-changer. I only had to buy a new-sized bra once, and then I used these for the rest of my pregnancy, as my cup size didn't change anymore, but OMG, my ribcage just kept on expanding and expanding to accommodate the baby. IMO, these make wearing a regular bra possible during those body-changing portions of pregnancy, saving me money in the long run. Additionally, they work as expected...they clip onto the original spacers easily, they match up with the original hooks really well, and they are very comfortable and easy to use. Best $6 I've ever spent on Amazon. Buy them, you won't regret it." — Queen Bee
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 26 options).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.