60 Genius Things Under $20 That Actually Made Our Lives Way Better

“Will I ever stop recommending this phone stand? Probably not. I take it with me everywhere — when I travel, when I move around my apartment. I've gifted it more times than I can count.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

This cell phone stand is handy and portable. Set your phone on it to follow a recipe, read, or join a video call. The height and angle adjust for the perfect prop, and it folds up to drop into your bag. It comes in eight colors.

“This peppermint on-the-spot treatment is my go-to for any and all stressful moments. Massage a little on your temples, it's a game changer.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

The scent of peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus in this Peace of Mind On-the-Spot Relief balm creates a calming olfactory treatment that makes you take a deep breath and relax. Just rub a few pumps into your temples and enjoy. Choose the single bottle or the entire kit.

“I love Bluetooth earbuds, but if you're like me and they're never charged, having a pair of wired headphones in your bag or purse is such a lifesaver. I really can't recommend enough just buying them to have on hand in a pinch.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

These earpod headphones are cheap and small enough to tuck into an inner pocket of your bag so you always have tunes or a book to listen to. You won’t have to sacrifice sound quality because a battery is dead. Choose from three plug options.

“This is the best way to reach the top of my shower and get it clean. Cleaning my shower is so much more pleasant now that I can actually reach all parts of it.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

This tile scribber brush has four interchangeable heads — one soft, two scrubbies, and a brush — on the end of a telescoping handle that reaches to 56 inches. This makes cleaning high areas or tight corners so much easier. The scrub pads are also machine washable when they need a refresh.

“I really love the Govee bias lighting I installed on the back of my TV. It makes my whole living room feel like a movie theater.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Lighting your home is much more interesting if you expand beyond bulbs and start exploring ways to light with LED strip lights. Add lighting to your bed frame, counters, ceiling, and much more. You can control the light colors and brightness in an app to create custom scenes.

“These food storage containers have built-in colanders, which just makes my life straining and storing food so much simpler.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Wash your produce in the colander and then drop the colander into the container, lock it closed, and put it in the fridge. The produce stays fresher because it isn’t sitting in water, too. The set has four sizes to handle everything from beans to greens. Each snap-lock lid has a silicone gasket for a tight seal.

“This exfoliating shower towel is a huge life upgrade. It also makes it really easy to scrub the bottoms of my feet.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

This shower towel is long, deliciously exfoliating, and has an open weave so it dries quickly. Hang it in the shower and enjoy an incredible lather and an invigorating allover scrub. It can go in the washer and dryer with your other towels when it needs to be cleaned.

“These multi-tool pens are just the coolest. I'm constantly finding new uses for them.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

This multi-tool pen two-pack is loaded with tools. Drop one or both of them in your bag or pocket protector, and you will never be without a light, level, stylus, ruler, and every type of small screwdriver. The pens are a pleasure to write with, too.

“I use this flyaway stick to tame loose hairs in my buns and ponytails, and it works so well. Genius!” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

The mascara-like wand of this flyaway stick makes it so easy to paint hydration — aloe, biotin, and vitamin E — right onto your dry and wispy locks. It settles those strays right down while it builds strength in your hair follicles. It’s great on unruly brows, too.

“These cord management ties help me keep all of my loose cables organized. The fact that I can color-code them is brilliant.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Attach these self-gripping cable ties to a messy cord and then wrap that wire up into a tidy bundle. The hook-and-loop fabric sticks to itself, so the bundle is easy to unwrap again when you want to use the cord. Meanwhile, all your charging cords and power cables stay tidy and untangled in your drawer. This is a pack of 40 in an assortment of colors.

“I really love these exfoliating foot masks. They are easy to use, and it's so satisfying to see all of the dry skin come off.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Deploying this foot peeling mask is simple. Pull them on like a pair of socks, kick back, and relax. After you remove them, wait a few days. As you go about your life, the crusty outer layer of your feet will shed like a snake, leaving behind the baby-soft skin that’s hiding under all those calluses and dead skin. Choose from five scents.

“Treating stains quickly will change your life. This spray bottle is pocket-sized, so you can have it with you always. It's great.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Instead of fretting at every meal and feeling helpless when something spills on your nice clothing, pull out this stain treater spray and spritz it on. Next time you wash that garment, it will emerge from the laundry clean, as if the spill never happened. In the future, spilling wine or coffee onto a favorite garment, carpet, sheets, or furniture, you evoke only a nonchalant shrug because you know how to stop the stain.

“As someone who cannot leave her skin alone to heal, acne patches are truly life-saving. — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

When an outbreak happens, cover the blemish with one of these bandaid-like pimple patches to hide it from sight. It will keep your hands off of it while it treats the cause. Hydrocolloid pulls out impurities so your skin can heal. When you remove the patch, the blemish will be well on its way to gone. This is a pack of 24 round patches. There are three shapes to choose from.

“If you haven't switched to baking mats, you're doing baking wrong! They will protect your pans and can go in the dishwasher!” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

This nonstick silicone baking sheet set prevents food from sticking to the pan and keeps your pans nearly clean while you roast vegetables, bake cookies, or make macarons. You can use less oil to get the same easy-release results. And these even have a template, so your baked goods are uniform in size. There are five sizes.

“My kitchen gets so dark, I use my under-cabinet lighting every single day.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

These stick-on touch wireless lights are easy to install wherever you need a task light. Mount them under the cabinets, in a dark closet, on stair risers, or in any ill-lit space. Use the remote to turn them on or off and to adjust the brightness and timer. Or choose the tap-controlled version and tap the lens to turn them on and off. They are battery-powered, so you can put them anywhere.

“I actually bought two of these, so I can have one upstairs and one downstairs and never be without them. They're perfect for extra light while crafting, scrapbooking, and more. — Martha Sorren, Elite Daily editor

This neck reading light is so much easier than moving yourself into the light or dragging a floor lamp to where you are working. Loop it around your neck and aim the two beams at whatever you need to see. You can adjust the brightness and color of the light, and the gooseneck makes it easy to get the light where you need it. Choose from two sizes and seven colors.

“I have one of these in my bag so I can hydrate my cuticles on the go, and my hands are so much softer.” — Martha Sorren, Elite Daily editor

It’s so easy to pull out this cuticle oil pen and draw deep hydration onto your hands. It applies just the right amount of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and rice bran oil onto your skin. It’s like applying lip balm but for your manicure. Choose from two formulas.

“These make washing my face a much less frustrating process.” — Martha Sorren, Elite Daily editor

Avoid the wet sleeves and puddles on the floor when you wash your face by pulling these spa wrist bands on before you start. If water runs down your arm, the fluffy and absorbent fleece soaks it up before it gets anything else wet. They look cute, too. Choose from 13 colors.

“This bought me some valuable kitchen storage space. I slid it right between the wall and the refrigerator.” — Anna Anderson, Elite Daily editor

Move all your spices, oils, and clutter off the counter and onto this slim rolling storage cart that reclaims weird, unused spaces with its narrow form factor and wheels. Slide it between the washer and dryer. Tuck it in next to the bathroom vanity. Or find a spot for it in the kitchen. It holds lots of gear. The shelves won’t trap water. And it has hooks to hang cloths, sponges, and tools from. It comes in five colors.

“My neck refuses to work without this laptop stand. It's made a huge difference. — Anna Anderson, Elite Daily editor

Looking down at a laptop screen is the fast track to neck pain. This laptop stand elevates the screen so you can look straight ahead and avoid that painful bend. Add an external keyboard and your body will thank you for the ergonomic setup. It snaps apart so you can take it with you, and comes in six colors.

“This is the cheapest way to make your skin ridiculously soft.” — Anna Anderson, Elite Daily editor

This is a big bottle of a simple, basic moisturizing body oil with no expensive or trendy ingredients, just cocoa butter and vitamin E, that you can slather on to your heart’s content without fretting about your budget. Pour it into a bath, squeeze it on, and rub it in all over. Your skin will love it.

“I use this on everything from toothpaste to sunscreen for an easy yet incredibly satisfying way to reach otherwise-unused product stuck at the bottom of the tube.” — Ali Drucker, Elite Daily editor

Stop struggling to get the last bit out of your toothpaste, lotion, or anything else that comes in a tube. This cute toothpaste squeezer turns that tube into a bottle that stands on its own. Just turn the key to extrude a precise quantity. This is a pack of three in muted white, pink, and blue.

“I love hosting, and these floral ice molds really elevate a traditional batched cocktail presentation.” — Ali Drucker, Elite Daily editor

Turn every cocktail into a piece of art by dropping a frozen rose into it. This rose ice cube tray lets you freeze your ice into a beautiful botanical. Even a seltzer feels special with a rose floating in it. You could also get fancy and freeze colored fruit juice to elevate the visual even more. Each tray makes six big roses.

“A small fix that solves a truly annoying problem.” — Ali Drucker, Elite Daily editor

Every time you need to charge your phone, earbuds, or any other small electronic device, the search for the right plug starts. It’s annoying and time-consuming. Next time you locate the right cord, clip it into one of these magnetic cable clips and stick it to the side of your desk, counter, or bedside table so you never have to search for it again. This is a pack of 12. Choose black or white.

“So convenient to have all the tools you need for a cheese plate at the ready.” — Ali Drucker, Elite Daily editor

Turn crackers, cheese, and all the tasty treats that have been accumulating in your kitchen into a splashy meal with this charcuterie board that has channels to keep crackers and nuts contained, a board to cut cheese on, and a drawer full of every cheese knife you might want to reach for. Choose from four styles.

“I've switched out all my earring backs for these — no more drooping jewelry! And since they're not single-use lifters, you never have to replace them.” — Ali Drucker, Elite Daily

Finally, the perfect solution for securing your earrings. These earring backs are wide and gentle, keeping your earring upright and your lobes happy. They have an easy-to-grab button for removing the earring. And they are secure. No more struggling to get earrings off. No more losing your expensive jewelry. No more floppy bling. Choose from six colors and styles.

“These cut blow-drying time a lot — and they're a great deal. I like to do a face mask with them on for 15 minutes to let them soak up as much water as possible.” — Lauren Beach, Elite Daily editor

Wrap your just-washed hair in these microfiber hair towels while you get dressed and primp. They keep your wet hair off of your neck and back while they pull excess water out of your locks. When you are ready to deal with your hair, it will be nearly dry — perfect for styling. This is a pack of five. Choose from seven colors.

“No more puddles on the counter! The design is pure genius.” — Lauren Beach, Elite Daily editor

Clean up your kitchen sink area with this sink caddy that understands the assignment and gets it right. The basket puts your gear in order with a vessel for brushes, sponges, and your dish soap. You can toss wet sponges and dripping tools into it because it is designed with a channel to feed water back into the sink. It comes in black or silver.

“Toothbrush holders get gross — but this comes apart and goes in the dishwasher. No more yuck.” — Lauren Beach, Elite Daily editor

You tried setting a glass next to the bathroom sink to corral your toothbrushes and toothpaste, right? It got gross fast. This sink caddy is ventilated so the water can evaporate away from your gear, so it stays clean faster. It has compartments to keep everything upright, handy, and separate. And it disassembles to go into the dishwasher when it gets dirty. Choose from two sizes and four colors.

“I use these to hold stain remover, lingerie bags, and more on the side of my washing machine. They're a great deal and work well in the kitchen, too.” — Lauren Beach, Elite Daily editor

Stick these magnetic shelves anywhere you need storage and have a big, metal appliance to stick them to. Big, powerful magnets on the back hold them in place. And they offer four roomy shelves for all your gear. This is a pack of four, and they come in 15 colors.

“While these work great for cleaning dough off bowls, I now use them for everything. They keep my sponge from getting gummed up, and cleaning these in the dishwasher is so easy.” — Lauren Beach, Elite Daily editor

This soft mesh alternative to the dishcloth just might be perfection. The texture of these cleaning cloths is just abrasive enough to remove stuck-on dough from boards and bowls without hurting your tools. And the airy design washes and dries quickly and easily. They are easy to hold, wash, and use. This is a pack of three in three colors.

“So great for reading in bed or on the couch while keeping your hands warm. The charge lasts a long time, too.” — Lauren Beach, Elite Daily editor

Clip this piece of genius to your Kindle or other e-reader and pull up the covers. You won’t have to keep reaching out to turn the pages. Just press the button in the remote control that’s in your hand. It will turn the page for you. It might feel like an indulgence. But once you try it, you will wonder how you ever survived without it. You can use it to take photos remotely, too. Choose from five colors.

“I love using this effortless passive diffuser as a safe candle alternative. It's also completely hassle-free compared to misting diffusers that require more upkeep.” — Kate Miller, Elite Daily editor

No flames. No power cords. No fancy, expensive commitment to refillable diffusers. Just apply a few drops of whatever scent you like to this passive diffuser to create an easy room freshener. Choose from three shapes — lava rock, a lotus flower, or a sunflower — and set one in the bathroom, another on your bedside table, or scatter them all over the house.

“Perfect for storing small pieces of jewelry and lip balms, this tidies my nightstand without taking up much space.” — Kate Miller, Elite Daily editor

This pretty leaf jewelry dish is both a storage solution and decor. Set it on your dresser so you have a place to drop rings and other pieces of jewelry at the end of the day. Nothing will roll away and get lost, and it will look pretty, even at rest, and make it easy to find what to wear. There are 11 botanical jewelry storage pieces, so you can create a garden of stored jewelry.

“The only garlic press I'll ever use again — simple, easy to clean, ultra-effective.” — Kate Miller, Elite Daily editor

Forget small, inadequate, and hard-to-clean garlic presses. This garlic twister does a better job and comes apart to make cleanup easy. Drop the cloves into the base, put on the top, and twist. The garlic will be minced, then crushed. Keep going till it’s the way you want it. It’s great for ginger, nuts, and other ingredients, too. It comes in three colors.

“I always have this on me. I love the feel of it, the subtle tint, the smell, and how soft it makes my lips.” — Carolyn Menyes, Elite Daily editor

This lip glowy balm is the tasty, hydrating, low-key lip treatment you will apply all day long. It adds a bit of polish, a slight tint, and lots of soothing hydration without making you stop, look for a mirror, and get the application right. Just swipe it on and enjoy the taste — and then the look and feel. Choose from 12 flavors.

“This is small enough to tuck into my bag, and I love the case, which makes this ideal for long days outside or travel.” — Carolyn Menyes, Elite Daily editor

If you don’t bring an umbrella, it will rain. So keep this mini umbrella in your bag to prevent that or, at least, to keep your hair from getting soaked if it does. It is big enough — when open — to keep the rain off or to serve as a sun shelter if you get caught without a hat. But it folds up small and fits into a tiny case to fit in your bag or pocket.

“A cold, dry weather essential. I buy these in bulk.” — Carolyn Menyes, Elite Daily editor

Dry hands are so hard to cure because you are always using them, washing them, and using them again. Stop to pull on this repairing hand mask and relax for 10 minutes. Your hands will soak in the oats and shea butter, getting soft, supple, and happy again. This is a pack of four.

“This works to make my baths deeper than ever. I've had it for a year or two, and the suction cups are still sticking like magic.” — Carolyn Menyes, Elite Daily editor

If your bath is too shallow to enjoy a deep soak, this drain cover is very likely the hack that will give you back this essential moment of relaxation. Stick it over the overflow drain, which is probably set too low. The bath will fill right up to the puckered lips of this adorable cephalopod, adding several inches to the depth of the hot water. It comes in seven colors.

“OK, these do look silly, but I like that. Plus, the silicone material doesn't stick to the eggs, unlike metal egg rings I've used in the past.” — Carolyn Menyes, Elite Daily editor

If you like your eggs to come out of the pan in a perfect circle, these egg rings are the ticket. Cook the eggs inside the cat-shaped rings so the whites don’t run around the pan or need to be scraped up. You can cook several eggs in one pan, fry eggs on a griddle, and more. Lift them off with the tail. There is no reason for them to be this cute, but why not?

“Easy to use, portable, and cute enough to leave out when you're not using it.” — Jen Fiegel, Elite Daily editor

When your shoulders are tight, cramps hit, or a muscle ache needs heat for recovery, this microwave heating pad is your friend. Warm it up in the microwave and nestle it on your aches and pains. It is filled with flax, millet, and clay beads to retain that heat and distribute it where you need it. And it’s so cute, you will probably name it and keep it always within reach. Choose panda, otter, or snow leopard.

“Gentler and more effective on those tough wool pills. It's also more convenient for travel than an electric version.” — Jen Fiegel, Elite Daily editor

When a fine sweater is pilled or is showing loose threads, treat it carefully with this sweater comb. The gentle mesh removes lint, pills, and threads without doing damage or shaving too close. And you don’t have to worry about dead batteries. Keep it where you keep your sweaters for a quick touch-up anytime.

“Easier to fill and clean than the spoon-like infusers, the top even doubles as a saucer. — Jen Fiegel, Elite Daily editor

This tea infuser makes loose tea as easy to brew as a tea bag. Set it over a mug, spoon in the tea, and add hot water. Set the lid on it to trap the heat for a more effective brew. Then set that lid on the table next to your mug and list the strainer into it. Finer teas are easier to brew, and there is no tea bag to throw away.

“When my nails need a rest from polish and some TLC, I apply this in the PM and AM, and they actually feel stronger and less bendy after a few days of treatment.” — Jen Fiegel, Elite Daily editor

This nail-nourishing keratin booster bathes your nails in plant keratin, glycolic acid, gluconolactone, vitamin C, biotin, and silicon to replenish, nourish, and hydrate your nails. Just paint it on up to three times a day and let it soak in. Within a week, your nails will be ready for their next manicure.

“I love considering this kettle a little luxury. Water comes to a boil in less than a minute, and with the push of a button.” — Mallory Moreno, Elite Daily editor

This electric kettle delivers hot water at the push of a button, which makes every day easier and more pleasant. A cup of tea, hot soup, a pour-over coffee, or even a hot washcloth are all so easy to access that you will enjoy all of them more often. You can watch the water boil through the window, and it shuts off automatically when the water boils. It has a built-in water filter. Choose from five colors.

“Dare I say, I don't mind doing the dishes when I'm using a scrub/mommy or daddy. It does the job and then some.” — Mallory Moreno, Elite Daily editor

There’s a good reason that these scrub mommy and scrub daddy sponges have so many fans. They bring a smile to the task. And that smile is functional, cleaning both sides of the utensils at once. One side is soft and absorbent, and the other is abrasive. Choose from seven options.

“Perfect for meal prep, soups, and chicken salad. It's such an upgrade from using basic tongs or forks.” — Mallory Moreno, Elite Daily editor

Shred meats for salads and sandwiches quickly, without hurting your hands, with this clever meat shredder tool that takes all the manual labor out of this common cooking chore. Drop a chicken breast — or whatever needs shredding — on the bed of spikes, replace the spiky lid, and use the big knobs to rotate the spikes and shred the meat.

“It's the perfect size and doesn't take up too much space on the counter, yet holds all my essentials. I love how it looks, too.” — Mallory Moreno, Elite Daily editor

Organizing all the small bottles, pots, and tools on a vanity can be an ongoing challenge. This cute vanity organizer is an ally in this effort. Two drawers hold cosmetics, brushes, and tools, while the shelf on top corrals taller bottles of lotions and serums. It comes with or without a lid.

“I swapped for this over the classic strips, and I'll probably never go back. The results are great too!” — Mallory Moreno, Elite Daily editor

This teeth whitening kit uses the same type of LED light-activated whitening trays you might encounter in a dentist’s chair. It’s easier and faster than those teeth whitening strips, too. Paint your teeth with the 35% carbamide peroxide solution pens, wear the light trays for a few minutes, and watch your smile sparkle.

“I adore being able to sit on the couch while I remove makeup.” — Cassandra Seale, Elite Daily editor

Slather this buttery cleansing balm all over your face and enjoy the feeling of hydration as it melts into your skin. Then wipe it away, and it will take all your makeup with it without stripping away that moisture. Choose from 19 formulas.

“K-beauty stan — Jumiso is excellent and inexpensive. My skin soaks up the serum and loves it.” — Cassandra Seale, Elite Daily editor

This Korean, All Day Vitamin serum is a delicious drink for your visage. It curates a perfect water and oil balance designed to treat hyperpigmentation, balance uneven skin tone, eliminate dullness, and shrink pores. It’s so light, your skin will absorb it quickly and brighten right up.

“Having a dedicated home for my glasses has made it so much easier to keep track of them.” — Cassandra Seale, Elite Daily editor

Set this eyeglass holder stand on your bedside table, next to your favorite reading chair, or in front of your cookbook stand so your glasses are always right where you need them. Having a dedicated place for them makes it easy to create a habit of putting them there. The fuzzy lining helps to keep them clean. And this is a pack of two. Choose from two colors.

“These work so well and last absolutely forever.” — Cassandra Seale, Elite Daily editor

Keep these crystal nail files handy — at your desk, in your bag, in your manicure kit — so you can deal with a broken nail when it happens or do a full mani whenever you have the time. The glass crystal won’t wear away like cardboard files, and each one of these three nail files comes in a tidy package that’s small enough to stash anywhere.

“I love using a nail concealer as a basic pink polish. It's easy to apply while I let my nails heal from gel.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

This nail concealer gives your nails a light wash of color while it feeds them celery and cucumber extract and vitamins A and E to strengthen nails, soften cuticles, and help your nails get healthy between manicures. It’s easy to apply and looks polished yet subtle. Choose from three colors.

“These are so useful!” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Sometimes, packaging is more than just pretty. These car tissues are packed into a clever cylinder that fits perfectly into your car’s cup holder, so there is always a fresh hanky within reach. And the pretty exterior looks cute in the car. This is an four-pack, in an assortment of patterns, so you can drop one into every cup holder that needs it.

“This is such an easy way to store my knives. I like that it saves me drawer space too.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Every knife is both a tool and a work of art. This magnetic knife strip lets you store them out in the open where other people can admire them, and you can reach for one with a single gesture when you need one. Wash the knife and stick it right back to the metal bar to dry, too. Choose from three sizes.

“I swear by these space saver bags for my off-season clothes. They were also life-savers during a recent move.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Fill these vacuum storage bags with clothes, pillows, and blankets. Then pull all the air of the bag with the included pump or your own vacuum cleaner. The bag — and everything in it — will reduce to a fraction of its original size and become so much easier to move or store. Choose from four sizes.

“I get horrible snarls in my hair, and this has changed the game for me.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

The slick, flexible bristles of this hair brush glide through hair, unknotting snarls without pulling out hair, so you can brush your hair without pain. It works quickly. It’s gentle. And the handle is ergonomic so you can get a good grip on it. It’s so gentle, you can use it on wet or dry hair. Choose from 19 color options.

“I have a really dry scalp, and I never go without a scalp brush now.” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

Next time you shampoo, tick this silicone scalp massager into your palm and give your scalp a thorough, invigorating scrub. It will stimulate your scalp, remove dead skin, and feel amazing. You will come away with softer hair and a happier head. It comes in five muted colors.

“I swear my rug used to curl all the time because of how close it was to my door — now it stays flat and looks so much nicer (and is safer, too).” — Amy Biggart, Elite Daily editor

It’s so easy to fix the curling corners of a rug with this rug gripper kit. Peel and stick the grippy, weighted corners to the corners of the rug and press it to the floor. It will hold the corners down and stop the rug from slipping around. This is an eight-pack, so you can do two rugs.