50 genius things that seem expensive but are actually bargains on Amazon

Now you can pat yourself on the back for shopping smart.

Shopping
ByClaire Epting
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Online shopping can be a lot like treasure hunting. It takes a while to sort through all the average, run-of-the-mill products, but it makes finding a true gem much more worth it. I’m talking about genius items that seem expensive, but are surprisingly really, really good deals. They’re out there, and I’ve assembled a ton for you to peruse. From luxurious home upgrades to brilliant storage solutions, here are some of the best bargains on Amazon.

01

A set of highly rated grocery totes that are sturdier than the rest

Instead of pulling those flimsy bags out every time you go to the grocery store, invest in a set of nice reusable totes. Designed with durable straps and sturdy bottoms, the woven fabric bags won’t rip or sag when you load them up with food. In fact, each one can support up to 45 pounds — so you can rest assured they won’t fall apart as you transport your groceries to your door. The set is a fan favorite, having earned a 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon.

  • Available colors: 6

02

These cozy microfiber sheets that feel so luxurious

This brushed microfiber sheet set can make any bed feel like it belongs in a luxurious hotel — and it’s earned more than 100,000 perfect five-star reviews. Available in calming shades like gray, beige, and light blue, the sheets simply elevate the look of your bedroom. Cozy enough for the winter but lightweight enough for the summer, this set provides year-round comfort.

  • Available sizes: Twin — California King
  • Available colors: 7

03

The quilted mattress pad that makes your bed so much comfier

Don’t settle for an average night’s sleep — this quilted mattress pad ensures your bed is as comfy as can be. It’s filled with a fluffy microfiber down alternative that adds a layer of softness to any mattress. The skin-friendly cotton cover is lightweight and breathable — not to mention, it’s easy to clean by tossing it in the washing machine. One happy reviewer wrote, “The top adds another layer of comfort to contour to your sleep position. The cover makes hitting the hay a treat.”

  • Available colors: 4
  • Available sizes: Twin — California King

04

A rustic buffalo plaid rug that you can throw in the wash

The chunky buffalo plaid pattern on this large outdoor rug gives it a rustic, inviting feel. Perfect for layering, the weatherproof piece looks great beneath a coir welcome mat. Not to mention, it’s so easy to clean — just toss it inside the included laundry bag and place in the washing machine.

  • Available sizes: 4

05

These cooling pillows that are as soft as clouds

There’s a reason why so many customers have likened their experience using these pillows to “sleeping on a cloud” — they’re really that soft. The breathable cotton cover is stuffed with a gel-infused down alternative, which creates a cooling effect as you sleep. Once you’ve tried these, you’ll swear off flat, lumpy pillows for good.

  • Available sizes: Queen, King

06

This waffle-weave towel set that’s so absorbent & soft

Lightweight, absorbent, and oh-so soft, these waffle-weave towels may quickly replace your terry-cotton ones. The microfiber fabric is gentle on the skin, effortlessly soaking up water and quickly drying afterwards. This set comes with two full-size towels, two hand towels, and a pair of washcloths, all for a budget-friendly price. Choose from a handful of calming, spa-inspired colors.

  • Available colors: 5

07

This farmhouse-style butter dish that’s so charming

It’s always nice to have a softened stick of butter on your countertop for spreading atop bread, muffins, and more. This steel dish holds up to two sticks at once, and the thick bamboo lid ensures that they stay fresh. With farmhouse-style lettering and a powder-coated finish, the tray adds a charming touch to any kitchen table or countertop.

08

A stone bath mat with a subtle geometric pattern

This bath mat is made from diatomaceous earth for a modern, natural take on the standard rug. It has a rubber backing that keeps it from slipping across your floor as you exit the shower. Not to mention, the ultra-absorbent mat features one of three subtle geometric patterns, adding a cool texture to your bathroom’s decor.

  • Available colors and patterns: 3

09

This magnetic knife bar that’s so sleek & sophisticated

Swap out your bulky knife block for this wall-mounted bar made of stainless steel. The magnetic fixture keeps your blades securely in place and at the ready, so you can easily grab what you need while cooking. In addition to stainless steel, the knife bar also comes in matte black and natural bamboo designs.

  • Available sizes: 10 inches, 16 inches
  • Available colors: bamboo, black, stainless steel

10

These LED lights that illuminate the border of your mirror

If you’ve ever dreamed of having an old Hollywood-style vanity mirror, here’s your chance. These LED lights adhere to the border of your bathroom mirror, evenly illuminating your face as you apply makeup, shave, or perform your skin-care routine. The inline remote allows you to easily control the brightness and warmth of the light for a more customized experience.

11

An automatic lsoap dispenser that feels so fancy

Automatically dispensing the perfect amount of soap into your hand, this sleek liquid dispenser will make your bathroom feel like it belongs in a fancy hotel. Just fill the basin and choose one of five volume options — the higher the level, the more soap will come out. The infrared motion technology detects the presence of your palm — no pressing or pushing required.

12

These under-cabinet lights that make your kitchen look high end

It may be a simple thing, but adding this LED light strip underneath your cupboards will make your kitchen feel so much nicer. The power button is conveniently located on the battery pack — a single tap turns the lights on and off. Measuring 3 feet, the light strip is long enough to extend beneath most cabinets. Use them inside cabinets for easy illumination, too.

  • Available multipacks: 4

13

The space-saving charging dock for up to 4 devices

Ideal for families and roommates, this charging dock is equipped with four individual ports and an assortment of short power cables. Clear dividers keep the devices separated as they charge, making it easy for anyone to grab their smartphone or tablet when they need it. Measuring just 6 inches long, the dock is much more space-efficient than a power strip.

14

These granite stones that keep your whiskey perfectly chilled

The trouble with ice cubes is, as they melt, they dilute your drink. That’s why these granite stones are a worthwhile investment for any whiskey fan — they chill your liquor without removing its bite. The set of six cubes comes in a sleek wooden tray, which can be placed directly in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your whiskey (or any other drink, for that matter), simply plop a few stones in your glass and pour.

  • Available colors: 4

15

This ceramic & bamboo canister that comes in so many colors & sizes

This airtight food canister is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. Made of sturdy ceramic, each jar is designed to hold dry goods such as pasta, coffee beans, and rice. A tightly sealing bamboo lid ensures your food stays fresh as it sits on your counter. Choose from over a dozen vibrant shades, including turquoise, lilac, and sunshine yellow.

  • Available sizes: 6
  • Available colors: 17

16

This tiny smart speaker that still manages to fill the room with sound

Sometimes good things come in small packages. Case in point? The Echo Pop smart speaker, which packs a lot of sound despite it’s compact footprint. The Alexa-enabled device allows you to effortlessly switch between songs, adjust the volume, and shuffle your tunes with nothing but a simple voice command. Plus, you can use it to set timers, check the weather, and so much more.

  • Available colors: 4

17

Some shatterproof lidded jars for your toiletry essentials

Since these versatile jars are made of durable plastic — not glass — you can rest assured that they won’t shatter if accidentally dropped. Each one comes with a wooden lid that keeps your toiletry items dry and dust free. Fill each jar with cotton swabs, makeup remover pads, cotton balls, bath soak, or anything else you desire.

  • Available multipacks: 6

18

A digital meat thermometer with an easy-to-read backlit screen

You shouldn’t have any trouble reading this meat thermometer when grilling outside at night, as its large LCD screen is backlit for easy viewing. It can read temperatures ranging from -58 all the way up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit — and the waterproof design means you can safely rinse it under running water when dirty.

19

A ceramic sponge holder with an elegant look

Featuring an elegant raised pattern along its surface, this ceramic sponge holder is a little thing that can make a big impact in your kitchen. Its deep base catches drips and spills, while the generously sized slot accommodates sponges, large and small. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean out any dirt or gunk that builds up.

20

This insulated water bottle that comes in lots of cool patterns

Designed with triple-insulated stainless steel walls, this water bottle isn’t messing around. Hot drinks stay warm for up to 12 hours, while cold drinks remained chilled for up to 24 hours. Pick from a wide variety of solid colors as well as cool ombré and marbled patterns — there’s bound to be one that fits your aesthetic.

  • Available sizes: 25 ounces — 64 ounces
  • Available colors and patterns: 16

21

A whisper-quiet essential oil diffuser with a collection of 10 fragrances

This essential oil diffuser makes a lovely addition to any room — it’s whisper-quiet and provides up to eight hours of soothing scented mist on a single fill. The wood-grain exterior blends in with any decor, while the color-changing LED light contributes to the calming ambience. Even better, it comes with a set of 10 essential oils to get you started.

22

This sophisticated smart watch band made of genuine leather

Made of genuine leather, this smart watch band gives your device a distinguished, sophisticated look. It comes in a wide range of brown and beige hues, as well as more vibrant tones of pink, blue, and red. The band attaches to your watch with a set of stainless steel adapters that securely lock into place. Plus, it’s easily adjustable, so you can create the perfect fit.

  • Available colors: 43

23

The compact food processor that’s great for small spaces

If shelf space is at a premium in your kitchen, you’ll love to know that this mini food processor exists. Perfect for chopping or grinding nuts, veggies, and herbs, the compact unit gets the job done without taking up too much room in your cupboard. A built-in handle allows you to easily transport your ingredients from the 24-ounce jar to a mixing bowl or dish.

  • Available colors: 5

24

A wallet-friendly bidet attachment that’s so easy to install

A bidet doesn’t have to be a luxury — this one is wallet-friendly and doesn’t take a lot of hassle to set up. Equipped with a dial that allows you to precisely control the water pressure, the no-frills attachment hooks up to your toilet in minutes. To adjust the angle of the stream, just toggle the switch located at the top of the panel —that’s all there is to it.

25

These packing cubes that help you fit even more inside your suitcase

Not only can these packing cubes help you fit even more stuff inside your suitcase, but their see-through mesh tops also make it easy to see what’s inside of each one without having to open them up. The best part? Each order also comes with a drawstring laundry bag you can use to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.

26

This glass carafe that makes cold brew in your home fridge

Looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy a fresh glass of chilled coffee in the mornings? This glass cold brew carafe is the way to go. Designed with a removable stainless steel filter, it brews up to four cups of coffee over the course of 12 hours. Just add in the grounds, place the pitcher in your fridge, and let it infuse overnight.

27

A cotton rope basket that holds your bathroom essentials

Perfect for toilet paper rolls, spare hand towels, a bottle of lotion, or even an essential oil diffuser, this rustic cotton rope basket is perfect for setting atop your toilet or bathroom counter. Designed with a pair of sturdy faux leather handles, the caddy is easy to move around as needed. It may be a small addition, but it can really help your bathroom look tidier and more put together.

  • Available colors: 8

28

These gap fillers that add storage space to your car’s front seats

Tired of losing items between the seats in your car? Put these gap fillers inside, and you’ll instantly have extra storage space for phones, sunglasses, cash, and more. They’re made from sleek vegan leather that comes in four colors: black, grey, black with red stitching, as well as tan. Plus, you also get a set of spacers that you can use to ensure a snug, stable fit.

29

A fluffy comforter that’ll make you never want to get out of bed

Filled with a soft down alternative, this quilted comforter makes any bed feel so much more luxurious — like you’re staying at a five-star hotel. It contains more filling than standard comforters and the box stitching keeps everything in place. Not to mention, its lightweight yet cozy design makes it ideal for year-round use. One reviewer raved, “I have been looking for that “hotel comforter” and this is exactly what it is. It’s so comfortable, soft, and fluffy.”

  • Available sizes: Queen — California King
  • Available colors: 5

30

The electric cleansing brush that comes with a variety of attachments

This handheld cleansing brush is a great tool to have in your skin-care arsenal — it comes complete with seven different attachments that target different areas of your body and face. Use the silicone brush head and makeup sponge on your face, the rolling massage head on your neck and shoulders, and the pumice stone on your feet. Each one rotates thanks to a powerful, battery-operated motor located within the handle.

  • Available colors: 8

31

This bamboo spice bowl with a swiveling magnetic lid

Made of sleek bamboo, this spice bowl adds a nice touch to your kitchen counter — but it’s also incredibly functional. Perfect for holding salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend, the bowl is constructed with a swiveling magnetic lid that ensures your seasonings remain fresh until you’re ready to sprinkle them into your recipe.

32

The shatterproof bins that help keep your fridge organized

Losing items in the back of your fridge is an easy way to wind up with spoiled food, so why not get organized with these bins? They’re made from shatterproof plastic that’s BPA-free, and feature handles on the front so that they’re easy to pull out. Plus, their transparent walls let you see what’s inside each one at a glance.

33

This stainless steel shower shelf that’s easy to install

There’s no need for any drilling when installing this shower shelf, as each order comes with waterproof adhesive that lets you stick it right into place on your tile walls. The stainless steel frame is also resistant to rust so that it stays looking good — even inside of humid bathrooms. Choose from two finishes: polished silver or matte black.

34

These charming outdoor lanterns that are solar-powered

While these rustic lanterns may look like antiques, they’re actually quite modern. They’re solar-powered, so you don’t have to plug them in or add batteries. Inside these windowpane-style lanterns, there’s an LED pillar “candle” that adds a warm, ambient glow. Set them on any surface, or use the hook to hang them.

35

These woven pillow covers that add a unique texture to your couch

Featuring a woven linen-like texture, these pillow covers offer an easy, wallet-friendly way to update the look of your sofa. There are several different hues to pick from, including dark coffee, light blue, and mustard yellow. Perhaps the best part? When you’re ready to switch up the look of your couch again, all you have to do is zip off the covers and replace them with a different color.

  • Available sizes: 5
  • Available colors: 18

36

This slide-out cabinet organizer that makes it easy to reach items in the back

Made of sleek stainless steel, this pull-out cabinet organizer makes it easy to reach the things that live at the back of your kitchen cabinets. Simply place your cookware, spice jars, or cleaning supplies on the rack, then use the handle to slide them in and out of your cupboard. This way, you can easily grab whatever you need without having to reach all the way in.

  • Available colors: 6

37

A ventilated box that’s perfect for hiding cable clutter

Got a bundle of unsightly wires sitting out in the open? Then this box is definitely worth a look. Not only is it great for hiding cable clutter, but it also features ventilation holes on the top to help keep power strips from overheating. There are multiple slats in the back that let you thread wires through — and you even have the choice of three colors: white, black, or white with a faux wood top.

38

These glass dispenser bottles that are perfect for drizzling olive oil

These glass dispenser bottles add a sophisticated touch to your kitchen counter, while also keeping your olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the ready. The narrow stainless steel spout provides a perfect pour every time, allowing you to drizzle these cooking liquids over your salad or into your frying pan. You also get a stainless steel funnel, which helps you refill each bottle without any mess.

  • Available colors: 3

39

A stainless steel drain protector that can help you save money

A visit from the plumber can set you back hundreds of dollars, so why not help your pipes stay clear by using this drain protector? It’s made from sleek stainless steel that’s resistant to rust — and cleaning it out is as easy as swiping a finger around the top, then tossing all the collected bits of debris into the trash.

40

This microneedling roller that helps rejuvenate your skin

One way to incorporate regular exfoliation into your skin-care routine? Microneedling. And it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of time or effort — this wallet-friendly tool makes it oh-so easy. The small needles on the rolling head slough away dead cells and encourage new collagen production. Even just using it once a week is enough to promote a smooth, glowy complexion.

41

The aromatherapeutic pillow mist made with natural essential oils

Envelop your bedroom in a calming veil of scent with just a few spritzes of this aromatherapeutic mist. Blended with natural essential oils, the botanical spray adds a light, lingering fragrance to your pillows, bedsheets, and furniture. Choose from lavender, amber cashmere, and warm cedar aromas.

  • Available scents: 4

42

A Bluetooth keyboard that’s compatible with tablets

Typing on your tablet touchscreen is rarely ever easy — instead, use this Bluetooth keyboard. It’s compatible with nearly any tablet, and features hot keys that let you easily adjust your tablet’s volume, brightness, and more. Each order also comes with two AAA batteries included.

43

These stainless steel wall hooks that elevate your bathroom

One way to instantly elevate your bathroom’s decor? Install these stainless steel wall hooks that instantly increase your storage possibilities. Available in brushed metal and matte black finishes, the small but sturdy hooks have a sophisticated, luxe appearance. Use them to hold washcloths, hair towels, shower loofahs, and more.

  • Available colors: 7

44

A soy-based polish remover that’s gentle on nails

Place your Qi-enabled smartphone on this wireless charger, and it’ll get it powered up in no time at all. An LED indicator light lets you know when your phone is successfully connected — and unlike some wireless chargers, this one is strong enough that there’s no need to remove your phone case in order for it to work.

45

This sleek metal tissue box cover that looks nicer than cardboard

While it’s a small adjustment, placing your box of tissues inside this metal cover will make any room look so much nicer. Available in matte black and gray shades as well as lustrous silver and rose gold, the sleek box cover blends effortlessly with your existing decor. An open bottom makes it easy to swap out the tissue box as needed.

  • Available colors: 4

46

A bamboo drawer insert that organizes your plastic food storage bags

If your drawer is currently overflowing with zip-up plastic bags, you should check out this clever drawer insert. Made of sleek bamboo, the insert offers four slots for food storage bags of different sizes. Just pull the bag up through the opening — the rest stay perfectly organized inside your drawer (so much better than a mishmash of boxes). Genius.

47

This salt scrub blended with lychee & sweet almond oils

This exfoliating Himalayan salt scrub isn’t just deeply cleansing — it’s also infused with lychee and sweet almond oils, both of which boost your skin’s hydration levels. Simply massage it all over your body the next time you’re in the shower, then rinse it off to reveal the refreshed, moisturized, and lightly scented skin underneath.

48

The brilliant kitchen gadget that whips up omelets & frittatas fast

Tired of your usual bowl of cereal or bagel with cream cheese? This personal omelet press makes it easy to whip up filling, protein-rich breakfasts in just a few minutes. Also great for making pizza pockets, frittatas, and turnovers, the versatile press heats up quickly and features a nonstick coating for hassle-free cleanup.

  • Available colors: 7

49

A set of 6 elegant glass mugs for cold & hot drinks

Whether you like a piping hot mug of coffee or a cup of iced tea, these glass mugs will suit your needs perfectly — and the set of six is an easy way to level up your dishware. The mugs’ insulated design ensures that your beverages remain at your preferred temperature as you sip. The sturdy handle remains cool to the touch, even when the liquid inside the mug is hot.

50

These organizer bins that you can customize to fit inside nearly any drawer

From office supplies to toiletries, these bins are great for organizing all sorts of items. Each order comes with 25 in varying sizes, making it easy to customize them to fit inside of nearly any drawer — and you even get a set of nonslip pads that you can use to help keep them from shifting out of place.