Here are the best cheap gifts on Amazon & they're selling fast

Neat little things for everyone on your list.

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

It’s fun to spend time contemplating what small item will brighten the days of our friends and family. But it’s easy to feel tapped out — financially and creatively — after a few brilliant insights and clever discoveries.

Whether you’re trying to find the right gift for your book club friend or your coworker, there’s something for everyone on your list — and it doesn’t have to be expensive or hard to find. All you have to do is click, and you’ll be the one who crushed it at gift-giving this year.

01

A dry bag so you can take your gear on the water

If you want to take your gear out onto the water — paddle boarding, kayaking, or boating — you need a dry bag to keep it from getting wet. This waterproof dry bag is completely submersible and, if you lock some air into it, will float so you don’t lose anything. It comes in three sizes and three colors that fit everything from your cell phone and wallet to a couple of towels.

02

These insulated coffee mugs that keep your beverage warm

Tired of pouring a cup of coffee, getting caught up online while it cools, and drinking it cold because you timed it wrong? Pour your hot beverage into one of these two unbreakable, stainless steel insulated mugs, and take your time. They keep a hot beverage warm for hours. The lid holds in heat and prevents splashes. They come in 14 colors.

03

This knife sharpener that anyone can use

For anyone with a kitchen, the struggle to keep the knives sharp is real. And this little knife sharpener is the tool for the job. It suctions to the counter with a push of the lever and holds still while you drag the blade through the sharpening slot to put a fine edge on everything from that often-used chef’s knife to the serrated bread knife and kitchen shears. It comes in four colors.

04

The car trash can that keeps your ride cleaner

Know someone with a messy car? The trick to having a cleaner car is not only to commit to cleaning it more... having a better system can prevent most of the mess. This car trash can catches the biggest culprit: trash. When you are driving, you have to toss that empty coffee cup or food wrapper somewhere. If you have this roomy container hanging from the back of the passenger seat, that place won’t be the back seat or floor. It’s waterproof, holds two gallons, comes with 20 liners, and has pockets for napkins, wipes, and other sundries.

05

A tablet stand pillow that’s ideal for reading or watching in bed

Anyone who loves to game, work, or watch their latest obsession on a tablet probably does that from bed or the couch. And when they do, they will relish in how comfortable they are when using this tablet pillow stand. It holds the tablet at just the right angle, gripping it in place with a fabric lip. There are pockets for a stylus, glasses, and other accessories. You can unfold it to create a surface that’s perfect for a keyboard, too.

“It makes using tablets and books more comfortable,” said one reviewer. “I like the pockets for a small notepad and pen.”

06

A camping pillow that packs up super small

Anyone who camps knows the problem: You want to sleep comfortably but don’t want to lug around all your bedding. This camping pillow solves that dilemma for good. It’s comfortable but also packable. It squishes down to fit in the included waterproof pouch but fluffs up for easy sleeping in a tent or hammock as well as on a plane, train, or car.

07

This huge travel mug that keeps drinks hot for 10 hours

Bring up to 50 ounces (that’s more than 6 cups) of your favorite cold or hot drink on the go in this stainless steel tumbler. Since it’s vacuum-sealed, it will keep beverages hot for 10 hours and cold for 36 hours without the annoyance of condensation. Two lids and a straw are included so you can sip as you please.

  • Available colors: 15
  • Available sizes: 3

08

A microwaveable popcorn popper that collapses for storage

Bulky air poppers can take up a ton of cabinet space — instead, give this microwaveable version a try. It can hold up to 15 cups of popcorn, making it great for movie nights at home, or even just making a quick snack. Plus, the collapsible design makes it easy to stash inside a cabinet or drawer.

09

These packing cubes that optimize your suitcase

This set of five packing cubes is an advanced travel tool that streamlines every suitcase. Pack sweaters or pants in the large zippered cube, tops in the middle-sized ones, and underwear in the littlest. Use the bag for shoes or dirty laundry. As you travel, you’ll know where everything is, never need to unpack to get organized, and have no fear of opening that suitcase at the airport.

“Love, love, love these traveling cubes,” said one reviewer. “I WON’T travel without them and I have bought many for gifts that are well received.”

10

This filterless carafe for making delicious pour-over coffee

If you can boil water, you can make great coffee, and in the case of this sleek pour-over setup, you can do it without paper filters. The carafe is made of heat-resistant glass with a stay-cool soft collar grip, and it features a fine mesh reusable stainless steel filter that rinses clean. Plus, the compact size takes up minimal storage space — and is perfect for small batches.

11

This snap-on pot strainer that replaces your colander

That huge, hard-to-clean colander that requires an empty sink and perfect aim is not the only way to strain a pot. This clip-on pot strainer lets you pour with one hand into whatever is in the sink, with no need to hit a target. It’s flexible so it fits all your pans and wins five stars from over 21,000 people who said it’s convenient, a time-saver, and versatile. It goes right in the dishwasher for cleanup.

12

The popcorn popper that makes a fresh snack in minutes

This microwave popcorn popper is a surefire way into any popcorn lover’s heart. Making popcorn — with your own kernels, oil, and seasonings — becomes a two-minute endeavor with almost no cleanup. Just add oil and kernels to the well in the bottom, microwave, and eat.

“[Life]-changing,” said one of 20,000 five-star reviewers. “You can make a healthy snack in minutes without ... shaking a heavy pot over a hot stove. It tastes 100X better than pre-packaged microwave popcorn and is healthier and better for the environment.”

13

This little elephant that’s a stopper for your wine bottle

This adorable elephant standing on a ball goes into an opened wine bottle and makes a festive, airtight seal that’s easy to get in and out of the bottle. This wine stopper is the perfect small gift for anyone who likes wine or ever needs to serve it. It will get a laugh when you gift it and earn a permanent place in the kitchen.

14

This 2-pack of insulated stainless steel coffee cups

Each of these 14-ounce coffee cups is made with double-wall stainless steel that’s insulated in order to keep your beverage hot (or cold). They each have a built-in handle for easy sipping, along with a lid that’s vented and spillproof. The pack is available in 14 colors.

15

This pizza paddle with a handy folding handle

Getting a pizza, loaf of bread, or any large and hot item out of the oven is a challenge with most tools in the kitchen. But this pizza paddle makes it easy. Slide it under the pie and lift it right out with no mess or burns. Then slide that pie off and onto a cutting board. The handle folds away for easy storage and it’s a handy BBQ tool, too. Many of the nearly 4,000 five-star reviewers agreed.

16

The quick way to a tasty pancake breakfast

Ready for an easy and delicious breakfast? Give anyone in your house (yourself included) this pancake batter dispenser. Making pancakes becomes so easy you can do it on the bleariest of mornings. Fill the jar with ingredients, add the mixing ball, shake, and squirt the batter onto the griddle. You can even store premade batter in the fridge.

17

These clever tongs for easily grabbing toast

Keep these bamboo toaster tongs near the toaster and you will never burn your fingers removing cheese toast again. They grab the bread, are heat resistant, and look adorable in the kitchen. The teeth in the grabbing part give them traction and they are long enough to keep your fingers safe.

18

A fan-favorite waffle maker for experiments with waffling

Most people can benefit from a waffle maker. They’re ideal for making waffles, sure. But they are also the key to discovering what else — mac and cheese, pizza, cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, the list goes on — can be waffled. That makes this a lovely gift. It has an 8-inch nonstick plate, lets you customize the heat level for various foods, and is small enough to tuck onto a shelf when the waffling is over. Nearly 30,000 people gave it five stars.

19

These personal book lights so you can keep reading after lights out

If you have readers, crafters, painters, or knitters in your circle, make them happy with the gift of light. This two-pack of lightweight, rechargeable book lights lets its user keep doing what they love after everyone else demands lights out. There is white, daylight, or amber-colored light to choose from to suit the eyes and mood. A flexible, 7-inch neck points the beam right where it’s needed.

20

The reusable straws people say are the best

If reducing the impact of single-use plastics is on your to-do list, grab this 10-pack of silicone reusable drinking straws for yourself or anyone else to help resist plastic straws. They fit most reusable tumblers, go in the dishwasher, come with a cleaning brush and storage bag, and don’t melt like the paper kind.

“I love these straws so much that I give them as gifts,” said one reviewer. “No chemical flavor, easily portable, soft and bendable but spring right back into shape ... they are perfect.”

21

These bear claws that let you tear through meat

Anyone who barbecues, smokes large pieces of meat, or enjoys pulled pork, will love these meat claws that let them attack any of those projects with the strength and tearing power of Wolverine. These claws make a wrist-wrecking task fast, easy, and gentle on the hands.

“[These] pull an entire pork shoulder into shreds in just a couple of minutes, versus ... 10 to 15 minutes of work using two forks,” said one reviewer.

22

The stackable steamer baskets that make a beautiful meal in minutes

This stackable bamboo steamer basket is beautiful and adds a natural element to the look of a kitchen, and it will cook a healthy meal in minutes. Layer potstickers, vegetables, fish, and chicken in the baskets, set them in a pan with a bit of water in it, and steam dinner. You can serve right from them, too. This set includes two 10-inch steamer baskets, chopsticks, 50 basket liners, and a ceramic dipping sauce dish.

23

A huge water bottle with two lids and a carry handle

This big, 1-gallon water bottle is the perfect tool for improving hydration. With motivational markers so you know when you need to sip and two lids — one with a straw and one for chugging — to make intake easy, it’s everything you need for a day. It comes with a cleaning brush for convenience.

“This was a gift for my son and he loved it,” said one reviewer. “The handle is an amazing feature ... That much water is heavy, but the handle makes it easy.”

24

A meat tenderizer that’s a cook’s best friend

Turning a chicken breast into a cutlet, tenderizing a delicate pork loin, and crushing nuts or garlic all require the chef to use one humble tool along the way: a meat tenderizer. This hefty meat mallet is what a good kitchen needs. The heavy end has a spiked side for tenderizing and a flat one for hammering and thinning. The grippy handle prevents accidental drops, there’s a nonstick coating, and it can go in the dishwasher for cleanup.

25

These soft Bluetooth headphones for sleep or sports

Whether you’re taking a nap or going on a jog, these soft, breathable headphones can provide any music you prefer. They’re compatible with Bluetooth and even have a built-in microphone for calls. Plus, after being charged for two hours, they’ll provide 10 hours of music.

26

These giant ice ball makers for the best craft cocktails

When pulling together impressive craft cocktails, the ice cube is an essential ingredient. A big, solid ball or huge cube of ice melts slowly, looks beautiful, and takes any beverage up a notch. This set of two ice trays delivers six ice balls and six 2-inch square cubes right from the freezer. The flexible silicone trays make releasing the ice easy and it comes with a funnel so you can fill the round molds completely.

27

This brightness-adjustable ring light that clips onto your phone or laptop

This ring light — which is rechargeable via USB — is built to clip onto your phone or laptop with ease to help brighten the view (whether you’re on a video call or taking a selfie). It has three LED modes including warm, daylight, and white — and there are various brightness settings to choose from.

28

A waterproof toilet paper roll holder that’s great for camping

Next time you go camping, you can help ensure your toilet paper stays protected with the help of this toilet paper roll holder that’s lined with waterproof polyester. Its case is designed to keep a toilet paper roll sturdy while allowing the roll to spin, thanks to the durable inner structure — and the built-in strap makes it simple to store.

29

These high-quality chef knives for a kitchen upgrade

Whether you’re updating your utensils or getting into cooking, this three-piece chef knife set is a durable kitchen addition. Each one — the pairing knife, utility knife, and chef knife — is made with high-quality carbon stainless steel and has an ergonomic nonslip grip to help with sturdy food prep.

30

This pro-level baking hack for pristine, even cakes

These cake strips are a well-kept secret that baking pros use to make a cake bake evenly, with no cracks or crusty edges. Soak them in water and wrap the pan with them before you put it in the oven. It insulates the edge so that the batter all cooks evenly and you get a perfectly flat and even cake.

“Game changer,” said one reviewer. “These cake strips help your baked goods cook evenly. I can’t believe I just found out about them.”

31

A bright, bug-shaped flashlight with flexible legs

Thanks to the flexible legs of this bug-shaped flashlight, you can shine the built-in light in any direction you’d like — whether you’re reading at night, fixing something around the house, or traveling. The LED light has two settings (high and low) and it can work for up to 22 hours, depending on the setting you use. Plus, it’s available in eight colors and has a 4.5-star Amazon rating.

32

This set of stainless steel tools to elevate your food stying

This set of stainless steel tools will take your food presentation skills from novice to pro. Whether you want to balance a delicate garnish atop an entree, or to decorate a cake with precision, the 12-piece set includes everything you need, including various size tweezers, spoons, scrapers, and a spatula.

33

This milk frother that brings your café coffee home

Anyone who loves a delicious, foamy coffee beverage needs to know that the foam is imminently doable in your own kitchen and requires no expensive machinery. Just dip the rapidly spinning whisk on the business end of this milk frother into the milk of your choice and it will turn that cold (or warm) liquid into foam. It sits in its own stand on your counter, costs $12, and runs on batteries.

34

A 6-pack of night lights with built-in outlets for plugging in other items

Unlike traditional night lights that often render two outlets unusable, these LED night lights are compact and free of glare. The night lights cast a soft glow, and have energy-efficient dusk-to-dawn sensors that turn on and off automatically, no matter where you position them.

35

This burger press so you can churn out perfect burgers every time

Anyone who loves making burgers will also love not having to form those burgers by hand. This aluminum burger press will turn you into a burger-making machine. Just spoon the ground meat mixture into the dish and press it into a burger shape with the top. You will be churning out perfect, evenly-sized burgers with perfect grill lines. Reviewers love how easy it is.

“I was finally able to make a round hamburger that didn’t swell up in the middle!” said one.

36

The aerator that makes any wine taste more expensive

The simple act of pouring from the bottle into your glass using this wine aerator will improve the flavor of your wine. It adds the ideal amount of oxygen to the wine, which softens the tannins and releases the aromas so that you can more easily taste subtle flavors. This makes every wine more enjoyable, and the simple act will make cheap wine taste like you spent more money on it. This is a two-pack.

37

This fanny pack that secures your essentials on jogs

This adjustable fanny pack is designed with pockets to secure your essentials while running, whether it’s cash, your phone, or credit cards. There’s even an earphone hole where you can wire earphones through for simple listening, along with a built-in reflection strip. Choose from black, blue, or pink.

38

This automatic bottle opener that works like magic

This automatic bottle opener does its job quickly, and almost magically. Just press it over the top of a bottle and it takes the lid off with no effort, magnetically grabbing the cap so it doesn’t land on the floor. It doesn’t bend the caps, either, so you can use those in your collection or for crafts.

39

These helpful corn holders that turn your meal into a sight gag

When it’s time to eat corn on the cob, don’t burn your fingers. Turn the experience into a sight gag instead by sticking these companion dog corn holders into each end of the cob. They give your fingers something cool and cute to hold onto, turn your corn into a dog’s body, and make the meal lots more fun... as well as funny. This is a pack of eight and there are five animals and shapes to choose from.

40

This under-desk headset hook that can also be used for purses

Whether you’re displaying your go-to pair of headphones or your purse at your desk, this hook can help. It’s able to clamp onto any edge that’s 40 millimeters thick (max), and the bottom section swivels so you can easily access your items. Choose from seven colors.

41

These silicone twist ties that are magnetic

Not only can these silicone twist ties be used to organize cables like charging wires and headphones, but they can also be used as fridge magnets, thanks to the magnetic end pieces. Each one is flexible as well as durable, and one pack has over 11,000 five-star ratings.

42

This sink splashguard that catches drips around your faucet

If you dread wiping down the slimy, sometimes smelly area around your kitchen’s sink faucet, this flexible splash guard catches soapy water, then drains back into your sink to keep things clean and tidy. Made from silicone, it has raised edges and a textured surface that lets it function as a mat for corraling dish soap and cleaning tools.

  • Available sizes: 2
  • Available colors: 4

43

This silicone strainer that clips onto your pots & bowls

Unlike larger options, this colander is uniquely designed to clip onto the edges of your pots and pans, streamlining the food-straining process. It’s made with BPA-free silicone that’s heat resistant up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit — and thanks to its compact size, the colander is simple to store in your kitchen drawer between uses.

44

This set of flexible, microwave-safe silicone measuring cups

Move the kitchen into the future with this three-piece set of silicone measuring cups. They’re flexible so you can pour with precision, and are molded into a honeycomb texture that dissipates heat to make them an ideal vessel for melting butter or chocolate. The set includes a 2-cup, 1-cup, and 1/2-cup measure but you can also purchase various sizes separately.

“I love the detailed measurements, the easy grip, the easy pour, and the easy clean,” said one of the 11,000 five-star reviews.

45

These space-saving magnetic sgorage racks that secure to the fridge

These magnetic metal spice racks free up drawer and wall space by making use of the often-empty area on the side of your refrigerator. Two medium and two large racks are included, and they can be arranged however you like to accommodate a variety of items including tall spice jars, condiment bottles, or cans.

46

A collapsible lantern that’s powered by the sun

Whether you’re camping or packing an emergency kit, this lantern is a smart pick. Its collapsible design takes up hardly any space in your bag, while a built-in solar panel keeps it lit for up to 10 hours at night. Or, if your phone happens to run out of power, it also features a USB port so that you can also use it as an external battery in a pinch.

47

This repair cream that’s loaded with snail mucin

Made with a very high concentration of snail mucin, this repair cream is purported to be super hydrating and to stimulate collagen production in the skin for a smooth, soft, and radiant glow. Anyone eager to try this cream that’s naturally rich in hyaluronic and glycolic acid will appreciate it, and the price on this SeoulCeuticals jar is hard to beat. Almost 11,000 people gave it five stars.

48

A magnetic wristband that holds onto nuts & bolts for you

Getting ready to tackle a DIY project? Make sure to put on this wristband before you get started. A series of strong magnets on the inside hold onto your nuts and bolts so that they’re always conveniently within reach. Plus, the size can be adjusted to fit wrists of nearly any size.

49

The beard bib so no one has to clean the sink

If you know someone with a beard, they need this beard bib apron, even if they don’t know they do. Instead of leaving a mess on the bathroom sink and counter every time you shave, you put on the bib, secure two corners to the mirror, and let the whisker debris fall into the apron. You won’t have to clean up the bathroom or live with the consequences of not cleaning up.

“I gave this to my husband,” said one reviewer. “... but let’s be honest it was actually a gift for me. I no longer have to clean up beard hair off the bathroom counter every week. 10/10 highly recommend.”

50

A memory foam neck pillow for more comfortable travel

Getting on a plane, pulling on your neck pillow, and dozing off while everyone else confronts their boredom and cramped seating is a delight you can give to anyone who travels. This comfy travel pillow is the trick to getting there. It’s made from soft memory foam, covered in a washable velour cover, and works just as well on a train or in the car.

51

The gel that helps you detail your car

Cleaning out the nooks and crannies of the car (or keyboard, drawer corners, and remote controls) is nary impossible without the right tool. This unique cleaning gel makes it easy. All you do is press it into the cranny that needs cleaning and pull it out again. It’s lightly scented and can be used over and over until it loses its stick.

52

A pair of wrist rests for your keyboard & your mouse

A good wrist wrest can prevent a lot of pain down the road for anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer. This pair of pads has memory foam cushions to give wrists a soft place to rest. And the mouse pad has a cushion built right in so it stays put.

“My wrists feel so much better and they don’t hurt as much after eight to nine hours on the computer,” said one reviewer.

53

This slender wallet that sticks to your phone

Stick this clever little cell phone wallet to the back of your phone and you will always have the few essentials you need, even when you don’t have your bag or full-size wallet. It holds a couple of cards, an ID, and some folding money and snaps closed so it won’t get in your way. It comes in seven colors and many reviewers said it is super convenient.

54

This ceramic dish for safely grating ginger and garlic

Bulky box graters can be hazardous to finger tips and are a pain to store. This ceramic grater plate has a flat design and grating teeth that make quick work of items like garlic and ginger — no blades required. A small canal around the perimeter of the dish collects gratings and juices, and pour spouts make it easy to use every last drop.

55

A set of 6 whiskey stones in a complete gift set

This complete whiskey set comes with six stones, a velvet bag for storing them in the freezer, two whiskey glasses, a deck of cards with cocktail recipes, and coasters. All come packed in a rustic wooden box that’s nice enough to leave on the bar.

56

This comfy bath pillow that turns every soak into bliss

Relaxing in the bath is heavenly unless the hard tub hurts your head and back. This bath pillow makes every bath comfortable and blissful. The soft, breathable fabric cradles your neck and shoulders while six strong suction cups hold it in place. There’s even a hook so you can hang it to dry when your bath is done.

“This little beauty was the final piece to make my dream bathing experience happen,” said one reviewer.

57

The USB power strip that’s perfect for travel

Anyone who travels will love this USB power strip that brings three standard outlets, three USB ports, and one USB-C port right within reach. It requires only one plug to charge all your electronics, which is super handy in hotel rooms and when you have to plug in using a world travel adapter. It’s useful on the desk at home, too.

58

The tea box order that turns cabinet chaos into beauty

Dump the jumble of squished cardboard boxes littering your tea cupboard and put the bags into this tea organizer to make that tea collection both orderly and appealing. The clear lid lets you eye the tea bags before you open it. And the 10 compartments hold all your tea along with some sugar packets or other accessories.

59

A set of beautiful stoneware measuring cups

These beautiful, hand-stamped, striped stoneware measuring cups make a pretty and useful addition to any kitchen. They are so eye-catching they can easily do double duty to serve cream, sauces, dressings, and more.

“They are sturdy, and unlike the glass measuring cups I have, they are easy to pour without liquid running down the cups,” said one reviewer.

60

This “scaredy cat” trivet that protects countertops

You’ll be even more motivated to protect your countertops and tables from hot cookware with this hilarious cat trivet. Made from nonslip, heat-resistant silicone, the trivet stands up like a cat that’s been spooked until you set something down to flatten it. In addition to the cat, it comes in lion and bear designs so you can pick your favorite critter.

  • Available designs: 4

61

This adorable Nessie ladle that cheers up your soup

There’s nary too much whimsy in the kitchen, and this cute soup ladle designed after everyone’s favorite lake-dwelling monster is here to do its part. Made of food-grade material with an ergonomic grip, this darling kitchen companion will swim through your soup before serving it and make you smile in the process.

62

The blanket that lets you cozy up like a burrito

Made of soft and cozy fleece with a shockingly realistic look, this throw blanket helps keep you as warm as your favorite burrito filling. It’s available in various shades (and levels of char) as well as different foodstuff forms, including pizza and waffles, if burritos aren’t your thing.

  • Available sizes: 5
  • Available styles: 9

63

This phone holder that helps you find the perfect angle

Whether you want to work from recipes in the kitchen, watch videos hands-free in bed, or get a good map angle while you’re driving, this phone holder fits the bill. It has a flexible gooseneck that you can bend to the position you need and the holder will accommodate phones up to 3.3 inches wide.

  • Available colors: 4

64

These double-ended measuring spoons that magnetize together for storage

Chances are, you’ve never seen measuring spoons like these, which have a double-ended design featuring both standard and oval-shaped spoons for fitting into narrow spice bottles. Ranging from 1/8 teaspoon to a tablespoon, you’ll have everything you need to measure dry and liquid ingredients. A leveler is included to ensure accurate measuring, and magnets keep the spoons together for efficient, space-saving storage.

65

The docking station for all your Apple daily wear

At the end of the day, remove all your Apple gear — iPhone, iWatch, and Airpods — from your pockets and body and set it all on this wireless charging station. It looks tidy, charges everything while you rest, and provides a daily check on your gear inventory so you don’t lose track of anything. It holds your phone and watch at a glanceable angle so they can act as your command center and alarm clock and it uses only one outlet to charge everything.