65 random things that are actually life-changing — & wow, they're cheap

Strange finds that will change your life for the better.

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Shopping
By Christina Wood and BDG Commerce
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that end up being so impactful that you rave about them and wonder how you ever lived without them. A keyboard that lets you have long nails. A fast fix for rings that are too big. Household tools that are always within reach. And the easiest way to master perfect eyeliner and brows? These are just a few of the random things that are actually life-changing — and wow, they’re cheap.

01A sponge holder that dispenses soap

This dish soap dispenser sponge holder turns a two-handed dishwashing task into something you can do in a quick, one-handed gesture. Drop the sponge into it, and when you want to load the sponge with liquid soap, press down and give it a couple of pumps. It’s precise, easy, and the wet sponge drains into a separate reservoir.

02Nail repair bandages for post-manicure days

When you damage a nail, don’t wrap it up in an ordinary bandage. Use these nail repair patches. They protect the nail while nourishing it with skin-care ingredients that will improve your nail beds and cuticles while strengthening your nails. You don’t even need to damage the nail first. Wear these to sleep and give yourself a pedicure at night. Nearly 9,000 people give these five stars.

03A motion-sensing light for your entry lock

Getting into your own home should not involve a desperate fumble in the dark. This keyhole light is the cure. Stick it right above the lock. When you approach the lock, key in hand, it lights up so you can see where to put that key. It turns off again when you get inside so the batteries last a long time.

04Keyboard stickers for long nails

If you love long nails but can’t type with them, these raised button keyboard stickers are the hack you need so your manicure doesn’t destroy your productivity. You can tap the trapezoidal keys with your fingers without the nails getting in the way. “These are awesome. I have long nails, and I frequently would hit other keys while trying to type and these add enough height and space between keys that that is no longer a problem for me,” wrote one reviewer.

05Socks that are like a pedicure

If your feet are tired, cracked, and desperate for hydration but you never get around to the messy project of slathering them with balm or lotion, meet these easy moisturizing socks. Pull them on and let the jojoba seed oil, olive oil, and vitamin E do their work while your hands stay mess-free. You can sleep in them, wear them in your slippers, or enjoy a movie while your feet get pampered. They come in lots of colors.

06Coaster bling for your car

Add some personality to your car’s interior while making it easier to keep things clean by dropping these cute car coasters into the cup holders. They add a pop of color and stop beverages from rattling or sweating all over your car. And they pop out so you can give them a quick wash. There are so many patterns to choose from that you will be spoiled for choice.

07Jewelry storage that hangs in the closet

Keep all your bling tidy and accessible, right where you keep your wardrobe, by tucking it all into the pockets of this clever hanging jewelry organizer. The clear pockets keep everything safe and make your entire collection scannable. It has 80 pockets and comes in lots of colors.

08A CD player that looks like a retro record spinner

Bring back the retro vibes of the record player with this portable CD player that looks like it should be spinning vinyl. It plays music through two speakers in the front, or you can connect a pair of BT speakers or headphones. There are lots of handy ports on the back, too, so you can connect it to your other stereo equipment.

09A fix for leaky garages

If you frequently find water, bugs, or leaves in your garage, you have a leak. That leak is most likely at the bottom of the door. That’s easy to fix with this garage door threshold seal. Stick it to the floor under the door, and it creates a seal that prevents anything from getting in. It comes in several lengths and colors.

10Cute cable control that looks like a little bug

Create a charging station that sticks right to your desk or bedside table and brings cute vibes to your space with this caterpillar cable clip. Up to five cords snap into its back, and it holds onto them so you don’t have to hunt on the floor for the one you need.

11Hat storage that fits your closet

Your cap collection is in need of a storage solution. These hanger clips are the answer. Wrap the fabric mount around any coat hanger, and you can clip eight caps to one hanger. Or use it for scarves, bags, or other hard-to-store items. It even makes a great laundry room accessory: Use it to dry bras or delicates. It’s small enough to pack into your travel kit, too.

12Bowl cozies that make it easier to get hot dishes from the microwave

No more risky maneuvers when you need to take a bowl of hot soup out of the microwave — these bowl cozies are designed to protect your hands from burns and spills. You get four in each set, which means you’ll always have one at the ready, and they come in a wide assortment of designs and patterns so you can find one that sparks joy, too.

13A clever bar soap solution

Set this clever soap saver on a shower shelf, next to the sink, or inside a cute soap dish so your soap stays dry and ready to use. The porous material channels water away from the bar to end the slimy, melted-soap problem that has you considering a move to liquid soaps. This is a pack of four, and they clean up easily, so they last forever.

14The card that finds your wallet

Slip this wallet tracker card into your wallet, and you will never lose it. If you aren’t sure where it is, you can look on your phone for its location before you panic. If your wallet isn’t in the couch cushions, you will know where you left it or where the person who lifted it is. Stick one in your luggage when you travel or into your backpack when you head out for the day.

15A quick, temporary fix for your loose outlets

Loose plugs are an annoyance. But sometimes you can’t have an electrician fix things right away. When that’s the case, insert the snug plug into that outlet and tighten it up with zero effort and minimal expense. “Where have these been all my life!!!” wrote one reviewer. “If you live in an old house with loose plugs, these will change your life!!!!” This is a pack of 10.

16Makeup remover cotton swabs for a perfect eyeline

If you struggle to get the perfect wing or line, these clever makeup-removing cotton swabs are here to help. You don’t have to apply liner, lip color, or shadow perfectly. Erase to get the perfect look. These won’t leave cotton fluff in your shadow, and they are already loaded with makeup remover. “I used to just use a regular Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover, but this is so much easier,” wrote one reviewer.

17Prism glasses so you can read lying down

You might look weird wearing these reading glasses, but you will be so comfortable you won’t care. Go ahead and lie down. No more contorting your body and stacking pillows to read or scroll. These angled lenses bring the text to your eyes. “I bought these [...] thinking that they would be absolutely ridiculous, which they are,” wrote one reviewer. “But man, are these life-changing.”

18An Excel cheat sheet that’s also a desk pad

If you are a spreadsheet jockey, you need this Excel cheat sheet on your desk. It adds a bit of color, gives your keyboard and mouse a soft surface, and puts every keyboard shortcut and formula you need within glancing range. “Incredibly handy,” wrote one reviewer. “The shortcuts are easy to read, and having them right in front of you saves a ton of time.” It comes in several sizes.

19This toilet brush that hides behind the tank

Reclaim your bathroom floor and hide the gross toilet brush by mounting this hidden toilet brush to the tank. It puts the brush out of sight but makes it easy to grab and use. A clever hook goes over the back of the tank, so it’s easy to install, too. “It is genius because the ugly toilet brush is hidden and it is off the floor so your pets can't play with it,” wrote one reviewer.

20Heating pads that are cute friends

Cramps? Get comfort from this lavender scented heating pad in the shape of a cute crustacean. Pop the inner pad into the microwave so it is warm and soothing to cuddle up with. It’s so cute, you will name it and take it everywhere. There are other animals and characters, too. “I’m thinking I need a crab and a shrimp next,” wrote one reviewer. “They are adorable and useful.”

21Bumpers to silence noisy doors & cabinets

Silence all the doors, drawers, and cabinets that slam into the walls with these wall bumpers. Once you peel and stick them to the wall, they become nearly invisible. They wipe clean, too. The elongated shape of these is perfect for doors and other long surfaces that need more than a little dot of protection.

22The hack for perfect brows

Getting your brows right when you are working on your own face in a mirror is hard. This brow buddy kit is essential if you want to get the symmetry right. The tool shows you where the outer edges of your brows align. The white pencil lets you use that data to map the perfect shape and angle. “Consistent, professional-looking results every time,” wrote one reviewer.

23Whiskey glasses that you can take outside

If sipping a cocktail by the pool or on your deck is your happy place, these whiskey glasses will make that place elegant, colorful, and safe. The unbreakable Tritan plastic won’t create a dangerous mess in the hot tub or pool, yet the glass looks and feels like a glass worthy of that spirit. This is a pack of four in assorted colors.

24A collapsible hamper for small spaces

Attach this collapsible laundry basket to the side of the washer, the door of your closet, or a wall in the bathroom so you always have a place to toss dirty laundry. The perforated sides prevent air and moisture from getting trapped, so nothing turns smelly in there, and you can fold it flat when it's empty.

25A clothesline you can put anywhere

Don’t let your lack of space for an outdoor clothes hanger rob you of the ability to hang delicates to dry or enjoy the scent of air-dried linens. You can set this retractable clothesline up on a balcony, deck, or even in the shower. Pull the line out and connect it to the opposite end-mount when you want to hang clothes. Let it retract into the holder when you don’t.

26Banana-shaped hand lotion that’s nongreasy

This banana hand milk is loaded with nutrients that your dry hands will enjoy soaking up. Banana extract is rich in potassium and vitamin A. Milk proteins provide deep moisture. Shea butter, coconut oil, and macadamia oil intensify the hydration. And it comes in the cutest banana-shaped package.

27An instant fix for slippy rugs

That rug that slips around is a safety hazard. These rug gripper pads will make it safer. Peel and stick them to the corners of the rug, and they will grip the floor so that the rug stays put. No more scrunched-up rugs because the cat ran wild. No more tripping over curled rug corners.

28A hand towel alternative that’s a cute absorbent puppy

This adorable chenille dog is here to make your bathroom cute and to dry your hands. Instead of wiping your just-washed hands on an already damp hand towel, you can pet this little cutie. The fur is a super-absorbent microfiber that also dries quickly, so you never have to pet a wet dog. It comes in so many cute colors, too.

29This hair strainer for the tub that you can toss

The hair that washes down the drain when you shower does not disappear from your life. It collects at the first turn of the pipe until water no longer flows down that drain. These disposable bathtub drain strainers stop that hair from hiding, growing, and wreaking havoc. Drop them in the drain and clean the hair off occasionally.

30A cute wall shelf that looks like a fire escape

This cute fire escape wall shelf is both decoration and storage. Put some cute plants, toys, or pictures on it, and it looks like the side of an urban building, populated with the lives of the people it will save in a fire. “It transforms the space. It's versatile. The possibilities are endless,” wrote one reviewer. There are lots of colors and configurations to choose from.

31Slide-on balm to stop chafing

If you have ever experienced bad chafing, you know it is so much more painful than it sounds. This anti-chafe stick prevents it. Swipe it on, and the aloe, pomegranate, and grapeseed oil in this balm will ensure that your skin glides against fabrics and other body parts without turning into an ordeal.

32Better updos that are so easy

How do people manage those flashy updos on an ordinary Tuesday? These spiral bobby pins! Twist your hair into a bun or knot, and screw these gentle corkscrews into it. No mess. No challenge. And no need to use both a hair tie and bobby pins. “Where has this gadget been all my life?” wrote one reviewer. “These little things are miracle workers.”

33A hack that stops produce from rotting

If the fruit in your bowl spoils before you have time to eat it, you need to add a food saver sheet to that bowl. It uses botanicals to extend the life of your fruits and vegetables, whether they are in your fridge or in a fruit bowl. Adding one wherever you keep produce extends its life by as much as four times. “This product is magic!” said one reviewer.

34Needle minders that are adorable

Instead of losing your crafting or sewing needles in a pincushion, stick them to this adorable magnetic needle minder. The cute creatures cling to your shirt or project and firmly hold your needle. “I can’t imagine stitching without it,” wrote one reviewer. “It holds everything securely while I work, which makes the whole experience so much smoother and less frustrating.”

35Privacy that doesn’t block the light

You don’t have to spend a fortune or turn your interior into a dark cave to achieve privacy. This window privacy film installs in seconds, costs less than a coffee shop stop, and lets light through. But it makes it impossible for anyone outside to see what’s happening inside. It comes in several colors and patterns.

36A retro radio for modern times

Set this retro Bluetooth speaker on a table or counter and enjoy the throwback styling. There is no need to find a radio station, though. It connects to your phone and plays whatever is on your playlist. It’s portable, so you can bring it to your patio party or listen from your kitchen or office. It comes in a huge selection of colors and patterns.

37A blingy car mat replacement

Instead of trying to clean your original car mats, replace them with these blingy leather car mats. Not only are they clean, but they are shiny and cute, too. And they cost a fraction of what the dealer charges for replacement mats. Choose a color and style to make your interior reflect your personality.

38This weird patch fix for nail fungus

Getting rid of damage to a nail caused by fungus might feel impossible. But these fungal nail patches are the hack you didn’t know you needed. Wear them at night. They soak that nail in hydration and medication that repairs, moisturizes, and exfoliates while you sleep. You will wake to a healthier nail. “I saw almost immediate improvement,” wrote one reviewer. “Now, my toenail looks almost normal.”

39A dustpan & brush combo that’s always within reach

When you drop a glass or spill cereal, don’t add “hunt for a dustpan” to the cleanup chore. Every mishap will be easier to handle when you have this dustpan set mounted to a wall or the interior of a cabinet door. The mount is sleek and custom-built to hold both the brush and dustpan.

40Books to hide the tissues

Keeping a tissue box handy is so much more stylish when you hide it in this antique book tissue box that looks like a stack of old books. Store those tissues in the open on a bookshelf, your desk, or the coffee table without bringing down the library mood of your space. The hinged lid opens to make dropping a new box in super easy.

41An easy & comfy way to adjust your ring’s size

You don’t have to replace or resize that ring that has started slipping and spinning on your finger. Snap this ring sizer adjuster onto it, and it will make it as much as a full size smaller. And you can remove it if your finger grows bigger again. “Where has this product been all my life?” wrote one reviewer. “I've been able to wear like four rings that have been unavailable for years.”

42Candy dispenser with gumball machine roots

Candy is so much more fun when it comes out of this mini gumball machine. And it’s a great way to collect loose coins, too. Fill the dispenser with whatever appropriately sized candy you love. Then feed pennies, nickels, dimes, or quarters into it, and it will drop a snack into the bowl. You can also set it to deliver candy without giving it a coin first.

43A cassette-shaped dispenser for the your tape & office supplies

Give your office a retro vibe with this clever cassette tape dispenser. It dispenses sticky tape, not music tape, and the visual joke works. It also has a pen stand and a little dish for anything from paper clips to push pins. “It is bigger than I imagined,” wrote one reviewer. “It looks super cool on my desk and is very sturdy and strong. The price was way less than I would have paid.”

44Patches that make heavy earrings comfy

Get out all those earrings you gave up on because they were too dangly or heavy! These ear support patches make them easy to wear. Stick a patch to the back of your ear, and it will carry the weight and prevent long earrings from pulling. "Life changing,” wrote more than one reviewer.

45A fast fix for cracked walls

Cracks and holes in the drywall are so easy to fix with this drywall repair kit. Squeeze the spackle onto the damage, and use the included tools to smooth and sand it. It’s ready to paint. “Best one I've used so far,” wrote one reviewer. This is a two-pack, so you won’t run out of the mending material.

46Tiny vinyl coasters for your cocktails

Keeping coasters handy is a lot of fun if you set these retro vinyl record coasters on the coffee table. When they are in the stand, it looks like you are ready to spin some 45s. But when you lift the arm to grab a disc, it’s because drinks are happening. The singles look like the real deal, too. “The names on the records are funny and knockoffs of real bands,” wrote one reviewer.

47Cute wall-mounted tool holders

Get the clutter off your countertop and into the shower where you want to use it by peeling and sticking this shower or razor holder to the wall. Just press your toothbrush, razor, comb, or whatever other tools you like to keep handy into the grabby nobs. It turns everything into a cute, functional display. They come in lots of colors.

48A full travel shaving kit that’s contained in one handy tool

Whether you need to pare down your travel toiletry bag or simplify things at home, this travel razor set will be a game changer. It has a unique rotating dial that lets you toggle between four different products: two triple-bladed razors, a spray bottle for water, and a shea butter moisturizing bar to soothe skin. The components are refillable, making this the only shaving tool you will need at home or on the road.

49A cute mug with a spot to stash your used tea bag

The cute elephant design of this mug also proves to be incredibly functional, with a compartment in its “head” serving as a handy spot to stick your used tea bag before you risk over-brewing your cup. It’s made of ceramic that can take high temperatures, and the green glaze has an antiqued finish making it look like a piece you inherited from someone with great design taste.

50Dental tablets you can chew on to reveal the plaque you missed

If you want to get ahead of any bad reviews from the dentist, give these chewing tablets a try. They have a unique formula that attaches to lingering plaque and turns it purple so you can easily see where you need to brush better. As a plus, they’re also helpful for kids who are just getting the hang of their brushing routine.

51Elevated soap dishes with a self-draining design

These soap dishes make your bars look like they’re on display in the most elegant of ways — while efficiently letting any water drip out into the sink, so they can dry quickly. The result? Your bars may just last longer (and be more pleasant to use) because they won’t turn into a mushy mess. With two holders in a set, each one has a suction cup base to help it stay put on smooth surfaces, like the side of a sink or counter.

52A car cup holder expander that lets you take your biggest drinks to go

From jumbo soft drinks at the drive thru to that giant reusable tumbler, this car cup holder expander lets you take your biggest drinks on the road (or, at least, the ones with bottoms up to 3.9 inches wide). It’s designed to fit right inside most standard, open-top cup holders, with a base that expands to get a stable fit. And you can install it quickly without having to dig out your toolbox.

53Fragrant lotion “bursts” that are so convenient & fun to apply

The perfect mix of convenient and fun, these lotion bursts are a delightful twist on a skin care staple. With 38 pieces in a container, they’re available in two variations: heart-shaped bursts with a bright cherry almond scent or star-shaped bursts with a soothing lavender set. Just “squish” one onto your skin for an infusion of hydration whenever you need it.

54Magnetic clips that gives you an instant spot for your sunglasses

Anyone who’s ever gone out with their favorite sunnies only to somehow return home without them will appreciate the brilliance of these glasses clips. Each one features a super strong magnetic so you can clip them onto a jacket or a bag and always have a safe spot to hook your glasses. And they’re small enough that they aren’t a pain to carry around when you’re not using them.

55A goofy-looking plunger that’s perfect for tackling clogs

Though it looks like a gadget you’d find in a cartoon catalog, this little purple plunger has some serious power behind it. The accordion design is effective at pushing air through sink or shower drains to loosen clogs and buildup. Plus the smaller size of this plunger makes it easy to tuck away under the sink or in a cabinet.

56Sleek gel pens with a built-in fidget

If you’re someone who ends up snapping the clip off of every pen with your mindless fidgeting, this pen set is made especially for you. With eight in a set, each one has an attractive design and smooth gel ink. But the real draw might be the built-in fidget spinner that lets you safely get out any nervous or bored energy, whether you’re in a work meeting or just jotting down your to-do list.

57Grippy shelf liners that keep dishes & utensils in place

Many an organized drawer has been ruined by the shifting around that happens from repeated openings. But this wildly popular shelf liner has a grippy design that helps keep utensils, office supplies, and other gadgets exactly where you want them. With a 4.6-star overall rating after more than 30,000 reviews, it’s won over countless fans for being such an easy solution to an annoying household problem. Choose from several roll sizes and designs — whichever you go with can be trimmed for a more custom fit.

58A practical toothpick dispenser with a very silly twist

If you use toothpicks at home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this funny but helpful dispenser. Load up your standard-size toothpicks and then lift the black encasing up and down to dispense one at a time via a tiny little person that looks like they’re doing a deadlift. It’s a perfect conversation starter for parties, and perfect entertainment when you’re just hanging out by yourself.

59A stitch gun that makes for quick, temporary mending of clothes

Find a snag in your hemline as you’re heading out the door. This stitch gun can save you if you’re not already a sewing pro. Just load up the gun with the included tags and squeeze the handle to stitch. It’s designed to work on many fabrics without damaging them and the stitches can be easily removed when you’re ready to replace them with a more permanent fix.

60Cute toe separators that make pedicures feel fancier

Forget about the bulky, foam toe separators you know and tolerate. These toe separators have flexible silicone material combined with a posh, pearl-inspired design that makes your toes look bedazzled as your polish dries. They also come in floral designs, if pearls aren’t your style.

61A brilliant storage solution for the puzzle that’s taking forever to finish

If you love puzzling but hate surrendering your whole table for days, weeks, or months as you progress on one, this roll-up mat is what you need. It’s designed to let you, quite literally, roll up your work in progress without destroying it. It has a center core that holds everything in place, and that piece can be deflated for easier storage when you don’t need it.

62A handy kit for replacing lost drawstrings

Losing an end of the drawstring on your favorite hoodie or sweatpants can feel crushing — at least, if you don’t have the patience or resourcefulness to work it back through on your own. Enter this drawstring replacement kit, which comes with enough pieces to cover you for life (depending on your sweats collection). It includes drawstrings in your choice of several colors and features special tools that make it a cinch to get things back in working order.

63A desktop cup holder that prevents messy mishaps

Spilling a drink when you’re near your most prized tech gear can feel inevitable — but this unique cupholder gets ahead of the problem, with its clever no-spill design. It has a sticky base that can grip most surfaces but is simple to remove. The high, protective walls help prevent you from knocking your drink over. And there’s a slot for mug handles, as well as an adapter to house more narrow drinks.

64Banana bandages that make minor scrapes feel so unserious

It’s probably a given that bandages don’t need to be discreet and skin-toned. But did you know they can actually be ridiculous and hilarious? These banana bandages will take the sting out of having to cover up minor scrapes, with their goofy, realistic design. You get 50 in each pack — several bunches worth, to be precise — and they also come in other silly styles, like bacon and hotdogs.

65Tissue cylinders that are perfect for car cup holders

Move over tissue boxes — it’s time for the tissue cylinder to get it’s time in the sun. This tissue holder is designed to fit comfortable in most standard car cupholders, so you’re always ready when a sneeze strikes (or gum needs spitting out). With four packs in a set, you’ll get 200 tissues in total ... enough to get you through many miles on the road.