Fact: Americans are a junk-loving people. According to one study, the average American has at least 23 items clogging up space in the home that he or she never uses and can't seem to let go of. And while we'd definitely urge you to throw out—or donate—anything that you're no longer using, that doesn't mean we think you should go all Buddha and purge your life entirely of… Stuff.
In fact, there are plenty of amazing buys out there—none of which exceed $50—that will have such a positive impact on your life that you'll be wondering how you ever possibly functioned without them. Case-in-point: A device that tracks your always missing car keys? Sign us up! For that and more, read on. And for more items to add to your shopping list, check out these 50 Genius Products That Will Improve Your Life.
1 | Flight 001 Four-in-One Adapter
Bed Bath & Beyond$25.99; buy now at bedbathandbeyond.com
This set of 4 travel plugs allows users to easily adapt to over 150 countries. To make the switch easier, the adapter comes with a color-coded map that shows you where to use each plug. And for more ways to scope out the best deal, check out these 23 Genius Tricks for Shopping Craigslist.
2 | Universal Foldable Solar Charger
Amazon$39.99; buy now at amazon.com
Made out of sun power solar cells, this universal foldable charger is kinder to the environment and makes the most of your precious time with its incredibly rapid charging ability. As long as the sun is out, your devices will be charged.
3 | DOSS Touch Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon$27.99; buy now at amazon.com
As any social butterfly knows, a quality speaker is essential for any gathering. But listening to your favorite music on a bass-loaded, treble-tuned speaker doesn't have to cost any more than piece of avocado toast. This portable DOSS speaker is durable and allows for long days (and nights) listening to your favorite tunes via the long-lasting battery life that lasts for up to 12 hours at 75 percent volume. And for more ways to make the most of the things you already own, check out these 50 New Ways to Use Everyday Items.
4 | Wemo WiFi Smart Light Switch
Belkin$49.99; buy now at belkin.com
This WiFi-enabled smart light switch can work with either Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant, and can not only help you save on energy costs, but can also deter burglars from your home when you're away on vacation. Upon purchase of the light switch, users can set their lights on timers, or can simply control their lights from outside the home. The selling point of this item is its ability to enable the "Away Mode" which sets your lights on and off at random, protecting your home from potential burglars when you're away on vacation.
5 | Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Target$10.79; buy now at target.com
OK maybe not so essential. But how cool is this? For those mornings far too hectic for continuous sips from your cup of coffee, the Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer will keep your caffeine fix fresh and hot all day long.
6 | Cell Phone Holder for Car
Amazon$7.99; buy now at amazon.com
If you're still peering at your phone's navigation from your lap (or worse, letting your friend give you directions), then this cell phone holder (for only $8!) is a far-overdue purchase. The portable holder fits aptly on your vent and can be adjusted to your eye level.
7 | Protective Cookbook Holder
Kitchen Works Inc.$34.95; buy now at kitchenworksinc.com
While the bits of batter and egg yolk on your grandmother's cookbook evoke a sense of warm nostalgia, clean freaks will rejoice in this protective cookbook holder that allows your pages to remain as crisp and clean as they day it was printed.
8 | Tile Mate
Amazon$18.95; buy now at amazon.com
Never lose track of your keys again with Tile Mate, a bluetooth tracker that easily attaches to anything and is trackable through a companion app on your phone.
9 | Suction-Cup Cat Sunbed
Amazon$15.99; buy now at amazon.com
Give your cats full reign of their favorite window with this suction-cup sun-bed, allowing your furry friends a closer look at their next bird of prey. And if you don't have any pets in the house, well, don't miss the 15 Amazing Benefits of Adopting a Pet.
10 | Wyze Cam Indoor Smart Home Camera with Night Vision
Amazon$25.98; buy now at amazon.com
Keep an eye on those most precious to you with this indoor home camera. This smart device is even equipped with two-way audio, allowing you to coo at Lucky the labradoodle from the safety of your cubicle.
11 | 5-Ply Stainless Steel Round Griddle
ebay$49.99; buy now at ebay.com
This stainless steel griddle will have you making the most delectable breakfast pancakes (or whatever else you can fit on its surface) for years to come. And for more advice on how to master your home's most essential room, learn the 17 Ways You're Using Your Kitchen All Wrong.
12 | Dremel 200 Rotary Tool
Home Depot$49.97; buy now at homedepot.com
As it turns out, executing your home projects is easier (and cheaper) than ever with this two-speed rotary tool kit, which allows users to sand, cut, drill, and clean any piece of wood in sight.
13 | Folding Purse Hanger
Bed Bath & Beyond$24.99; buy now at bedbathandbeyond.com
This folding purse hanger is easily adaptable and portable, and gives you the option to place your purse anywhere else but on the floor. (The base snags onto any level surface, and you hang your bag on the dangling hook.)
14 | Four Outlet Rotating Adaptor
Home Depot$10.99; buy now at homedepot.com
This essential allows you to plug in large and small appliances alike into its rotating outlets. Long gone are the days spent running through the house looking for the right outlet to fit a bulky laptop cord.
15 | Dash Rapid Egg Cooker
Dash$19.99; buy now at bydash.com
This rapid cooker is perfect for those seeking a nutritional and effortless breakfast in the morning—and let's face it, on workdays, efficiency is key. Whether you like your eggs poached or scrambled, hard or soft, the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker ensures a great start to your morning. And for more ways to make this protein-loaded snack, This Is the Healthiest Way to Eat an Egg.
16 | Tovolo Magnetic Bottle Opener
Amazon$13.37; buy now at amazon.com
Instead of looking like a complete novice with your standard bottle opener, up the ante with this magnetic bottle opener that takes the pain out of enjoying your favorite spirits.
17 | Blackout Stickers
Manta Sleep$9.99; buy now at mantasleep.com
If you crave complete darkness during your slumber, then these blackout stickers can aid in the prevention of any unwanted glimmers of light. Lay to rest all of the pesky digital numbers and lights with just one application of these stickers.
18 | Stuffits Vinyl Shower Curtain with Mesh Pockets
Bed Bath & Beyond$19.99; buy now at bedbathandbeyond.com
Whether you've hoarded far too many products in the shower, or are just one of many using the same facilities, this shower curtain with pockets is truly a space lifesaver—transforming your crowded quarters into a more functional space.
19 | Morihata Binchotan Activated Charcoal Toothbrush
Amazon$16; buy now at amazon.com
This sleek toothbrush has detoxifying and deodorizing Binchotan charcoal in every bristle, ensuring a more deodorizing experience during and after each use, as the charcoal actually helps maintain the brush's cleanliness between uses.
20 | Motivational Water Bottle
Uncommon Goods$19.99; buy now at uncommongoods.com
Stay hydrated all day long with this motivational-phrase adorned water bottle (life coach not included).
21 | AmazonBasics Indoor Flat TV Antenna
Amazon$18.99; buy now at amazon.com
Yet another great (and cheap) investment for your television, the AmazonBasics TV Antenna is for those of you that have possibly foregone cable in favor of Netflix, but perhaps still crave the nostalgia of local channels. This sleek antenna receives 31 channels within a 35-mile radius, taking you back to the days of late-night cable marathons.
22 | MatchaDNA Handheld Electric Milk Frother
Amazon$6.73; buy now at amazon.com
Impress even the biggest coffee snobs in your life with this handheld electric milk frothing device. It's perfect for everyone, from those who've never made a cappuccino before to those who can do perfect latte art, every time.
23 | Matcha Tea Ceremony Bamboo Whisk
Amazon$25.85; buy now at amazon.com
For those with an even deeper beverage obsession, this bamboo whisk set will have you crafting the best matcha tea and impressing even the most avid fans of the concoction with the authenticity of this set of utensils.
24 | HoMedics Portable Sound Machine
Homedics$19.99; buy now at homedics.com
Sleep more soundly with this portable sound machine, which allows you to choose between a variety of nature noises to transport your dreams to more remote corners of the globe.
25 | BLITZU Rechargeable Bike Light
Amazon$19.97; buy now at amazon.com
These LED bike lights are some of the brightest in the game—and nicest on your wallet. Both sets of lights are easily rechargeable via USB and offer hours of bike travel.
26 | Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Amazon$39.99; buy now at amazon.com
If you'd finally like to take your streaming habits from your laptop to the television, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is your most inexpensive bet. With a USB that simply plugs into the back of your TV, this device is incredibly easy to use and boasts access to a variety of streaming channels, like Hulu and Netflix. And for more ways to scope out the best deal, check out these 23 Genius Tricks for Shopping Craigslist.
27 | Backpack Duffel Laundry Bag
Target$18.79; buy now at target.com
If you're still stuck lugging your laundry to a nearby laundromat, at least do so with some style. Instead of toting around your dirty clothes in a garbage bag, invest in this durable laundry bag that won't break, spewing your delicates everywhere, as you're crossing a busy intersection.
28 | OXO Good Grips StrongHold Suction Soap Dish
Amazon$9.99; buy now at amazon.com
Stop wasting your perfectly good bars of soap—by letting them waste away on the sides of your tub—because you haven't yet invested in a suction cup soap dish.
29 | Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lemon Verbena Candle
Bed Bath & Beyond$9.99; buy now at bedbathandbeyond.com
This clean-smelling candle is perfect for those days when the chore list (somehow) is neglected.
30 | Stor-A-Key Locking Key Case
Home Depot$9; buy now at homedepot.com
Give your trusted guests (or yourself) easy access to your home with this locking key case with a resettable combination and powerful magnetic lock.
31 | Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Amazon$31.99; buy now at amazon.com
Calling all adventurers: you've found your most resilient and beneficial ally in this Black Diamond Spot Headlamp, perfect for repelling down the side of a dark canyon, or, for those less adventurous, a trip downstairs in the middle of the night to forage for snacks.
32 | Hutzler Grapefruit Saver
Amazon$5.97; buy now at amazon.com
Keep your grapefruit fresh (and transportable) throughout the week by storing it in this adorable grapefruit saver.
33 | Amazon Echo Dot
Amazon$49.99; buy now at amazon.com
With just the sound of your voice (or touch of your finger), you can play music, call your friends, control your home devices, and so, so much more. World: meet your new digital assistant.
34 | RainStoppers Auto Open 16-Panel Rainbow Umbrella
Amazon$14.44; buy now at amazon.com
Never lose your umbrella in the umbrella stand again with this vivacious rainbow option.
35 | Rectangle Deluxe Garden Planter
Target$44.99; buy now at target.com
For those of you with a bigger green thumb than your household can handle, this planter's size and compact design make it easy to stash away (while still showcasing) your hard work.
36 | Kempf Go Away Doormat
Amazon$17.95; buy now at amazon.com
Everyone needs a doormat that quietly deters others from ever entering their otherwise peaceful home.
37 | Venta del Baron Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive Oil Lovers$29.95; buy now at oliveoillovers.com
This delectable olive oil from Cordoba, Spain is so amazing that it was actually voted the "World's Best Olive Oil"—meaning that cooks everywhere need to get their hands on this magical creation as soon as possible.
38 | The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar
Saks Fifth Avenue$6; buy now at saksfifthavenue.com
Get even the toughest stains out of your clothes with the Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, which deploys all-natural cleaning agents and evokes amazing aromas of lily and jasmine.
39 | Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush
Amazon$22.99; buy now at amazon.com
This Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush comes equipped with T-sonic pulsations that remove dirt and bacteria from your face with acute precision, while also massaging and stimulating the cells for more healthier, clearer skin.
40 | Hot to Go Reusable Rectangular Heat Pack
Amazon$12.49 for pack of two; buy now at amazon.com
To cure your aches and pains on-the-go, invest in these reusable heat packs that are easily recharged in boiling water.
41 | SOF Sole Sneaker Balls
Finish Line$9.99 for a six-pack; buy now at finishline.com
Instead of delving into your gym bag to find the mystery smell, just throw one of these deodorizing balls in to completely mask the problem altogether.
42 | Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife
Amazon$28.99; buy now at amazon.com
Be ready for any situation that life throws your way with this pocket knife—which comes with a pair of scissors, a knife, bottle opener, corkscrew, and so much more.
44 | Hyde Cleaning Glove
Amazon$6.53; buy now at amazon.com
Finish cleanup quickly with the Hyde Cleaning Glove, a great way to remove tough stains without harsh chemicals and limp sponges.
44 | TubShroom Drain Hair Catcher
Bed Bath & Beyond$12.99; buy now at bedbathandbeyond.com
No matter how diligent our cleaning efforts may be, there's little that can stop that shower drain from clogging up with our hair. Instead of taking other drastic measures (shaving your luscious locks is no way to go about this), invest in this inexpensive drain hair catcher to stop clogging in its tracks.
45 | Polished Stainless Steel Portion Cups
Amazon$7.99; buy now at amazon.com
Strengthen your condiment game by investing in these stainless steel portion cups. They allow you to take your restaurant experience home with you. French fries and truffle aioli not included.
46 | Ruggard Memory Card Case
B & H Video$13.95; buy now at bhphotovideo.com
Don't just throw your old memory cards into the bottom of the drawer—keep them organized and protected in this memory card case, which is compact and rugged enough to escort you on whatever adventure you may wish to embark upon.
47 | Tea Tree Therapy Cinnamon Toothpicks
iHerb$2.91; buy now at iherb.com
Take your after-dinner routine to the next level with these all-natural, cinnamon-infused toothpicks.
48 | Tassel Lightning Key Ring Charging Cable
Amazon$5.99; buy now at amazon.com
Never lose your charger again by investing in this lightning key ring charging cable, which is compatible with iPhones and iPads.
49 | Culligan Filtered Showerhead
Amazon$29.99; buy now at amazon.com
For only $30, give your hair and skin a boost with this filtered showerhead that filters sulfur odor, chlorine, and scale for a full 10,000 gallons or 6 months.
50 | Sweepa Rubber Broom
Amazon$24.99; buy now at amazon.com
Though we love our four-legged friends, their odor and fur seem to permeate throughout the house, despite the myriad of ways we attempt to keep such nuisances at bay. Lucky for us, the Sweepa Rubber Broom is specifically designed to gather pet hair of all kinds with ease. And for more ways to make the most of your space at home, check out these 65 Genius Ways to Organize Your Life.
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