59 Genius Things Under $30 on Amazon
by Lisa Fogarty

Sometimes, $40 dollars just seems like too much to spend on products. Usually around the first of the month (rent time of course!), I'm not ready to drop two $20 bills, but I still can't help but want to buy stuff. That's me, and that's why I can't resist genius things on Amazon under $30.

Somehow, I can totally reason why $30 is the perfect amount to drop while I'm on, say, a delayed subway that miraculously has phone service and I just paid my electric bill. But when I find things that are actually brilliant and will change my life for the better? Well, somehow $30 doesn't even seem enough. I'm talking about an avocado tool that makes guacamole instantly without cutting my fingers when I try to get the seed out, an aromatherapy wrap that warms my sore muscles, and a shampoo made from charcoal. It does great things for my hair, but it also looks cool in my shower. That's the kind of stuff that's really priceless.

These clever products are all under $30, and they're worth the price tag — and you'll still have a little extra to keep in your wallet, before you ultimately spend it on something you don't even want, like a bottle of Kombucha. Just saying.

1

A Portable Tumbler With A Stainless Steel Infuser For Tea, Coffee, And Herbal Drinks

Topoko Tea Infuser, $14, Amazon

This travel-friendly tumbler and infuser can be used to make tea (of course), but also fruit-infused water, herbal beverages, and even cold brew coffee. The stainless steel filter can be easily removed and replaced, and a flat lid keeps it from leaking. This one also comes with a sleeve to keep your hands protected from piping hot drinks.

2

A Antioxidant-Rich Sheet Mask Made From Blueberries

Tosowoong Mask Sheet, $11 (10 Sheets), Amazon

When you hear the word "antioxidant," you may be conditioned to think: blueberries — because they're pretty much superstar fruits when it comes to being rich in nutrients. This natural facial mask cuts right to the chase — it promises to recharge and detox skin with ingredients like blueberries (obviously), aloe, green tea, snail extract, deep sea water, and propolis. Reviewers say this mask gives their skin instant hydration and brightness, while also calming redness.

3

An Award-Winning Lightning Cable That Attaches To Backpacks And Keychains

NuAns MFi Lightning Cable, $22, Amazon

This Apple-approved lightning cable comes in the form of a tangle-free keychain cable that can be hung on backpacks, key chains, or belt loops. It actually won the Reddot Design Award, and, thanks to its compact and modern design, will never damage other items in your bag. Choose from four colors, including khaki green and bright yellow.

4

A 3-In-1 Avocado Tool That Slices, Peels, And Pits

OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer, $10, Amazon

Love avocados, but hate the hassle of cutting and slicing them, only to be left with a half portion that'll turn brown in minutes? Finally, there's a 3-in-1 avocado tool that splits, pits, and slices every millennial's favorite fruit — and as a huge bonus, it's made from BPA-free silicone and is top rack dishwasher safe.

5

The Affordable 14-Piece Makeup Brush Set Of Your Rose Gold Dreams

BS-Mall Brush Set, $11, Amazon

It's not easy to find an affordable makeup brush set — so discovering one with 14 pieces that includes every tool you need for flawless application, boasts stellar reviews, and looks chic is a major score. Crafted from synthetic brush hair, this set comes with five large Kabuki brushes for foundation, blush, contour, and powder, and nine precise brushes for eye, brow, and lip makeup. Plus, this set is guaranteed to be shed-free.

6

A Handheld Massager With Six Variations Of Massage Therapy

Electric Handheld Massager, $21, Amazon

Alternate among six different massage nodes to target your muscles, relax your body, and relieve stress. This handheld massager provides gentle or intense vibrations and features an ergonomic, anti-slip handle.

7

A Rechargeable Floating Light That Turns Glasses Into Lamps

SUCK UK Rechargeable Floating Light, $10, Amazon

This rechargeable floating light will add some brightness to your nighttime drinking routing and seriously impress your friends. It runs for three hours when fully charged and recharges via USB in just one hour. This one also includes a paper shade, so you can literally turn a wine glass into a lamp.

8

A Power Adapter With Five Outlets And A Surge Protector

PowerCube, $21, Amazon

Plug up to five devices into this powerful adapter and never worry about overloading it, because it has a built-in surge protector. This extended version of the original has a 4.9-foot extension cord and you can connect it to other PowerCubes to increase its functionality. It comes in a variety of colors, too.

9

A Memory Foam Travel Pillow On An Adjustable Strap

VereTrip Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow, $20, Amazon

This memory foam travel neck pillow is attached to an adjustable strap, which makes it more comfortable to wear on a plane or car ride. It's machine-washable, super-soft, and incredibly supportive, thanks to its unique butterfly shape.

10

An Offensive Card Game That Keeps Party Guests In Stitches

Joking Hazard, $25, Amazon

A grown-up party game for guests who love to laugh, this 360-panel card game features 10 add-your-own-word cards to build hilarious comics about topics like sex, violence, and friendship. It only requires three to play, and has a near-perfect rating from thousands of happy buyers.

11

An Aromatherapy Neck Wrap That Releases Muscle Tension

Aroma Wrap Heated Or Cooled Herbal Neck Wrap, $25, Amazon

Relax with this herbal neck wrap — but microwave it first to release the soothing, therapeutic scent of lavender and flax seed. Alternatively, chill it in the freezer and use it to release muscle tension or joint pain. With a super plush coating, this pillow is completely natural, and will last for years.

12

A French Salt Trio That's Awesome For Anyone Who Likes To Cook

French Gourmet Sea Salts, $13 (3 Pack), Amazon

Salt snobs, rejoice — this French sea salt set includes three different kinds: Fleur du sel, French garden blend, and French grey. Packaged in cute glass bottles with a cork stopper, they're great for cooking, cocktails, and finishing off dishes.

13

An Electric, Cordless Stainless Steel Tea Kettle

Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle, $23, Amazon

This electric kettle heats up water faster than your microwave and without the hassle of pots and a stovetop. It's cordless, boils up to 1.7 liters of hot water, and features a stay-cool handle, drip-free spout, and auto shut-off function. This is a perfect option for tea lovers, college students, or people who have just moved into a new home.

14

A Heating Pad With 3 Settings And A Long Power Cord

SunBeam Heating Pad With UltraHeat Technology, $10, Amazon

With three temperature settings and a 9-foot power cord, you can relax on the couch (or anywhere) and place this heating pad on your sore back, shoulders, arms — wherever. The sliding controller lets you customize its settings without getting up, and the removable cover is machine-washable.

15

An Overnight Mask With Snow Water That Gives You Radiant Skin

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $23, Amazon

Apply this water sleeping mask before bed and let it work its magic overnight. Ingredients like ceramides and snow water provide intense hydration, and you'll wake up to a smoother, healthier, and more luminous complexion. A cult-favorite product from a beloved K-beauty brand, it has a lightweight, gel-like consistency and lovely subtle scent.

16

A Waterproof Gear Organizer For All Your Tech Needs

BUBM Travel Waterproof Handbag, $12, Amazon

Whether you're traveling light — with just an e-reader and charger — or need a safe place to store several gadgets, this waterproof gear organizer is as practical and secure as it gets. It has two large nylon pockets with zippers for tablets and other larger devices, a double-layered nylon interior compartment, and 12 elastic loops for cables and flash disks. Choose from five colors and two sizes.

17

Cute Desk Organizer With 7 Compartments

VPack Magnet Desk Organizer, $18, Amazon

If you or someone you know constantly has a messy desk, this magnetic organizer — which has seven compartments for pens, office supplies, and personal items — is here to help. Made of faux-leather, it's durable, looks chic, and cleans easily. Choose among several colors, like canary yellow, neutral black, and millennial pink.

18

A Spiralizer Bundle To Make Fun Veggie Noodles

Kitchen Supreme Spiral Slicer, $13, Amazon

Get ready to create noodles and julienne spirals out of every vegetable you can get your hands on. This 3-piece kitchen set comes with a spiralizer, ceramic peeler, and flexible cleaning brush. Everything is made from BPA-free plastic and heat-treated stainless steel, and you can pop them in the dishwasher for an easy cleanup. It's super easy to use, there are no annoying attachments, and unlike other spiralizers, this one won't take up any precious counter space.

19

A Clarifying And Oil-Absorbing Charcoal Shampoo

Sort Of Coal Kuro Activated Charcoal Shampoo, $27, Amazon

If you have a normal or oily scalp and can't seem to get rid of build-up and dandruff, this activated charcoal shampoo will cleanse, clarify, and absorb excess sebum. Using white charcoal and oak vinegar, the Japanese hair product relieves itchiness and dandruff and contains no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances and dyes. You may need to get used to the charcoal-y scent, though — there isn't a floral note to be found in this formula.

20

An Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser With LED Lights

Viva Naturals Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, $20, Amazon

Adding just a few drops of your favorite essential oil into this aromatherapy diffuser will pack a major punch: The soothing mist doesn't just smell great, but it also helps improve air quality and humidify dry air. You can choose among three diffusing options: continuous mist, intermittent mist, or a lights-only feature that lets you use the device as a nightlight. It has seven multicolor LED lights and automatic shut-off.

21

A Heated Butter Knife So You No Longer Have To Wait To Spread Your Butter

That! Butter Knife, $16, Amazon

If you've ever lamented the time it takes to wait for butter to soften enough to be spreadable (and who hasn't?), you need this butter knife. It has a heated serrated edge that warms butter while spreading it — no electricity or batteries required. It's a super simple solution to a frustrating, age-old problem.

22

A Powerful Hair Dryer Infused With Micro-Conditioners

Remington Damage Control Ceramic Hair Dryer, $16, Amazon

Keep your hair safe from heat damage and its harmful side effects, which include frizz and split ends, with the help of this ceramic ionic hair dryer. The grill is infused with micro-conditioners that get released into the air when you're styling, making your locks even smoother and shinier. This tool has a power motor, three heat settings, and two speed settings — and it's ideal for all hair types.

23

A Way To Grow Herbs Without Soil

Seed Starter Kit, $15, Amazon

This seed starter kit includes three sets of organic, non-GMO seeds that you can grow without soil — mint, cinnamon basil, and lemon balm. By following simple instructions, any amateur farmer (or chef or mixologist) can grow fragrant herbs that give meals and cocktails a boost.

24

A Lightweight Journal With A Durable Leather Cover

Refillable Leather Travel Journal, $22, Amazon

Consider this journal one that will last for years: it comes included with three notebooks inserts that will take a long time to fill up. The exterior is made from a high-quality band and and its elastic band holds everything together. It also comes with a linen bag for storage and an extra elastic band.

25

A Beginner's "Starter Kit" For New Yogis

Gaiam Yoga For Beginners Kit, $27, Amazon

If you've got a yoga newbie (or seasoned enthusiast) on your shopping list, you can't go wrong with this yoga starter kit. You'll get a mat, block, strap, and even an instructional DVD — all at an incredibly great value of $26.

26

A Unique Slate Cheese Board And Knife Set

Kenley Slate Cheese Board and Knife Set, $30, Amazon

Cheese fanatics (the many, the proud) won't find a better product than this cheese board, made from non-slip slate, which comes with three stainless steel knives designed for all different kinds of fromage. The knives are dishwasher-safe, the board is simple to clean, and the sleek, modern design is super stylish.

27

A Powerful Charger That's Smaller Than A Credit Card

Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger, $26, Amazon

With a compact design that makes it smaller than a credit card, this portable charger may not look like much, but it's one powerful little device. It's capable of providing 3.5 iPhone 6 charges or 2.5 Galaxy S6 charges. It's sleek, fast, effective, and comes with an 18-month warranty.

28

A Scented Soy Wax Candle In An Elegant Vessel

Paddywax Hygge Collection Scented Soy Wax Candle, $26, Amazon

This 2-wick soy wax candle carries the scent of bergamot and mahogany and is positioned in an elegant black ceramic vessel with a copper lid. The real beauty of this candle, aside from its obviously gorgeous exterior, is that no synthetic fragrances are used in its making. It's 100 percent natural, and 100 percent soothing.

29

A Magnetic Knife Holder That Gives You A Gorgeous Place To Store Your Cutlery

Bamboo Wood Magnetic Knife Holder, $19, Amazon

Hang this bamboo magnetic knife holder in your kitchen and use it to store knives and other stainless steel cooking tools. This eco-friendly option is more durable than other woods, doesn't stain, and won't absorb odors. If it serves you better in a garage or tool shed, that works too.

30

An Organic Balm With Sleep-Inducing Essential Oils

Badger Night Night Balm, $7-$10, Amazon

Lull yourself to sleep — naturally — by applying this organic balm to your pulse points before bed. Its blend of essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are natural sleep enhancers, and you won't find fragrances, dyes, parabens, GMOs, or synthetics in this formula.

31

A Smart Notebook You Microwave When You Want To Delete Notes

Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook, $27, Amazon

A fun, smart solution that prolongs the lifespan of your journal, you can actually microwave this notebook up to five times to erase and reuse it. After downloading the Rocket Book app to your iPhone or Android, jot down notes and transfer them over to Evernote, iCloud, Dropbox, Google Docs, box, or your email. It also comes with a speciality Pilot FriXion pen.

32

A Tool To Create The Easiest, Most Mess-Free Pancakes Ever

Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer, $15, Amazon

Meet the tool that's about to make whipping up pancakes, waffles, or crepes so easy, you'll never want to settle for cereal again. Simply place all the ingredients into this pancake batter mixer bottle, toss in the BlenderBall, and shake. Then squeeze the perfect amount of batter right into your pan without spilling any of it (imagine that). When it comes time to wash this bottle, fill it with warm water and soap, give it a 30-second shake with the ball inside, and place on the top rack of your dishwasher.

33

A Carbonated Clay Mask That Removes Blackheads

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask, $9, Amazon

Have a little fun while you unclog pores and remove excess sebum with this carbonated bubble clay mask, which actually bubbles on your skin to let you know it's working its magic. This popular Korean beauty mask contains clay and carbonic acid, and helps remove blackheads and brighten dull skin.

34

A Cell Phone Holder That Lets You Enjoy Movies And Music, Hands Free

B-Land Cell Phone Holder, $19, Amazon

Our smartphones have become compact sources of big entertainment, but having to hold onto your device as you watch videos or movies takes a lot away from the experience. This cell phone holder has a flexible, adjustable stand that you can place anywhere — by your bed, at the gym, on a coffee table, or even around your neck. It's compatible with phones sized between 2.19 inches and 3.74 inches and finally gives you freedom of movement.

35

A Daily Foot Scrubber And Massager For Smoother Feet

Foot Massager & Scrubber, $14, Amazon

For some of us, keeping our feet soft and smooth, especially during the winter months, can be something of a challenge. Stay on top of your feet daily by using this massager and scrubber each time your shower. This product gently removes calluses and dry skin while you cleanse — and it feels great, too.

36

A Personal Blender And Travel Cup For No-Fuss Smoothies

Epica Personal Blender With Take-Along Bottle, $29, Amazon

Blend and puree fruits and veggies directly into a take-along bottle with this powerful personal blender, which can also be used for soups, dips, sauces — you name it. The BPA-free and dishwasher-friendly cup holds 20 ounces, comes with a sealable lid, and fits most cars' cup holders.

37

A Candle Holder Made From Himalayan Sea Salt

Natural Himalayan Salt Tea Candle Holder, $9 (2 Pack), Amazon

Created with Himalayan salt crystals formed millions of years ago, this candle holder serves two purposes: it looks stunning and emits negative ions that combat electromagnetic radiation. The air you breathe will promote a more restful atmosphere and — did I mention — it's a gorgeous piece of decor?

38

A Colorful 13-Piece Bowl Set For All Of Your Cooking Needs

HULLR 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, $15, Amazon

No matter your culinary needs, you'll find a solution in this 8-piece cooking set. Each piece is bright, colorful, and serves a purpose. You'll get a large mixing bowl, colander, sifter, medium-sized pouring bowl, and four measuring cups. They also all stock on top of one another, so they're super conducive to saving space.

39

A 14-Piece Stainless Steel Home Bar Set

Finedine Cocktail Shaker Home Bar Set, $25, Amazon

For anyone who loves to shake up a good cocktail, this 14-piece home bar set that comes with all of the staples: shaker tins, a Hawthorne cocktail strainer, double jiggers, a flat bottle opener, pour spouts, shot glasses, and a bar spoon. All tools are made from durable stainless steel and it's an insanely incredible value at $23.

40

A Mini Ceramic Curling Iron That's Perfect For Traveling

VAV Mini Ceramic Curling Iron, $13, Amazon

This mini curling iron is the perfect size for them to toss in their travel or gym bag. It reaches a max heat of 350 degrees, so it's hot enough that their curls will actually hold, and the one-inch barrel is great for creating loads of styles.

41

A Cooling Pillow Mat So You Never Wake Up With Sweat Head Again

Cooling Pillow Mat, $25, Amazon

If you're waking up in the middle of the night with your face or hair glued to your pillow, it's time to make a change. This cooling pillow mat fits on top of most pillows to keep you cool all night long. It's gel center won't trap heat, and if all else fails it's much easier to clean sweat off of than your actual pillow.

42

A Device That Cooks Eggs Super Fast And Flawlessly

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, $19, Amazon

Prep up to six eggs in just minutes using this fool-proof rapid egg cooker, which makes omelettes and hard-boiled, poached, or soft-boiled eggs. The gadget includes a poaching tray, measuring cup, omelette tray, and a 6-egg holding tray. The only thing required of you is to fill the cup with water, press the on/off switch, and wait — it will automatically turn off when your eggs are cooked to perfection.

43

This Natural Himalayan Salt Scrub

Himalayan Salt Scrub, $15, Amazon

This all-natural salt scrub is the perfect pick me up during an evening bath. It contains pink Himalayan salt crystals to exfoliate the skin and balance the pH.

44

A Microfiber Hair Towel That Removes Moisture Without Creating Frizz

Aquis Hair Towel, $25, Amazon

Ordinary towels can create frizz when you use them to wrap up wet hair or remove excess moisture from damp locks. But this microfiber hair towel has the opposite effect. It's ultra absorbent and more gentle on hair than terry cotton, can be used as a turban to keep wet hair out of the way, and dries rapidly after you use it, preventing the accumulation of mildew and nasty smells.

45

A Wide Angle Lens That Attaches To Your Phone For Better Photos

2-In-1 Mobile Phone Camera Lens, $18, Amazon

Your phone may take amazing photos, but there's only so much it can capture without the help of this wide angle lens, which conveniently attaches right to your device. This 2-in-1 lens, suitable for most smartphones, is both a 0.6x wide lens and a 15x macro lens. Whether you're trying to capture a landscape or hone in on a small object to magnify its details, this lens is the perfect phone accessory for amateur and professional photographers alike.

46

A Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum

Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $15, Amazon

Parched skin will drink this hyaluronic acid serum right up and the result will be smoother, healthier looking skin with fewer dry flakes and less itchiness. Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, creating a moisturizing barrier that protects skin from drying elements. Use it morning and night after your cleanser and toner and before moisturizer, sunscreen, or retinol.

47

A Non-Sliding Shower Mat Made From Eco-Friendly Bamboo

Bamburoba Bath Shower Mat, $27, Amazon

This eco-friendly bamboo bath mat has slotted panels that allow air to circulate, which prevents mold and mildew from forming. It won't slip from your floor and offers a modern alternative to plush fabric mats that get dirty easily and seem to stay wet forever. Plus, it looks super chic.

48

Heat-Free Curlers That Style Your Hair As You Sleep

AllStar Innovations The Sleep Styler, $20, Amazon

The Sleep Styler heat-free curling system won the approval of Shark Tank judges for a top-notch reason: they work (without heat!) while you sleep. Roll up separate sections of your hair before bed, sleep like a baby (because they're super soft), and wake up to find large waves, loose curls, and tons of body in your hair. Spending a little extra time at night is worth the amount of time it'll save you in the morning.

49

A Stainless Steel Stick You Place In Your Bottle Of Wine To Keep It Cold

Wine Chill Stick, $9, Amazon

Open that bottle of rosé, pour a few glasses, and don't worry about rushing it back to a fridge for safe-keeping. This stainless steel wine chill stick can be inserted right into the bottle to keep it cold. When you're ready to pour again, you don't even have to remove the rod — serve it via its genius pour spout aerator.

50

A Personal Light Bulb That's So Compact, It Fits In Your Wallet

Mini LED Credit Card, $9, Amazon

You'll never be left in the dark when you're carrying this pocket-size light bulb in your wallet. Made with five LED lights, it's as compact and lightweight as a credit card and even has a component that stands up on its own — perfect for reading menus in dark restaurants and bars.

51

A Padded iPad Pillow Stand With A Soft, Washable Cover

Ipevo Pad Pillow Stand, $21, Amazon

Rest your iPad or iPad air on this soft pillow stand and place it anywhere — even on your stomach — for a more comfortable user experience. The stand folds out to provide space for a wireless keyboard and is protected by a 100 percent cotton denim cover that can easily be removed and washed.

52

A Lightweight Backpack That Folds Up Into A Sandwich Size Pocket

Hikpro Ultra Lightweight Backpack, $16, Amazon

Whether you're going hiking, camping, cycling, or on a trip overseas, carrying a lightweight backpack, like this water-resistant one, is a way to make your trip way more comfortable. It's made from durable nylon, has wide, breathable mesh shoulder straps that can be adjusted, and several pockets and zippered compartments. The best part is that it folds into a sandwich-sized pocket when you're not using it for convenient storage.

53

A Gentle Pinch-Free Eyelash Curler

Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler, $12, Amazon

The open-cage design on this eyelash curler ensures your lashes won't get pinched, and the easel flips down to provide the perfect bend and curl. Reviewers say this tool doesn't tug lashes like traditional metal versions, and that it keeps lashes curled all day. It's also super convenient for travel.

54

A Bedroom Light Bulb That Promotes More Restful Sleep

Lightning Science Household Light Bulbs, $16, Amazon

For a better nightlight that's in synch with your circadian rhythms, look no further than this smart LED light bulb. It doesn't suppress the body's melatonin production like other bulbs and, when placed in your bedroom, it provides the perfect soft warm glow to lull you to sleep.

55

A Mini Charging Station & Organizer For iPads, Phones, and iWatches

iCozzier Mini Bamboo Charging Station, $14, Amazon

Use this attractive and sustainable bamboo organizer and charging station to hold iPads, phones, and iWatches — and eliminate major clutter — thanks to a section that accommodates chargers and cables. It's made of sleek bamboo, so it'll look good anywhere, is super sturdy, and is a pretty amazing deal at around $20.

56

The Ultimate Luxurious Milk & Honey Hand Treatment

XY Fancy Hands Care, $10, Amazon

Welcome to the fanciest hand mask ever — one made with milk and honey that's guaranteed to get their hands in tip-top, super-soft shape. This peel-off wax mask also relies on hyaluronic acid to exfoliate and moisturize rough skin, and it contains no paraben, sulfates, or harmful chemicals.

57

A Self Cleaning Hair Brush

Qwik-Clean Self Cleaning Hair Brush, $20, Amazon

It's pretty much a given that most of us aren't cleaning our brushes as often as we should — but it can be such a chore, so who can blame us? This self-cleaning brush makes the process simple with a patented bristle retraction system that allows strands to instantly fall out. It also helps improve shine and reduce static.

58

A Battery-Powered Spice Shaker For One Handed Seasoning

Eparé Battery-Powered Steel Electric Spice Shaker, $18, Amazon

This battery-powered spice shaker effectively grinds coarse salt, pepper, and other spices with the touch of a button. Perfect for anyone who has arthritis, this shaker lets the spices fall using just one hand. It's also great to use while simultaneously stirring and seasoning soups or stews.

59

A Mystery Book That Makes Readers The Masters Of Their Story

Finish This Book, $13, Amazon

When a creative block hits, open Finish This Book and you'll find the cure (without even realizing it). Author Keri Smith wrote a genius book that makes the reader a collaborator while taking us on a mysterious journey. This book is fun for preteens, teens, and, yes, even adults.

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