37 Handy Gadgets Under $20 on Amazon That Might Be Genius

I'm always on the lookout for new things that can solve my problems and make my life simpler, easier, and more fun. These can be anything from a special knife that's specifically for avocados (I eat a ton of them) to a tech accessory that I've never considered before. And sometimes, I find these things that are not only totally brilliant but also don't cost an arm and a leg. There are lots of innovative products out there on Amazon that you'd be surprised to find are less than $20. Basically, the perfect items to add-on if you're rounding out your shopping cart. From a super-powerful ring light to your phone, to a tine humidifier for your desk, to a multitasking pen that can also be very useful in a pinch, here are some of the handiest gadgets I've found on Amazon.

We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
We hope you find these handy products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: we participate in affiliate programs, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page.

This Selfie Ring Light That Helps You Take A Better Picture

via: Amazon

Good lighting is hard to come by when you're taking a phone selfie. While I'm not much of a selfie taker, I do love photography and video. Even though this light is particularly useful for showing off your makeup look or #OOTD, it can also be good for providing extra light for all your shots. After all: better lighting, better picture.

This Fire Stick Remote AttachmentsThat Combines Your Remotes Into One/b>

via: Amazon

Never go looking for your handful of teeny-tiny remotes again. As much as I love my streaming device, it can be a pain to go looking for the TV remote and the Fire Stick remote (especially since the Fire Stick is so minuscule and easy to lose between couch cushions). This handy attachment adds a universal remote to your Fire Stick remote, so you can have all the buttons you need in one place.

This Air Pods Strap That Takes Away Your Worries Of Losing An Earbud

via: Amazon

Apple Airpods are great but they are so easy to lose, assuming you don't have the more-fitted Airpod Pros. Many friends of mine who are Airpod users have warned me about the anxiety they get when wearing them on their commute or while traveling. This strap simplifies that by connecting around your neck, so even if an earbud falls out, it won't go tumbling into the street.

These Noise Canceling Earbuds That Are Just As Good As Over-Ear Headphones

via: Amazon

I occasionally edit videos, and when I do, I usually reach for my big, honking, over-ear headphones in order to cut out any noise while I tweak with sound. These headphones are big, heavy, and eventually give me a headache if I wear them too long. Many reviewers on Amazon have noted how easy to wear these earbuds are and how their sound quality is just as good as over-ear headphones. They're a must-buy for anyone who wants to cut out distractions, from video editors to people who just want a quiet plane ride.

This Adorable Humidifier That Sits On Your Desk

via: Amazon

I've become a fan of aromatherapy, and my favorite way to do it is with a cool-mist humidifier. But, these big devices don't always work for me. Sometimes I just want a light bit of scent and healing steam without filling up the room or disturbing anyone. This tiny humidifier is USB powered and perfectly sized for your desk. It also comes in three colors and looks like a tiny kitten relaxing in its bed. So cute.

This Universal DiffuserThat Fits On Any Hair Dryer

via: Amazon

Unless your hairdryer already comes with a diffuser attachment, it's hard to find one that fits your dryer's nozzle. Because I have wavy-curly hair, I personally prefer the evenly distributed heat and air that a diffuser gives, but my current dryer didn't come with one, so I've been out of luck until I found this universal diffuser. It fits on a variety of sized hairdryers and makes your hair look beautiful and natural.

These Bag Hooks That Will Hold Everything You Need

via: Amazon

I used to live in a place where having a car was an absolutely necessity. And, like many other drivers out there, I needed to bring a bunch of stuff with me wherever I go, including my purse, a water bottle, and other random things depending on where I was going. But all this stuff can roll around under seats, or worse, become a distraction while driving. These hooks make it so much easier to just hang up your bag and your coat so you can focus on the road.

This Fabric ShaverThat Will Revamp Your Sweaters

via: Amazon

Sweater weather is right around the corner, people. I love the cooler months and busting out all my best sweaters and sweatshirts. But since many of these items have lasted me for years, they've all needed a refresh at some point. If you're tired of sweater fuzzies and pilling fabric, this electric shaver pulls all that stuff away with ease so your clothes look and feel like new.

This Hair Remover That's Great For Little Touch-Ups

via: Amazon

We all have little hair problems now and again. This tiny hair remover works like any other electric shaver, but it's designed for the little hairs on your face, including your upper lip, chin, or even around your hairline. It can also be useful at whisking away that little bit of peach fuzz we all have on our faces for smoother makeup application.

This Magnetic Car Mount That Makes Navigation Easy

via: Amazon

Your phone can do so much, including working as a GPS device. Of course, it's obviously unsafe to be checking and reaching for your phone constantly while driving. But there is a better way: securing your phone in a place where it's easy to see where you're going. A car mount is essential for drivers today, and this one uses a magnet that you stick to your dashboard and your phone for easy handling.

This Teeny-Weeny Speaker That Packs A Lot Of Punch

via: Amazon

As much as I love my Bluetooth speaker at home, it doesn't really make sense for me to take it when I go traveling. During those times when you're settling into your hotel room or Airbnb, having an external speaker can really be a perk. I can watch something on my laptop or play music while getting ready to go out, just as I would at home. I love this tiny speaker because it's not only travel-friendly, but it also produces a great sound that doesn't sound like it's in a tin can.

This Kitchen Scale That Is Ideal For Baking

via: Amazon

After years of baking with U.S. Imperial measuring cups, I found out why pastries, bread, cakes, and other baked goods in other parts of the world always tasted so much better. They measured by weight instead of volume. Now, I look for recipes that are in grams or ounces, and I use this kitchen scale to put my ingredients together. I've made moister cakes, more delicious cookies, and softer bread since I've made the change and I'm never going back.

This Multitasking Pen That Can Also Keep You Safe

via: Amazon

Yes, this is a pen. It writes smoothly and is perfect for jotting down notes or signing paperwork. That's all well and good, but you might be surprised to learn that this pen also has some tactical use as well. It can serve many other functions that can help keep you safe while walking down the street or in an empty parking lot. For less than $20, it's already worth having in your bag. It's also good for hikers, campers, or anyone who spends time outdoors.

This Snap On StrainerThat Will Replace Your Colander

via: Amazon

Why clutter up your cabinets with more bulky stuff when you can streamline everything with one product? This strainer easy clips to any pot (of any size) and makes draining pasta and veggies so much easier. Now you don't have to clear space in your sink to safely place your colander, and you can cut down on big dishes to clean at the end of the day.

This Heated Eye Mask That Is So Relaxing

via: Amazon

I have chronic headaches, so I'm always looking for things that can soothe the pain. This heated eye mask is basically my dream product. I've found that heat helps so much when my head is pounding, and occasionally it's happening around my eyes (too much screen time, I guess). This eye mask works like a combination of a sleep mask and a heating pad, and it's practically the best product I've found for relaxing eye and head tension.

This Bacon "Grill" That Works In The Microwave

via: Amazon

Crispy bacon in the microwave is real. There are quite a few products out there that can "fry" bacon in the microwave, but this one seems to be the most user friendly to me. Just lay down your pieces, pop them in, and you'll have crispy bacon in no time. Lots of reviewers have written about how amazed they are at the results. Plus, it makes after-breakfast clean up way easier.

This Electric Brush Cleaner That Cleanses And Dries

via: Amazon

Something that I must get better at is cleaning my makeup brushes regularly. I think a lot of people overlook at how much bacteria and nastiness that can build up on those brushes, so cleaning them usually falls to the wayside. Plus, it takes forever for them to dry. But not with this hand device. It spins your brush in a bowl of cleaner to really get the dirt out, and all you have to do to dry them is by slightly lifting the brush out of the liquid to shake it off.

This Hot Sock That Is A Lighter Way To Diffuse Your Hair

via: Amazon

That universal diffuser is a must-have, but I won't lie: Those attachments can be bulky. During times when I just don't have enough room in my suitcase when I go on a trip, I often have to leave my diffuser behind. But there is a much more travel-friendly alternative. This Hot Sock fits over any hairdryer and cuts down on airflow (but not heat), so your hair can easily dry without the frizz.

These Herb Scissors That Are A Game Changer

via: Amazon

I may be a good cook, but I hate chopping. Especially when it comes to hard-to-wrangle things like fresh herbs. Chives, parsley, cilantro, you name it –– they're all a pain to chop. When I found these herb scissors, it was like a whole new world was opened for me. Okay, maybe it wasn't that dramatic, but it certainly opened my eyes to a faster and easier way to mince up those herbs for a flavorful dinner. It's called working smarter, not harder.

This Ramen Cooker That Gives You Perfect Noodles Every Time

via: Amazon

Ah, ramen. It was a staple for me in high school and college and I will admit, sometimes I get a craving for it. Especially when school starts again. Even though making ramen was already pretty easy, this microwave cooker makes it even simpler. Just add water, noodles, and powder mixture set the time, and voila! Perfectly cooked ramen noodles, no crunchy stuff, in no time at all.

These Nail Clippers That Make Your Mani Much Simpler

via: Amazon

Good nails take some maintenance. While I'm very much into a low-maintenance lifestyle, I'm willing to take some time every week to trim and shape my nails as needed. The easiest and fastest way, of course, is by using a nail clipper, but there are some angles you just can't get to with a normal set. This clipper swivels to whatever angle you need to reach the perfect nail shape.

These Special Gloves That Protect You From Cuts

via: Amazon

I've had my fair share of "incidents" in the kitchen. I've definitely given myself some gnarly cuts while chopping onions (another reason why I hate chopping). If you're not a total whiz in the kitchen, a.k.a. a normal person who is not a chef, these gloves can certainly give you the protection you need. They're made of a special material that is strong enough to resist cuts from your knife blade, keeping your hands safe and sound, even during the clumsiest of times.

This Special SpoonThat Grabs Every Last Bit From Jars

via: Amazon

I'm a big peanut butter fan, and I'm always a little sad when I can't grab that last bit of peanut butter out of the jar. This specially designed spoon is made so it can hug those round edges and scoop out that nut buttery goodness without any struggle. This means I can have my lunch and save a few pennies while I'm at it because I can use every last drop.

This Lip Scrub Gently Exfoliates (And Is Vegan Too!)

via: Amazon

There are so many ways to mince garlic. You can chop it up yourself (I won't), use a food processer, and of course, the many different types of garlic presses out there. Add this innovative little device to the list, because it makes chopping and mincing garlic as easy as one quick motion. It's basically like a garlic press and a chopper all-in-one. And it certainly makes food prep a snap.

This Tiny, Rechargable Fan That Fits In Any Bag

via: Amazon

Hot days and subways don't mix. Lots of people opt to have fans with them on hot, summer days, especially down in the tunnels. However, I also like to carry a light, no-frills purse that won't weigh me down when I'm out and about. That's not so convenient for carrying around one of those bulky personal fans. But this little fan can be charged via USB and it's so slim, it slips into any bag with ease.

This Clear CaseThat's Made For Your Apple Watch

via: Amazon

I've been too scared to get an Apple Watch because I'm almost certain I will scratch up the face somehow. But now that I know this little case is out there, I might reconsider. Putting a case around your watch face might sound bulky at first, but this one is very slim and clear, so it won't block the world from marveling at your shiny, pretty Apple Watch. And, isn't that why we get this stuff in the first place?

This Brilliant Tool That Opens Clamshell Package With Ease

via: Amazon

Think back to your childhood. On your birthday, did you end up with several toys and gadgets that came in that hard, clamshell packaging? Pretty much everything did, especially tech. Even as an adult, this packaging is still excruciatingly hard to open. This special tool, however, easily rips into any hard, plastic packaging with ease so you can get to the goods inside.

This Tiny, Angry-Looking Steamer That Cleans Your Microwave Better Than Anything

via: Amazon

One of the best ways to get rid of caked-on food splatters in your microwave is by using the power of steam. This little steamer does just that. It's called an "Angry Mom," (because who hasn't had their mom scold them over their messy room), but it will make you incredibly happy. Just pop it in the microwave, and when it's done steaming, simply wipe down all the sides without any scrubbing. Even your mom will approve.

This Facial Massager That Feels So Glamorous

via: Amazon

I've got a jade roller and a microneedle roller, so now I'm ready to add this massager to the mix. The idea with this is to gently massage your skin to it stays taught and supple. But really, it just seems like a fun, relaxing tool for my next at-home spa day. Bonus points because it looks so glamorous. You'd never guess this thing cost under $20.

This Electric Facial Scrubber That Will Grab All That Stubborn Dirt And Oil

via: Amazon

You don't have to shout out a ton of cash for the skin of your dreams. This facial scrubber gently cleanses your skin (with your favorite cleanser) and exfoliates for a smooth finish. Many happy customers have mentioned in reviews how it works just as well as those high-end facial cleanser systems, so you can rest assured that you're getting the best results for your face and your wallet.

These Adjustable Pan Shapers That Might Make You Throw Out Your Cake Pans

via: Amazon

I've always wanted to make cakes that look like different shapes, but I've never been confident enough to carve them as they do on baking competition shows. Instead, these shapers let you create the shape you want from the get-go, so there's no carving or supreme artistry required to get a beautiful cake. Honestly, I might just use these instead of my old cake pans from now on.

This Laptop Screen That Keeps Your Work Private

via: Amazon

I normally work from home, but sometimes, I like to work in a public place like a coffee shop or shared workspace. This also means that anyone could be looking at my screen, for any reason, at any time. To chase away prying eyes, I usually bring along this laptop screen that keeps nosy people from trying to peer over my shoulder. All they'll see is a black screen, but the view from my angle will be totally clear.

These Lip Scrubbers That Will Make Your Pout Plumper

via: Amazon

Winter is coming, which means I see chapped lips in my future. This year, I am determined to keep flaky, dry, uncomfortable lips at bay by not only moisturizing like a fiend but also by exfoliating regularly. I love these little scrubbers because they're super gentle and leave my lips super smooth. Many reviewers suggest using them with a collagen cream for a healthy, plump pout.

This Socket Sealers That Fight Against Drafts

via: Amazon

Did you know that cool air can seep in (or out) of your house through your electrical outlets? Yes, I was surprised too. Such a tiny space, and yet it can make a big difference in heating or cooling your home because we all have so many in every corner of our homes. These socket sealers can be placed under your outlet's faceplate to help seal in your air conditioning during summer and keep drafts out during winter.

This Adjustible Surge Protector That Won't Add Clutter To Your Space

via: Amazon

I use a surge protector for many areas in my home, especially my media center. It houses my TV, my stereo speakers, my internet router, and my record player, so I definitely need a lot of safe outlets. But one thing I dislike is that it just adds more clutter behind my media shelf. I switched to this special surge protector that has outlets that can be adjusted to different directions, so it cuts down on clutter and random wires everywhere.

This Clip On Car Mount That Won't Damage Your Dashboard

via: Amazon

There is another car mount on this list, but I understand that some people might have misgivings about applying a sticky magnet to their car's dashboard. There's always a risk of damaging the finish, which can affect your car's resale value. The same goes for if you're renting a car and need navigation. If that mount is not for you, consider this one. It also has a powerful magnet keeping your phone in place, but it can be clipped to your car's air conditioning vent instead. This feature also makes it portable, so you can use it in multiple cars.

This Lightning Adapter That Lets You Charge Your Phone And Listen To Music

via: Amazon

Lots of people have strong opinions about Apple's change to the lightning port instead of a normal headphone jack. Personally, I don't mind the new design, but it can be frustrating if you need to charge your phone and use your headphones at the same time (if you don't have wireless ones). This adapter has a lightning port and two headphone jacks, so not only can you listen to your music or podcast by yourself, but you can also do it with a friend.