Brand names aren't always better. Not only can you save a ton of money buying the store version, but they're often nearly identical to their brand name competitor — ever check the ingredients list on your cough medicine? Compare it to the store brand ingredients and you'll see what I'm talking about.
The same goes for AmazonBasics. Since it's Amazon's house brand, most of their items are cheaper than the competition, yet just as good, if not better in quality. And because all these picks are affordable, just think of what you can do with all the money you're saving — put it in the bank? Bury it in your yard? Eat it? NAH — we all know you're going to spend it on more Amazon stuff.
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 products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and Brainjolt 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!
With more than 10,000 positive four- and five-star reviews, you really can't go wrong with
this laptop stand
. The ventilated mesh design allows hot air to circulate away so that your laptop doesn't overheat, and the height is adjustable for added convenience. But the best part? There's even a cord organizer in the back with space for up to six cables.
This
Power Strip
With An Extra-Long Power Cord
We've all been there: you whip out your fancy power strip, only to find out the power cable isn't long enough to reach where you want — so grab
this one
. Not only is the cable 6 feet long, but the built-in surge protector also helps keep your devices safe from electrical spikes.
A
Desk Organizer
With Slots For Folders, Files, And More
Without any tools required for assembly,
this organizer
is ready to go almost straight out of the box. It's made from durable steel with sleek black plating that matches pretty much anything, and there are seven vertical file slots, two shelves, as well as one drawer. Besides, you have to admit — it'll look
way
better on your desk than all those piles of papers that are currently strewn all over.
A
Suitcase
That Expands In Case You Need To Pack Extra
Finding a quality suitcase for a decent price can be difficult — unless you're checking out
this one
. For less than $60 this spinner suitcase has a built-in TSA lock, as well as a premium hardshell case to keep your belongings safe. It can also expand outwards an extra 15% in case you need to pack a little more than usual. Grab it in six colors: grey, orange, pink, navy, green, or black.
These
Towels
Made From 100% Cotton
You can never go wrong with a quality set of towels, and
these ones
are made from 100% cotton that feels soft against your skin. Each order comes with two bath towels, two hand towels, plus two washcloths, and even if you don't think you need them, you probably do — got guests coming over? You'll be sure to impress them with a fresh set of
these
, instead of those raggedy white towels you steal from the gym.
A Pack Of
Non-Slip Hangers
Coated In Luxurious Velvet
Some clothes just refuse to stay on hangers, which is where
these non-slip ones
come in. They're coated in velvet that creates extra friction so that even the silkiest shirts don't slide away, and they're thinner than regular hangers so that they take up less space on your closet rod. Each one is durable enough to hold up to 10 pounds — grab them in black, grey, or ivory.
Need to add a few outlets to your wall?
This mounted power strip
has six outlets that feature built-in surge protection. The outlets also rotate — yes,
rotate
. If you've ever had a bulky plug that blocked other outlets, now you can simply rotate an outlet left or right, then plug it in without any blockage.
Hey man — I get it. When you're on the couch, you don't want to be bothered, let alone moved. That's why you need
this 10-foot-long lightning cable
. When the outlets around your couch are too far away for a regular charging cable, you can just pop this one in and get right on back to laying around. And unlike other lightning cables, this one is reinforced at the connectors to help prevent it from fraying.
Asbestos, mountain lions, BPA — all bad things that can kill you, and none of them are found in
this non-stick cookware set
. And if "It won't kill you" isn't good enough to throw it in your cart right now, the pots and pans in this set are made from aluminum that feels solid and durable in your hands. Each order also comes with a slew of utensils: one pasta server, soup ladle, slotted turner, serving spoon, and a slotted serving spoon — all for less than $60.
Even if you're the type of cook who burns water, you still need a good cast iron skillet like
this one
. Why this one? Well, for starters it arrives pre-seasoned so that you can use it right out of the box, plus it just
looks
good. Imagine making macaroni and cheese in it, or even baking a few eggs in the morning (it's oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.) And because it's suitable for all types of cooking surfaces, you can even use it while camping.
These
Knives
Made With High-Carbon Stainless Steel Blades
Not only does
this set of knives
come with its own block made from pine, but the blades are also made from high-carbon stainless steel that's resistant to rust. The triple-rivet POM handles are designed for a firm, comfortable grip, plus each set also comes with kitchen shears, as well as a blade sharpener — all for less than $30.
An
Anti-Fatigue Mat
That Helps Prevent Sore Muscles
Do you sometimes get sore from just standing at the counter for long periods of time? Because I know I do — which is why I got
this anti-fatigue standing mat
. The cushioned foam contours to the shape of your feet to help keep them supported, plus the edges won't curl up so you don't have to worry about tripping. It's stain- as well as abrasion-resistant, and if it ever gets dirty just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Parchment paper is a complete waste of money when you compare it to
these reusable baking mats
. They come in a pack of three which means each one only costs $5, and they're made from durable silicone that's oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. You don't need to use any cooking sprays with these mats since they're naturally non-stick, plus they're also great for rolling pastries and doughs.
An
Electric Kettle
That Boils Water Faster Than The Stove
If you're looking to make a quick cup of coffee or tea in the morning, don't bother with the stove — just use
this electric kettle
. It gets water boiling quicker than the stove, and the automatic shut-off kicks in if it ever boils dry. The exterior is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, plus the kettle detaches from the base for cordless serving.
This
Immersion Blender
That's Great For Soups, Smoothies, And More
Your options are almost limitless with
this immersion blender
— use it to make delicious sauces, soups, smoothies, or even homemade condiments. It also works great for frothing milk and egg whites, plus all the included attachments are dishwasher-safe. "Using this immersion blender has made my life easier because I make a lot of blended soups," one reviewer raved. "I no longer have to put hot soup into a blender to blend the soup, I now have this blender and it makes life so much easier — and cleanup is a breeze!"
If you want to keep using wasteful paper cupcake liners, that's fine — but me? I'll be over here with
these reusable ones
made from food-grade silicone. Each one is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and there's no sprays or greasing required — just pour in your batter, and you're good to go.
These
Food Containers
Made From Borosilicate Glass
Looking for a set of high-quality food storage containers? You really can't go wrong with
these ones
that are made from borosilicate glass —
not
plastic. The lids lock into place with silicone seals to help prevent leaks and spills, plus the glass is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and odors. You can even put the glass bases into the oven since they're heat-resistant up to 752 degrees Fahrenheit, however the plastic lid is, understandably, only safe for the microwave.
A Pair Of
Computer Speakers
That Reviewers Can't Get Enough Of
You don't need to download any drivers for
these computer speakers
to work — just plug them in and you'll quickly be able to listen to music without any complicated setup. But why take it from me? With more than 5,000 positive reviews, it's clear that they're a hit with Amazon shoppers as well.
"I have a few Amazon Basics products, including a monitor stand and now these speakers," one reviewer writes. "They are much better than I was expecting for the price. They have decent weight to them, they feel really good quality as opposed to the really plastic, light, cheap feel of similar priced products. The design is sleek, the LEDs are nice, the sound is good quality. You won't obviously get the sound quality of a several-hundred-dollar surround system, but for $16 speakers these are fantastic."
These
String Lights
That You Can Put Anywhere
Put them out on your patio for some chic summertime illumination, or even put
these string lights
up in your house when you're trying to set a romantic mood. The cable is 50 feet long, and you can safely connect up to three if needed. "I bought them to brighten up the bedroom and it created an ambiance I couldn’t even dream of," one reviewer wrote. "Lights come nicely packaged in a well thought out box, no assembly needed. I bought 2 pks of 25 and they connected easily. Love love love!"
A
Hand Towel Stand
That You Can Also Use For Jewelry
No towel rods in your bathroom? Not a problem when you have
this hand towel holder
. The bars are made from tough metal with a sleek finish (available in nickel, bronze, or black), plus you can also use it to store jewelry since the rectangular ceramic base works great for rings, bracelets, and other small accessories.
This
Makeup Mirror
That Offers 5x Magnification
It's not always easy to see all the delicate nooks and crannies around your eyes, which is why everybody should have a double-sided makeup mirror like
this one
. It offers 1x and 5x magnification to help you do your eyeliner #flawlessly, and the brushed nickel finish looks great no matter how you've styled your vanity.
A
Shower Caddy
That Attaches To Your Walls
With two powerful suction cups at the top,
this caddy
easily attaches to any non-porous shower wall. The steel wire is rust-resistant, and the two shelves are ventilated so that your soaps and bottles dry quickly rather than accumulate grime. You can also hang it on your bathroom mirror for some extra storage, plus it won't damage your walls — even if they're glass.
Most hampers are large and bulky, taking up a ton of space in your closet — but not
this one
. Not only is it collapsible, but the cushioned lid means it can also double as a comfortable stool. The handles on the sides make it easy to transport around your home, plus many Amazon reviewers wrote about how it's "easy to assemble."
A Pair Of
Jewelry Trays
That Are Seriously Cute
For less than $15, you can get two of
these stackable jewelry trays
that are great for cufflinks, hair clips, rings, earrings, and more. Each one is made from durable wood with an adorable painted finish, and they look great on any vanity, or even on your bedroom nightstand.
An
Umbrella
With A Built-In Vent For Wind
Even though using an umbrella isn't hard, it's still nice when pressing the button on the handle opens and closes it for you.
This one
not only has that useful button, but there's also a built-in wind vent that helps keep it from inverting in strong gusts. The soft-grip handle fits comfortably in your hands, plus it's available in several colors: navy, light blue, pink, red, and more.
Electronic pickpockets can access your sensitive credit card and passport information without ever slipping a hand into your bag, so keep it all safe with
this leather passport wallet
. It blocks RFID signals so that thieves can't steal your data, and there's enough space for your passport, credit cards, cash, and more. Grab it in three colors: black, navy, or brown.
A
Luggage Scale
That's Actually Really Useful
You're probably looking at
this luggage scale
, thinking "Why would I get that? I only travel
sometimes.
" To which I'd say, "I also only travel occasionally, but it still saved me $50 in overweight baggage fees. Oh, and it's only $10, so it basically paid for itself." But if that's not convincing enough, the durable strap is strong enough that it can handle suitcases weighing up to 110 pounds.
A
Neck Pillow
Filled With Soft Memory Foam
Take it from someone who is very,
very
good at sleeping — you need
this neck pillow
. You can wear it on planes, trains, in automobiles, or even just lying on the couch. The plush cover is removable for easy cleaning if it ever gets dirty, and it's filled with soft memory foam that contours to the shape of your head for added comfort.
This
Backpack
That You Can Wear To Concerts And Stadiums
Raise your hand if you've ever had an overzealous security guard tell you that you can't bring your reasonably-sized bag into a venue. Everybody, huh? That means everybody here needs
this transparent backpack
. Even the biggest hardo of a security guard can't tell you it's not allowed, plus there are multiple pockets where you can stash pens, phones, water bottles, and more.
These
Packing Cubes
That Keep Your Luggage Organized
My clothes are always a wrinkled mess whenever I travel, because the inside of my suitcase turns into a total war zone whenever it's in transit — so grab
these packing cubes
. They keep your clothes tightly packed in your luggage so that it comes out looking fresh instead of frumpled, and each one has a mesh top panel that makes it easy to see what's inside without unpacking everything. Grab in six colors: black, blue, gray, green, sky blue, or red.
This
Resistance Band
That Helps Tone Your Whole Body
Chin-ups, pull-ups, bicep curls, squats — you name an exercise, and
this resistance band
can help you do it within the comfort of your own home. It's made from thick, durable rubber that can withstand immense stretching and pressure, plus the weight resistance (30 — 60 pounds) is perfect for everyone, from beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts.
A
Balance Board
That Helps Tone Your Abs
All you have to do is plank on
this balance board
— no really, that's it. Just plank on it, and muscles all over your torso will engage in order to keep you from tipping over. It's able to support up to 265 pounds, plus the top is covered in non-slip for added safety. "I use this with my standing desk at work, and love it," one reviewer raved. "Doesn't leave plastic pieces on the floor like other boards I've used. Easy with your feet close together, challenging with them spread further apart, so I can vary how difficult it is to balance. Highly recommended."
I like to play
this ladder toss game
whenever my family has a picnic, or if we're spending a day at the beach. Players toss their bolas towards the other team's ladder, trying to get them to land on one of the three rungs. Each rung is worth a different amount of points, and we usually play until one team reaches 21. The best part? It all comes neatly packaged in a convenient travel case so that it's easy to transport — up to four people can play.
A
Bocce Ball Set
That Comes With A Carrying Case
Made for ages 14 and up,
this bocce ball set
is a must-have if you enjoy spending time outside when the weather is pleasant. Each ball is made from a durable poly-resin composite that won't crack when the balls collide, plus each order also comes with a carrying case so that it's easy to take pretty much anywhere. One reviewer wrote that this set is "great for the price. Bocce balls seem solid, roll fine, look great" — what more could you want?
A
Foam Roller
That Won't Fall Flat
Made from high-density foam,
this is one foam roller
that won't collapse underneath your bodyweight — no matter what the scale says. It's easy to take with you since it's lightweight, and it's great for soothing sore muscles after a heavy workout. If your back ever hurts at the end of the day, or if you're sore after waking up in the morning, trust me — give this roller a try. You'll thank me later.
These
Microfiber Bed Sheets
With More Than 54,000 Positive Reviews
With dozens —
dozens —
of colors and patterns to choose from, there's no reason not to get a set of
these bed sheets
. A queen set costs less than $20, and the fitted sheet is deep enough that it can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep. But why take my word for it, when more than 54,000 Amazon reviewers left rave reviews? "Fabulous - absolutely no wrinkles," one writes. "We use a lot of pillows on our bed. I recently purchased a new comforter set and needed brown pillow cases to match the spread and shams. These are perfect. If you need pillow cases that are both soft and wrinkle-free look no further. Oh, and the price was spot on!!!"
If you have a couch in your home, you need at least one throw blanket to go with it — and
this one
is made from ultra-soft micro mink sherpa. You're basically getting two throws for the price of one since it's reversible, and the material is even wrinkle-resistant so that it looks great draped over your furniture. Light enough for the summer, yet warm in the winter, you can also use it as a bedspread if you're looking for an easy way to add luxury to your bedroom.