20 life‑changing products you can get for $20 or less
Shop affordable life hacks across tech, cleaning, beauty and more.
Rachel CortezAs a shopping editor, I spend my days scouring the web for the most useful products and the best deals to match. Even though I'm always looking for the deepest discounts, occasionally, my bargain-hunting addiction pays off in a really big way, and I strike gold on a budget-friendly masterpiece that is so useful I actually regret all the time I spent living without it.
To help you strike gold too, I’ve curated this list of 20 life-changing items for $20 or less—each one personally vetted and approved by me or a member of the Paste BN shopping team. Spanning everything from must-have tech gadgets to beauty essentials, this list is designed to tackle the daily frustrations you didn’t even realize you had. Trust us—you’ll be glad you finally have the solution in hand.
Even better, because everything here is $20 or less, these aren't just life-changing purchases—they’re total steals that fit any budget.
20 the best life‑changing products for $20 or less, according to a shopping editor
1. Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable
"No more arguing about who gets the 'good charger' when you have different phones. Now you can both have the good charger with this Anker Powerline Charging Cable that works with USB, USB-C and lightning connectors. Ideal for long car rides when multiple passengers need to charge their devices." - Dylan Reffe, Commerce Editor
2. USB-C Charger Block
"This all-in-one charger lets me charge my phone, watch and earbuds all at once in one dedicated place. It's a very easy way to keep track of where my charger is, instead of having to search all around the house for one." - David Hoffman, Digital Content Producer
3. Kasa Smart Plug
"Most people know that smart plugs are a holiday hero for lights, but these devices are also ideal for table and floor lamps. I have all of mine set on a timer, so I never freak out about the offensive big overhead light being turned on." - Kasey Caminiti, Content Monetization Director
4. Sport Ankle or Arm Band for Samsung Galaxy Watch
"I struggle with activity trackers like my smart watch, because you have to SWING your arm for it to track your movements. Which means when I'm typing and walking on my walking pad, it never tracks my activity properly. So I bought an ankle strap for my watch! I use it every day, and it works great to track my workouts." - Trisha Easto, Digital Content Producer
5. Etekcity Luggage Scale
A portable scale is a travel essential that eliminates check-in anxiety by providing instant, high-precision weight readings to help you avoid expensive overweight baggage fees. With many options to choose from, this one has been a consistent winner.
6. AirPods Ear Hooks
Do you notice your AirPods constantly falling out? These earhooks are a lifesaver for active users who find their AirPods constantly slipping out, providing the extra security needed to keep them firmly in place during vigorous movement.
7. Wettex The Original 10-Pack Swedish Dishcloths
I’ve swapped my paper towels for these Swedish dishcloths, and they’ve honestly changed my kitchen routine. They have the perfect balance of a towel’s absorbency and a cloth’s durability, and I love that I can just toss them in the wash to use them again and again.
8. Scrub Daddy Sponges
The hype around Scrub Daddy is definitely real—I’ve been a true fan ever since I first tried them a few years ago. I love how the foam actually adapts to whatever I’m cleaning, staying firm in cold water for heavy scrubbing and softening up in warm water for gentler tasks. They’re safe on everything from my cast iron to my glass cooktop, and best of all, they stay odor-free, so I never have to deal with that gross, lingering sponge smell.
9. Bread Buddy Bread Box
The Bread Buddy is a must-have for anyone tired of finding their bread squashed under groceries or struggling with messy, half-open bags. By storing the loaf upright in its original packaging, it creates a more airtight seal that locks in moisture, preventing your bread from going stale or drying out before you can finish it.
10. Tovolo Microwave Splatter Cover
Keeping my microwave clean was always such a hassle, especially since I'm only 5'3" and struggle to reach every corner of my over-the-range microwave to scrub away splatters. This nifty gadget has been a total lifesaver, eliminating the need for deep cleaning while ensuring my leftovers heat up evenly without getting soggy. It’s also the perfect solution for easy storage, since it collapses flat to tuck away in a drawer when I'm done.
11. Kitchen Gizmo Snap N' Strain
This clip-on strainer has been a huge help, finally ending the struggle of juggling heavy pots with bulky, traditional colanders. Its compact, heat-resistant design allows me to drain boiling water safely and hands-free, then folds flat to disappear into even my most crowded drawer. I absolutely love this gadget!
12. Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags
After spending way too much on boxes of Ziploc bags that were used once and tossed in the trash, I realized what a total waste of money it was. Switching to these durable, eco-friendly alternatives has been a game-changer since they can go safely from the freezer straight to the oven or dishwasher. They’ve also been a lifesaver for travel, providing a leak-free seal that ensures my toiletries won't ruin everything in my suitcase.
13. Glass Oil and Film Remover Tool 2-Pack
"TikTok convinced me to buy this, and I guess it is meant for car windows, but my shower doors have never been cleaner. This tool is easy to use and basically repels water, so glass stays shiny for much longer." - Kasey Caminiti, Content Monetization Director
14. Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik
This pen has been a total game-changer for me, especially when I notice my rings looking a bit dull while I'm out. It’s so easy to just whip it out of my purse and give them a quick brush and rinse—they look brand new again in seconds!
15. Weekly Kids Clothes Organizer
"This organizer hangs perfectly over my laundry room door, providing the ultimate storage solution for my son’s clean school uniforms. It has made our morning routine so much easier; I no longer have to wonder if his clothes are ready or constantly run back upstairs because I inevitably forgot his socks." - Trisha Easto, Digital Content Producer
16. UnbuckleMe Car Seat Buckle Release Tool
I absolutely love this tool because I was so tired of chipping my fresh manicures or literally breaking a nail every time I tried to unbuckle my nephew. It’s been a total lifesaver since it does all the heavy lifting for me—I can get him out of his seat in seconds without any of the usual thumb pain or ruined nails!
17. Lock Laces
I love these because they completely solved the frustration of owning shoes with ridiculously short laces that were almost impossible to tie. Instead of struggling with tiny knots, I’ve turned them into perfect slip-ons that stay secure and comfortable all day long!
18. GoGoHeel Stoppers Heel Protectors
These were a total lifesaver for an outdoor wedding where I had to navigate gravel walkways in kitten heels. They gave my thin heels the extra stability I needed to walk confidently across the rocks without my shoes getting stuck or ruined!
19. The Original MakeUp Eraser Pro
I switched to the MakeUp Eraser because it’s much gentler on my skin than scrubbing with harsh chemicals every night. It’s also made traveling a breeze since I don't have to pack heavy bottles or worry about liquids leaking in my suitcase—and most importantly, it works wonders even on stubborn waterproof mascara!
20. Microfiber 2-Pack Hair Towel Wraps
I love these hair turbans because they dry my hair so much faster than a standard towel while being incredibly lightweight. It's such a relief to not have a heavy, bulky towel weighing down my head or pulling on my neck while I'm getting ready. These are a must-have!
What makes an item life-changing?
The best upgrades are those that simplify your daily routine without the steep learning curve. We specifically look for products with a high 'return on effort'—tools so intuitive they make you forget how you ever functioned without them. When a $20 find saves you ten minutes of struggle every day, it pays for itself in time and sanity within no time. Beyond their utility, every item on this list comes backed by raving reviews and is highly recommended by our shopping team.
Are these items good gift ideas?
Yes! Beyond their daily utility, these budget-friendly gems serve as the ultimate just because gifts. Their $20-and-under price point also makes them the perfect stocking stuffers or low-stress workplace exchanges where you want to give something that’s actually useful rather than a gimmick. Because they solve universal problems, they are also thoughtful additions to housewarming baskets or care packages, offering the recipient a small luxury they didn't know they needed. In short, they’re the rare kind of gifts that won't just sit on a shelf—they’ll actually get used every single day.
Will prices stay under $20?
While retail prices can fluctuate due to sales or demand, we’ve specifically selected items that typically retail for $20 or less. We will be refreshing this list regularly to keep the picks current and the prices accessible, ensuring these 'must-haves' always stay within the $20 budget.
Paste BN Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the Paste BN Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.