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12 useful things under $20 that are well worth the money
Everyday life can be stressful, but there are ways to make things a lot easier. All it takes is an extra gadget here and there, and suddenly challenging tasks become simple.
Turn to Amazon, the most convenient place to buy everything we need. Tap or click here for the top Bluetooth speakers to take on the go.
Whether you’re looking for kitchen gadgets or space-saving tech, Amazon has it all. Here are 12 useful things under $20 that everyone needs in their home.
1. Rice cooker and steamer
Are you tired of making rice on the stove? It’s so easy to lose track of time, and suddenly you’re left with burned rice. Don’t repeat that mistake over and over. Instead, reach for this three-cup rice cooker. It’s available in black, red or white and includes a steamer. Steam your veggies while cooking rice to save space on the stove.
Promising review: “You add the rice, add the water, press the (only) button and walk away. When it’s done cooking the rice, it automatically goes into ‘warm’ mode. Dead simple to use, easy cleanup and stupid cheap. You can’t go wrong with this little beauty.”
2. Night-lights
Are you sick of stubbing your toes on furniture on your way to the bathroom or kitchen late at night? Turn to these GE Ultrabrite LED light bars. This pack includes two simple nightlights that use LED tech that is cool to the touch, even after they’ve been on all night. Choose between flipping a switch on/off or setting it to detect a lack of light in the room automatically.
Promising review: “My dog can’t see really well because she’s getting older so I always put night lights but they never really helped her until I found this GE product. Very bright!!! I love it and she loves it! I can even monitor her better on her camera at night time.”
3. A comfortable tool
How many times have you wished you had a screwdriver but had to borrow one instead? You don’t need to get the most expensive screwdriver with glamorous attachments. Get this battery-powered BLACK+DECKER screwdriver with a pivoting handle, built to help you work in those hard-to-reach places.
Promising review: “My old electric screwdriver just couldn’t do the job any longer. … This new one has some advantages besides ‘newness.’ The tillable handle was helpful when I wanted to put new license plates on the car and held the initial charge for 2-3 weeks with full power. Very pleased so far.”
4. Everyone needs tools
There will always be a time when you need tools. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a decent screwdriver set. Now that you have the aforementioned screwdriver, it’s time to get different-sized bits. This set includes 31 security bits and an adjustable belt clip.
Promising review: “This set comes with some of the most popular security screw bits. Nice and compact carting case. Fits nicely in my tool bag. … Bought it mostly for the SP tips, but it also has TW, TS and tamper Allen tips.”
5. Soothe the baby
Babies often create their sleep schedules, so when little Johnny or Susie is sleepy, turn to this portable owl-shaped soother. It plays Brahms’ Lullaby and Sunrise Lullaby, or you can choose between the sound of waves or the rainforest. Just strap this little guy to your stroller, car seat or bassinet and set the timer, so baby gets a nice rest.
Promising review: “This is perfect for taking on the go … to Grandma’s house, on vacation, etc. For the price, it’s definitely worth having around! …. My daughters even love using it for their dolls too, haha.”
6. Slow it down
This little slow cooker is perfect for anyone living in a dorm, on their own or for the person who loves to throw parties. Just toss all the ingredients to your favorite meal or side dish into this 1.5-quart slow cooker and turn up the heat. It’s great for soups, taco meats, dips or even cheese for a nacho bar.
Promising review: “I like the digital version bought for [my] wife, [and] she loves it. We use the bag, so cleanup is [easy]. It warms up all over and not in one spot, like my old one.”
7. Stay cool
Do you get too warm at your desk? It doesn’t make sense to lower the temperature in the office when you can use this portable fan. It can be battery-operated, or you can plug it into an available USB port. This fan is especially nice when you’re trying to save on the electric bill during those hot summer days. Set it up on your work desk, next to your workout equipment or even at your bedside table to serve as a white noise machine.
Promising review: “I am very warm-natured and also love to sleep with some white noise in the background. This little fan gives me both the things I need, whether I am camping or visiting someone’s home. It is small enough to fit into any tote bag or large purse.”
8. Get comfortable
Working at a desk all day can feel exhausting. But with this portable foam laptop cushion, you can get things done from the comfort of your couch. Put your feet up and recline your seat while using this water-resistant pad. The top is a solid surface with a cup holder so you can place a laptop, smartphone or tablet on it and enjoy a few sips of your favorite drink without worrying about spills.
Promising review: “Perfect! The sturdy, lightweight cushion on the bottom is a comfortable beanbag-like material, [there’s a] convenient cup indentation spot, and [it has a] very useful light with a convenient zippered storage pouch when [the] light is not in use. … It is easily wiped clean.”
9. Smarten up your power outlets
Controlling lights, music, or even kitchen appliances from the comfort of your couch is a must. These Kasa smart plugs (2-pack) are affordable and compact, and they work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Use the app to set them up and control your favorite appliances from anywhere. Perfect for holiday lights, appliances and more.
Promising review: “App works great and I have one for every lamp or light in the house. Now I can go to bed and turn everything off from the phone app! Also, you can set timers if you are out of town so your lights come on and off when you’re gone!”
10. Save space at your desk
Need a portable light but don’t want anything too bulky? Save space with this collapsible LED desk lamp. It’s available in black, white or white with a magnifying glass. Choose from three brightness levels with the touch power button. It’s powered by the included 42-inch USB power cable or four AA batteries.
Promising review: “Pleasantly surprised! I got this for my grandma who can’t see without bright lights. … This has been great for her. It’s so bright and so portable. She even takes it with her to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Great, given the price.”
11. Perfect for anyone with kids
We all know how messy eaters kids can be, so why not make cleanup time a little fun? This Wrapables mini cow vacuum runs on two AA batteries and can clean up all those crumbs left behind. Kids should always use this product with adult supervision, but it’s simple and fun to use after snacks and meals.
Promising review: “All the grandkids got one of these for Christmas. And we have given them as gifts to friends. After seeing one on our breakfast table, everyone wants one! They are fun to see and use. Amazingly, they work very well. It picks up crumbs and spilled salt, etc., very easily.”
12. Stay healthy anywhere
Humidifiers are great for anyone with allergies, who is sick or suffers from dry skin. This mini HoMedics humidifier is the perfect portable solution for anyone who needs a humidifier at work, while on vacation or anyone who wants to save space on their nightstand. It’s whisper-quiet, uses less than a cup of water and can be moved from room to room.
Promising review: “I ordered it to maintain the moisture level of my orchid. It works great! And it lasts much much longer than 4 hours — probably 6 hours. I put it on a timer and turn it on every other hour. It’s perfect to maintain the moisture level above 60% the whole day.”
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Tags: Amazon, Amazon Alexa, apps, battery, Bluetooth, Bluetooth speakers, camera, car, Christmas, comfort, cooking, digital, easier, equipment, friends, fun, furniture, gadget, gadgets, gifts, Google, grandkids, home, kids, kitchen, kitchen gadgets, laptop, love, mistake, money, Music, phone, security, Sleep, slow cooker, smart plug, smartphones, space, storage, tablet, tech, temperature, tips and tricks, track, water, White Noise
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