Genius hacks for under $25

August 20, 2025

💰 No need to spend a fortune. Just a few small upgrades with big payoffs.

💻 Work smarter, not hunched: This laptop stand (36% off) keeps you from twisting into a human pretzel.
💡 Dim the distractions: Block those pesky blinking lights with these LED blackout stickers (20% off).
💊 Dose of organization: Perfect for travel, this daily pill organizer (10% off) fits everything from meds to fish oil tablets.
🚛 Moving made easy: These reusable bags ($26, six-pack) with handles and zippers can haul up to 65 lbs.
🫧 Small bathroom? No prob. A floating shelf (33% off) adds two tiers of storage right above your toilet.

⚡ Blink and you’ll miss it: Amazon’s lightning deals are live today but gone in minutes. Snag your faves, and check out my storefront for more good stuff.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Tags: Amazon, deals, laptop, travel, upgrades

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Kim’s weekend warrior toolkit

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Before you call in a handyman, hang on a sec. I know home repairs can feel like one big headache. But with the right gear, you can save yourself hundreds, maybe thousands and still keep your cool.

I did the heavy lifting and put together this great list of tools that are smart, compact, and ready to swoop in and save your weekend. Let’s nail this.

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Kim’s picks to outsmart break-ins

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Your home should be your safe place, not a bull’s-eye.

I’ve tested every kind of security gear you can think of, and these are the real deal. No monthly fees. No gimmicks. Just solid, reliable protection for your front door, your mailbox, your garage and everything in between.

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💨 Kale, yeah: Amazon now delivers groceries like milk, meat and veggies the same day. Great when your stomach needs instant gratification. It’s live in 1,000 cities and will reach 2,300 by year’s end. Orders over $25 ship free for Prime members, with insulated bags keeping things fresh. Top sellers? Strawberries, limes and avocados because guac waits for no one.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💡 Pick the right light: Shopping for bulbs? Avoid LEDs over 5000K. Those bluish “cool white” ones can feel sterile and trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder to sleep. Instead, go for “warm white” bulbs between 2700K and 3000K. They’re easier on the eyes and make your home feel cozier.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

📂 Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: Keep three copies of your important files — two in different types of storage and one stored off-site. For example, save the originals on your computer, another copy on an external hard drive or USB stick, and the last one in cloud storage online. Overkill? Maybe. Covered? Always.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

📼 Digitize your old VHS tapes: You don’t have to keep watching them on a VCR. Use a converter to transfer those memories onto your computer. No time? Got a lot of money? Walmart, Costco or Walgreens can do it for you. Prices usually run $16 to $35 per tape.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💻 Buying a new computer? Know the specs you need. For basic browsing and streaming, look for at least a dual-core 2.0 GHz processor, 4-8 GB of RAM and an SSD for quick loading. For heavier stuff like gaming or video editing, get a recent multi-core 3.0 GHz+ CPU, a dedicated graphics card and 16 GB+ RAM. Click here for 20 laptop and desktops I trust. You’re welcome.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🔌 Running out of power outlets? I use multi-plug extenders around my house. Here’s one for under $10 that turns 2 wall outlets into 5. It also adds 4 USB ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once. Oh, and there’s a built-in 1680-joule surge protector to keep your electronics safe. You’re welcome.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🚗 Used car, add to cart: That’s right, Amazon Autos is now selling pre-owned rides. You’ll see the full price up front (no shady dealer math), get a Vehicle History Report, and you can return the car within three days or 300 miles. It’s rolling out in LA first, starting with used Hyundais. And yep, you can trade in your old beater, too.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🚨 TSA power bank crackdown: Folks, your charger might not make it through security next time. Power banks must be in your carry-on and within the 100Wh (27,000mAh) limit. If it’s unlabeled, too powerful or packed wrong, TSA might confiscate it. Need a replacement? This one’s 40% off.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.