31 Things Under $5 That'll Upgrade Your Life

Jul 24, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

These products > paying extra for guac.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product!! I've been using it about every day for the past almost two years and it's easily became my favorite cream bronzer! I am a light skin gal with normal-dry skin and I use the shade Oak's On You as a bronzer rather than a contour. Perfect shade, consistency, texture and blends with NO problem. I find that while it does need some building up, I don't find that to be a bad thing if you are looking for a light wash of bronzer color on a light makeup day, and/or can build it up enough to your liking without it being too much all at once. I will ALWAYS buy this product as long as it's still being made!" —Violet & Brandy

Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in 10 shades).

Promising review: "This product works! I followed the directions, which are super easy, and was very satisfied to see the gross slime and muck that was removed. You put the entire packet down your disposal, and the magic happens quickly! Very powerful and successful cleaning! The scent was not what I would call overpowering, but the inside of the disposal is super clean, confirmed. These will definitely be a cleaning staple for me. The garbage disposal runs much easier and more quiet now. When things fall into the disposal, my hands are not covered in gross slimy stuff anymore." —JSullivanJ

Get a pack (good for four uses) from Amazon for $3.98.

Promising review: "Should have bought these years ago! Now my cabinets don't thud when closed and they even open easier. Got rid of the sticky bumpers that the installers applied. I thought 40 bumpers would be way too many, but ended up using all but four." —Darcy M

Get a sheet of 20 from Amazon for $3.90.

Promising review: "Both my cats seem to love this inexpensive product. Bought on a whim but very pleased. Little need for catnip, with some positive attention and gentle encouragement they started using this groomer and haven't stopped, only when it falls down. Didn't want to use screws and haven't found a lasting adhesive tape that holds up under such constant use. Command strips are on the shopping list." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

PS: They also come in handy with dishes going into a water bath (think: cheesecakes, custards, and puddings).

Promising review: "We constantly use our crockpot for easy meals. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, and it's just easy for our family of five. No real cleanup. I toss the bag in the trash after use and will just run a wet rag around the inside of the pot for good measure. Never have a problem with holes or burning." —Ashley Matthews

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $3.48.

Promising review: "Took it on a cruise — I would highly recommend. One spray, and smells are gone!" —phyllis parker

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising review: "My husband and I travel often. If we go to Europe, we stay for at least a month. We stay longer to make the use of my airline reward points more valuable in seeing more cities and in seeing more places. Now retired, we can take our time in cities. We take minimal clothes and re-wear them. With these Tide travel packs, I can wash our clothes in the bathtub, use travel clothespins to hang and dry items, and even use a hair dryer to dry heavier items like jeans quickly. Always pack these Tide packs for all travel. They are especially great during hot times and hot temperature locations." —B Tatum

Get three packs from Amazon for $4.54.

Promising review: "Love this mascara! I’ve used the 'best of the best' designer, super hyped, ultra popular mascara available and NOTHING compares to this stuff! I don't even bother using a lash curler anymore! I buy two at a time so I always have a spare (yes, it's that good!!). I highly recommend this particular mascara...it goes on effortlessly, it lasts pretty much all day, and the price — I feel like I’m almost stealing it! I’d give it 10 stars if I could!!!" —Chulaboola & MCD

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising review: "Love it. Quick and easy to pop into the wide mouth Nalgene. No more water splashing out while trying to get a drink in the car or on the treadmill!" —K Ashley 47

Get it from Amazon for $3.91 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I've been suffering from bad maskne. These stick incredibly well to the skin. They don't move at night and lasts through my kids touching my face all the time. They work better on open/ popped pimples. They prevent you from touching them constantly which is great. They help pimples heal faster." —Darleen F.

Get 30 round patches from Amazon for $4.88.

Promising review: "I have a whole room filled with cat toys that my cat is not interested in. It's funny how the least expensive cat toy I have makes him go crazy. He plays with this until he's panting like a dog and I have never seen him jump so high. I'm certain this toy will help him lose his belly. He loves it! I highly recommend it!" —Kwoo

Get it from Amazon for $3.53.

Promising review: "I was sooo skeptical and was confused about how they’d work but the gel solidifies and with every flush, suds wash through with the water and it really makes a fresh difference. Also the scent is light but really nice and fresh! I recommend these 100%! They’re super interesting but they do the job." —Janet

Get six stamps from Amazon for $4.99 (or Subscribe & Save for $4.74/month).

Promising review: "I really like this product because it lasts longer than most. Once they are done, it doesn't leave residue inside the toilet bowl like most do. I will definitely be ordering them again." —Gwen Alexander Wood

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $3.88.

Promising review: "My wife hates all my gadgets in our room and how they do an excellent job at lighting it up. Between the constantly flashing red, blue, and green LEDs, it was hard for her to fall asleep and stay asleep causing some not-so-nice mornings if you know what I mean. LightDims were an inexpensive impulse purchase because hey why not? It may compel my wife to stop complaining and actually get some peaceful sleep. Well I'm glad to announce, LightDims did the trick! I'm still able to monitor device activity at a glance, without putting on a personal light show in the room. The LightDims adhere strongly, comes in various shapes and sizes for convenience. It seem like they'd remove easily although who would want to? I'd definitely recommend LightDims to anyone for use on all their devices!" —A. Williams

Get a sheet of more than 100 stickers of varying shapes and sizes Amazon for $2.69.

Promising review: "I have been using this product for years. Many different stylists have commented on the softness of my hair, and asked what I was using. I apply it to my hair before I dry it with a t-shirt. I have very fine, low porosity, curly hair. I love how soft my curls feel with this product. When my hair is dry, it does not feel like there is any product on it. It is also fairly affordable compared to other products on the market." —bluecatart

Get it from Amazon for $3.97.

Promising review: "I got some of these from my neighbor and shoved them into my sadder-looking plants. Well...just, look! Look at my plant!!! It looks like I gave it steroids lol. It's pushing out bigger leaves than it ever had, even when I first brought it home! I had to clip back all the old growth due to the sheer size of all the new growth and immediately bought more spikes to shove into my other plants. The instructions are so simple. How big is the pot? Use #__ spikes. Easy peasy. Get them, your plants will thank you!" —Lita Lita Lita

Get a pack of 50 spikes from Amazon for $4.75.

Promising review: "I don't know what this thing is made of what is in it but it works. I used it to clean my glass shower doors and it cleaned deep enough to go through layers of hard water stains. I used it on the shower fixtures and my large bathroom mirror. It is not worn out." —Lee

Get it from Amazon for $4.97.

Promising review: "I’m so happy with these! They smell SUPER nice and clean. It goes on clear and smooth, is decently moisturizing, and it's not overly greasy. It gave me a nice pinkish reddish tone like my lips are two shades darker, and I love it! It looks very natural and perfect! PLEASE keep these in stock, I want to keep these forever! I applied once hours ago, and also applied a different clear lip balm over it later on, and I still have color even. It seems to last so long even through eating and drinking. It doesn't smudge off and looks so cute! I’m so happy with these! I love the smell and the color so much! Much better and longer lasting than a lipgloss I had!" —Lin

Get it from Amazon for $3.99.

Promising review: "Bought these on impulse. They serve as great baby feeding spoons and to stir coffee." —Ricky

Get it from Amazon for $3.59.

Promising review: "These thingies are so essential to your makeup routine. They make everything look so smooth when you set with the powder! It's a must." —Karla J

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in 11 color combinations).

Lilly Press is a Pittsburgh-based small business.

Promising review: "The cutest candles! Beautifully wrapped and beautifully sculpted." —Megan Ellis

Get it from Lilly Press on Etsy for $3.75+ (available in 17 styles and with or without gift wrapping).

Promising review: "I can say I am very satisfied with this one. You just have to wet your brush with a fixing mist or water and then brush it on the soap and comb. Ultra fixed brows all day! It's really the best thing for my brows; it keeps them the way that I like all day long. I'll use it every day. Easy to apply easy to use." —Hadasa

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising review: "I've purchased dozens of drawer organizers. Everything in my home has its own home. They are in every drawer and cabinet in my kitchen. This brand is excellent quality; sturdy and easy to wipe clean. I give 5 stars!" —BarbieJ

Get it from Amazon for $2.99+ (available in various sizes).

Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at how nice these little soap holders are. They are more of a little pad than a 'soap dish': flexible and easy to put on the ledge in your shower or edge of the sink. They're designed to drain, so there isn't a water buildup under your soap bar; the water just drains off immediately. I liked the first ones so much, I ordered a second set." —Tam2dogs

Get a three-pack for $4.99.

Promising review: "I was surprised to find this dog outside and still in one piece about a month after ordering it. I thought it had succumbed to the fate of the other stuffed toys: torn to bits in a matter of days. This one seems to have some serious staying power and our dog loves it (only the favorite toys get dragged outside). Definitely recommend!" —Imnotgrandma

Get it from Amazon for $2.59+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "Worth the hype. Took off an embarrassing amount of dead skin. Very satisfying though. I can't describe how soft my skin feels now!!" —Jordan Nichols

Get four towels from Amazon for $4.80.

Promising review: "I got this to put my supplements in for when I travel. Love how cute and compact it is. It does come with a plastic pick to help you open the container if you have nails like me. I even use this to throw in my bag so when I forget to take my vitamins at home I have it on me." —Clairessa Tessier

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "It's hard to describe just how much I enjoyed this as a 35-year-old woman! I saw a video of this sushi kit being made online and couldn't wait to try it, especially making the roe. It was fun to make, feeling both crafty and sciencey at the same time. Based on the reviews, I was prepared for it to taste bad, but I was pleasantly surprised. The rice was a bit weird, but other than that the rest of the candy reminded me of classic artificial flavors that I loved as a kid :) A lot of it reminded me of grape Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape, if you remember that." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $3.64.

Promising review: "These little lights are great! They put out enough light to see well enough to go up/down stairs and along a hallway at night, but not so much that it keeps you awake like a regular ceiling light or wall sconce turned on can. Great for seeing that a door is closed before you walk into it and for keeping boogeymen from hiding in a little one's bedroom. It's also sealed up, so there's nothing to stick out, break off or otherwise catch or become a hazard. Mine have listed several years of 24/7 use — well worth the cost." —2 Nerds, 2 Dogs, 1 House.

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising review: "For the additional cost of a cheap mug this keeps my pens, pencils, Sharpies, scissors in good order. I thought this was kind of a joke but it works great. I gave one to my brother and he likes it too. Great value!" —TheIdeaJuicer

Get it from Amazon for $4.58.

Promising review: "A necessary tool to clean your cast-iron pots and pans. Perfectly contoured to the rounded corners used by Lodge in their pans, so you'll easily get any food off that's stuck to your pan. The plastic is sturdy and malleable, but not so much that it will deform. Been using these for a couple of months now, and I haven't had them break. Since I still can't get a properly seasoned coating on my pans, I have a lot of food that sticks (my fault), but these scrapers get pretty much everything off easily." —JGtz

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $4.84.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.