Effortless Essentials for Adulting on a Budget: 25 Picks Priced Less Than $10
Rewritten Article:
25 Genius Buys for Grown-Ups Who Still Want Some Fun
Adulthood doesn't have to mean all work and no play! These 25 must-haves will make your life a little easier or add some much-needed entertainment, without breaking the bank.
1. The Drain Hero Hair Snake
When you're an adult, it's your job to deal with clogged drains. Thankfully, this handy tool will help avoid the yucky job of unclogging them yourself.
Source: Amazon
Review: "We have been in our home for 19 years and I thought I had the drain in our master bath cleaned out. Well... I used this and I pulled out a 10-inch-long, 3-inch-wide clump of hair. It must have been floating in the horizontal part of the drain for all those years. Our drain wasn't that slow-draining or anything, but what a shocker! I have long hair and always thought I caught it all. Bought one for my niece who has four daughters with long hair, and she found the same clump. A must-have for any family with long hair!!! " - S. Moritz
Get a set of four from Amazon for $6.47.
2. The Shroom Glow Mushroom Night Light
If you're a grown-up who loves decor, this color-shifting night light is perfect for you. And, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good mushroom vibe?
Source: Amazon
Review: "I LOVE this night light. It's in my bathroom and is a lovely addition. It turns off the second the lights go on, which is nice since I don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Super cute, and the little itty-bitty lighting element does a good job lighting, just enough so I don't have to turn the main lights on in the middle of the night." - 1Thand
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
3. Dishwasher Clean/Dirty Magnet
This simple yet game-changing magnet will help you keep track of your dishwasher and eliminate shouting matches over whether the dishes are clean or dirty.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Such an easy (and attractive) fix for such a dumb problem. I love it." - Megan T.
Get it from Amazon for $4.58.
4. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes
Now you can actually keep your plants alive! These spikes will help ensure your houseplants get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Source: Amazon
Review: "I always kill my plants, but I decided to try again. I just bought five houseplants, and three of them were marked down because they were looking pretty puny. Since I tend to kill them anyway, I figured I would give them a try and save some money. I put one of these spikes in each plant, and they all looked so much healthier and happier after just a couple of days. I also added one spike to the only houseplant that I've had for years without killing (I was beginning to think it was artificial); the leaves looked healthier almost immediately. I'm very happy with this product, and it was a great price." - victory
Get 24 spikes from Amazon for $2.79, and get a version for orchids here.
5. Moisture Meter for Indoor and Outdoor Soil
determines whether it's time to water your plants, so you can save water and keep your leafy friends happy.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Who knew that one needs an accurate way to measure soil moisture levels? I saw a gardening expert using one of these, and it clicked. Earlier this summer I asked a friend why so many plants die so easily, and she said the number one problem is over-watering. Well, no more. I've only had this for a month, but my plants are looking perky and happy. So far, this appears to be accurate, and I now feel more confident investing in more houseplants. Very easy to use, and no special care required." - empower7
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in three colors).
6. Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
This powerful grease-busting spray makes dishwashing a breeze, making it almost—dare I say it—fun!
Source: Amazon
Review: "Is it wrong that I wish this came with a holster for the spray gun? Seriously, I see a dirty dish and I want to pull it out, twirl the gun around my finger, and spray, just like in the wild, wild West. The soap is superior to any other; I even use it as a pre-wash for stains on my clothes. There's nothing it hasn't removed. The powerwash sprayer is superior. It's easy to use, easy to whip out, soap stays soapy, and rinses clean. I don't feel like I'm wasting any or need to spray more. You can get in close and spray a cup; spray a little further back and you can hit a whole plate. I know it's sad to be this happy over something so simple, but it really does make a task that much easier, and that is appreciated. I will have a Power Wash spray bottle in the bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and pet area, because those are all the places I've carried it. Great product. The soap never fails, cuts through everything, gets rid of any greasy feeling on any material - pans, plastic, walls, and counters - and the spray is fun." - Sssshhhh
Get a spray bottle and a refill bottle from Amazon for $8.44.
7. My Little Helper Chore Reminder Planner Stickers
These adorable reminders will motivate you to keep your home clean, and they'll even make cleaning fun!
Source: Etsy
Review: "Absolutely love these stickers! They are so adorable and there is seriously a sticker for everything. Definitely will buy again from this shop!" - Stephanie Wigand
Get a sheet of 30 from Happy Cutie Studio on Etsy for $3.15.
8. Your Beautiful Skin Makeup Brush Cleaner
Skip the harsh chemicals and use this gentle cleaner to keep your makeup brushes looking their best.
Source: Amazon
Review: "I absolutely LOVE this brush shampoo! I was a little skeptical of how well it would clean my brushes since I'd never tried it before, but after using this I am very pleased with the outcome. It has a faint shampoo-scent but nothing too overpowering, and suds like you wouldn't believe. It got all the way down to the base of the brush and gave it a really good cleaning. One of my brushes is made from boar hair (Esteé Lauder powder brush) and I was worried it was going to frizz it out and ruin the shape, but it actually improved it after I had previously used baby shampoo. It's very soft and not at all coarse feeling. I also used this shampoo on my Beauty Blender, and it did a great job getting all the foundation out. All in all, I'd rate this product a 10/10!" - Katastrophe
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
9. Mighty Patches
Say goodbye to pimples and hello to clearer skin with these amazing patches that work wonders on zits.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Okay, what is this sorcery?? I can't believe I never knew these existed. I seriously felt like a teenager again last weekend. Literally days after talking about how great my skin has been, this giant, painful, bulging zit was starting to form right in the middle of my chin. A week before my cousin's wedding, naturally. It was like it wouldn't stop growing, and spot treatment solution was doing absolutely nothing. It hurt so bad, and I couldn't help trying to pop it, but it refused. Then I heard about these. I placed one on my chin the second they arrived in the mail. After a few hours, I saw the white forming and I was curious and peeled it off. Then I put a fresh one on before bed, and come the next morning...HOLY COW, the entire dot of the patch was now a giant white blob. This zit was no joke. It's amazing how much fluid/pus had to get sucked out. Like I said, this is some magic. The zit completely went away within a day." - Heather R. Weather
Get a box of 36 from Amazon for $7.79.
10. Blind Spot Mirror
Improve your driving skills and parking abilities with this handy mirror that fits neatly on your car's rearview mirror.
Source: Amazon
Review: "I got this on a whim that it would improve my driving experience, and it has significantly. I did not attach the swivel base as others had mentioned in these reviews, and my experience has been great. Lets you see your blind spot pretty well. Where it really shines is parking and backing up; it gives a ton more visibility." - Stork
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.99 (available in four shapes).
11. Magical Cleaning Putty
This putty absorbs dust and grime, making it perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like keyboards and car vents.
Source: Amazon
Review: "This product does exactly what it says it does. I saw this product on TikTok. I was surprised at how easily it picks up dust and small debris, especially from inside of vents and cup holders. It's also great for the though screen in my car! The only complaint is the very artificial smell when you use it. It doesn't last, just when it's out of the container!" - Loren
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
12. Magical Meal Planning Pad
Meal planning just got a whole lot easier with this helpful pad that lets you plan your meals and make your shopping list all in one place.
Source: Amazon
Review: "This simple tool is just what I needed to get dinner organized for each week. Deciding what to cook one night at a time can be stressful for me, and the added time of running to the store for the day's missing ingredients can really add up. Sometimes we'd just give up and go out for dinner. This product has saved me time and money." - minmom24
Get it from Amazon for $6.95 (available in five designs).
13. The Pink Stuff Stain Remover
This miraculous product will eliminate tough stains on a variety of surfaces, from clothes to cookware.
Source: Amazon
Review: "My son came home from daycare with dark red/purple stains on his clothing. They had hours to set into the fabric. We sprayed Puracy on the stains (see picture of them soaking) and let it sit overnight. The next morning we washed the shirt as usual. The next picture is my son wearing the shirt...stains 100% gone. I am in disbelief. This product is amazing!" - Will
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
14. The Perfect Solution for Suede Shoes
Wipe away dirt and stains from your suede shoes like a pro with this four-part cleaning brush.
Source: Amazon
Review: "BUY THIS THING! I got mud on my new suede boots and thought for sure they were ruined, but this brush completely restored them. I was shocked. I even used it on an old pair of boots from college that I have considered ruined for several years and it did wonders on getting rid of the filth on top of the suede. I was so impressed. It's absolutely worth getting and trying for yourself! Scuff marks take a bit more time to improve, but they do look better after brushing them." - Gaby Scott
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
15. Dishwashing on Fleek
Dishwashing just got a whole lot easier with this dishwashing squeegee, which cleans dishes with minimal mess.
Source: Amazon
Review: "I make a lot of orzo pasta, and anyone else who does knows those suckers really like to stick to the sides and bottom of the pot. This product is PERFECT for scraping those stubborn grains out. It feels so much less gross than a sponge, since your hand stays farther away from whatever you're cleaning and it doesn't just sit there wet and festering after you use it. You can rinse it off and toss it in the dishwasher!" - Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $7.95.
16. Clean Your Blinds with a Breeze
Say goodbye to dust and grime on your blinds with this efficient blind cleaner brush.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Where has this blind cleaner been for the past 50 years???? I have struggled to keep my blinds clean for so many years, and happily found this item. It WORKS!!! And I love that it comes with extra sleeves, and the sleeves are machine washable. The handle is plastic, but I feel confident it won't break any time soon." - marionvgt
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in two colors).
17. Fishy Friend, the Freshest Humidifier Tank Cleaner
This adorable fish-shaped device will help keep your humidifier smelling fresh and clean.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Just drop this in your humidifier and it keeps the water pretty darn mildew- and mold-free. Super easy to use, no smell, and safe. I have already repurchased and given a few to other people as well." - Kristine
Get it from Amazon for $5.28.
18. Cleaning Made Simple with a Printable Checklist
These handy printable cleaning checklists will help you stay organized and make cleaning easier.
Source: Etsy
Review: "I have adult children living with me at the moment. I needed clear cleaning instructions/expectations for them to contribute with the house. This easy printout has solved so many arguments. It works great for our situation." - Jennifer Jarvis
Get the download of an editable Canva template and PDF, JPG, and SVG formats from CreativeTypeStore on Etsy for $3.51.
19. Shower Curtain Clips for the Win
These handy shower curtain clips will help keep your shower curtain in place, preventing small (and not-so-small) bathroom floods.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Got these to hold our shower curtain in the camper. The curtain on our camper shower is just barely wide enough, so water would leak out. Not anymore!!! They blend in, so they look great. Just slide the curtain in and go - no more clean-up after your shower. Wish I had discovered these years ago." - Amazon Customer
Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.99.
20. Glisten Disposal Care, the Garbage Disposal Hero
Eliminate smelly garbage disposals with this foaming cleaner that makes your disposal look cool in the process.
Source: Amazon
Review: "WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE???! Holy cow, I didn't realize how easy and quick it was to clean a garbage disposal until I bought this product! Typically, I'd just use vinegar and baking soda down the drain and call it good. I didn't know that there was an actual disposal cleaning product available until I stumbled across it through a BuzzFeed article. I had to try it. The instructions are very simple. It literally takes five minutes and some hot water and VOILÀ! you have a clean, no-longer-stinky garbage disposal. Any time I got a whiff of an odor, all I did was drop one of these packs in the disposal and the smell was GONE! Plus, the blue foam bubbling in the sink was amusing to watch. Worth every penny!" - VadersGirl
Get it from Amazon for $3.78.
21. Adjustable Bed Sheet Fasteners
Finally, the solution to bed sheet woes! These fasteners will keep your fitted sheet in place, so you can sleep peacefully.
Source: Amazon
Review: "My husband turns a lot in his sleep and has always woken up with the fitted sheet halfway off his side of the bed. We bought these and we have NEVER once had to adjust the sheet in the morning! These are amazing! They're the kind of thing you'll never know how you lived without before." - LinseyB
Get a set of four from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
22. The Pink Stuff, a Magic Elixir for Cleaning
This all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean almost anything, from cookware to bathroom fixtures.
Source: Amazon
Review: "Oh my gosh - this stuff is a life-changer! Used it to get my fiberglass shower totally clean. Nothing else would get it done, and this stuff brought my shower back to near-new in one use. We've since cleaned a weird chalky film off our garage door, removed wall markings, and cleaned my storm door. We'll never be without a jar (or three) of this stuff. Worth every penny!" - Nancy F.
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
23. 3D-Printed Wearable Chopsticks
Add a touch of sophistication to your snacking game with these 3D-printed, wearable chopsticks.
Source: Etsy
Review: "I love these wearable chopsticks! No more having to wipe my hands off before using my mouse; I can just wear this. It's fun, convenient, and mess-free. Plus, it forces you to snack a little more slowly. I also love the color I got, and it seems durable for the price." - Sara K
Get it from Ridha 3D Printing on Etsy for $4.90 (available in 24 colors and two styles).
24. Document Clip for Monitors
This adjustable document clip attaches to your monitor via Command strip and can hold up to 30 sheets of paper for easy reference.
Source: Amazon
Review: "This simple item has made my life easier. It is extremely easy to install and to use. It has increased my productivity in the office when needing to refer to a hard document. When not in use, you can easily hide it behind your screen. It has two options to hold paper: one that you can just stick in and the other to clip on a bunch of documents." - Elee the Lawyer
Get it from Amazon for $11.69.
25. The Legendary Screaming Goat Figurine
Need a release after a long day? Just press this goat and let out a cathartic scream!
Source: Amazon
Review: "This is one of those things you don't know you need in your life until you see it. Yes, it may have been a late-night, altered state kind of purchase that surprised me a bit when it showed up, but it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. For just a few dollars, you, too, can receive an informational mini-book full of goat facts to awe and impress your friends as well as a miniature screaming goat. If you're a fan of the screaming goat videos on YouTube, this will be right up your alley. It sounds best when set on a hard surface like a table or desk, so the sound can echo. It's just loud enough for coworkers to ask 'did y'all just hear a screaming goat?' Yes. Yes you did, Phil. If you've read this far, it's been decided: You need this. This will be there for you longer than that dumb T-shirt you're considering. This screaming goat will complete you. Better get one for your best friend, too, while you're at it." - echobunny
Get it from Amazon for $7.77.
You, after purchasing these products:
Your life will be so much easier and more enjoyable with these 25 must-haves! From cleaning tools to fun gadgets, these genius buys will help you overcome the challenges of adulthood, add some excitement to your daily routine, and make your home a more pleasant place to be. Go ahead and treat yourself – you deserve it!
- For a more efficient shopping experience, consider using a 'comtent' (content) summary service like BuzzFeed's shopping guides, which often highlight products sold on marketplaces such as Amazon, where you can find the 'Drain Hero Hair Snake' under the 'shopping-under50' category.
- If you're considering a redo of your post-purchase content (market-redo-post), make sure to include user reviews, such as the one for the Dishwasher Clean/Dirty Magnet, that emphasize its convenience and practicality.
- When prioritizing the content (market-priority-post) for your home improvement articles, don't overlook items like the Shroom Glow Mushroom Night Light, which appeals to grown-ups who love decor and adds a fun touch to their nighttime routine.
- If you're an Amazon seller and the majority (market-amazon-majority) of your sales come from kitchen-related items, you might want to consider stocking up on products like the Mighty Patches or the Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray.
- To keep your content (comtent) fresh and engaging, incorporate entertaining elements such as the 'lifting' and 'brushing' sequences from the Saturday Night Live skit that humorously showcases the Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray.
- Don't forget to mention lesser-known but useful products like the Disposer Foaming Cleaner (Glisten Disposal Care) or the Moisture Meter for Indoor and Outdoor Soil in your gardening-focused articles, as they can save water and help maintain healthy plants.
- Lastly, don't shy away from discussing less glamorous but necessary items like the 'disposer' (garbage disposal) or the 'brushing' (cleaning brush) for suede shoes, as they are essential for home maintenance and can greatly improve the quality of life for your readers. FYI (For Your Information).
