61 Dope Things Under $30 on Amazon That You Never Knew Existed

Apr 18, 2024

Your new favorite hidden treasures await.

Variety is the spice of life, as they say, so it’s only natural to want to add fun, weird, useful, and exciting new items to your space to shake things up every now and then. But what if the perfect thing to reinvigorate a room or make housework easier is out there, and you just haven’t found it? That’s where this list, full of dope things you never knew existed, comes in.

And better yet, everything below is super affordable, with all the products here priced at around $30 or less. So go ahead and stock up on everything you didn’t know you’ve always needed.

By mimicking the shape of an outlet cover, this plug extender and surge protector lets you power four times the devices as a traditional outlet. Featuring six AC outlets and two USB ports, this extender is also well reviewed. Over 59,000 users weighed in to give it an impressive 4.7-star rating.

If you hate scrubbing the crevices and cracks in fridge shelves, just get this set of nine refrigerator mats instead. They grip your shelf and keep messes on their easy-to-clean surface rather than your appliances. Since they’re lined with a textured finish, they also help prevent items from rolling around, too.

This strand of LED lights is an affordable way to improve your TV-watching by enhancing contrast and even easing eye strain. It features 13 feet of bulbs that adhere to the back of your screen with 3M tape. The plug connects directly to your USB so you can get a streamlined, cordless look.

Set yourself up for culinary success using the right tools, and that includes this digital meat thermometer. Simply spear food or drink with the stainless steel probe and you’ll get a reading on the clear LED screen in just three seconds. And not only does it have a magnet to stay fixed to your grill or refrigerator, it’s also waterproof too.

For those looking to level up their grilling, this meat hook is a simple yet practical addition to your kitchen tool stockpile. It’s made with a generous 17-inch long handle to keep your hands safe from heat and a stainless steel hook to catch the fat of the meat and turn it, so you won’t lose any juices. It also comes with a smaller 12-inch hook, too.

Add a pop of color to your food prep with this kitchen knife set. Featuring five knives with a nonstick coating, including a bread knife, paring knife, and chef knife, this set also comes with a durable cutting board. To help ensure your steel stays in tip-top shape, there’s even a knife sharpener, too.

If you love your furry four-legged household member but don’t exactly love all the fur-covered furniture, get yourself this reusable pet hair remover. The handy tool collects hair in an interior chamber, then effortlessly releases it at the push of a button. In addition to being super effective and highly rated, it’ll save you money in the long run, since unlike a regular lint roller, it can be used over and over again.

Whether you work from home or just want an ideal display for streaming, this laptop stand has you covered. It’s made from metal mesh with a raised base to increase ventilation, while the rubber feet ensure your device won’t slide around. Just adjust the arm to one of five different heights for a customized experience.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to dock an electric toothbrush, place a charging phone, or display a compact speaker, this outlet shelf is the perfect spot. The shelf comes with all the hardware you need to mount it over your existing outlet. It even includes hooks at the bottom for winding charging cords and more.

For an easier pasta-cooking experience, try this pot strainer that snaps directly onto the rim of your pot. Because it’s made from flexible silicone, it can compress or expand to fit a variety of pot sizes. Its compact design makes it easier to store than bulkier versions and when you’re ready to strain you simply tip the pot over the faucet.

Take your grilling game to the next level and form perfectly uniform patties using this clever burger press. You can use it to make 1/4-lb and 1/3-lb size burgers, using the interior indicator line as a guide. The press comes with 200 nonstick patty papers and is dishwasher-safe to make cleanup a total breeze.

For the confidence to use your sharpest kitchen implements with ease, try these cut-resistant gloves. Thanks to the fiberglass in the woven fabric, they are four times stronger than leather and can shield you from cuts whether you’re using a mandolin or a butcher knife. Better yet, they’re even machine washable so you can reuse them again and again.

Snag this grill press from trusted kitchen brand Cuisinart for expertly grilled burgers and more. Made of durable cast iron, this press features a wood handle so it’s easy to maneuver. The bottom of the press features raised ridges, ensuring you’ll get perfect grill marks on both sides of your items.

Whether you’re in your backyard or at the beach you can keep drinks colder for longer with this can cooler. Fitting 12-ounce skinny cans, this cooler is double-wall insulated and even doubles as a tumbler if you’d like to use it without a can. Just screw off the top, place your can in, replace the top, and you’re good to go.

Forget shredding with a pair of forks, because these shredder claws make breaking down meat so much easier — and more fun. Channel your inner Wolverine as you grip these nonslip claws made from heavy-duty plastic. Not only do they shred, but they’re great for spearing hot items and carrying them too.

Cut down on food spoilage and keep your dry goods at the ready with this set of three cereal containers. They have airtight lids with pouring spouts that lock to help keep food fresh, and each container has a generous 3.6-quart capacity. They even come with chalkboard labels and a pen to help you reach your Pinterest-level organizational dreams.

If you’re tired of losing nails and screws mid-project, this magnetic wristband can help keep your tools right where you need them. Made from nylon, it features an adjustable adhesive closure to fit multiple wrist sizes. Sewn into the nylon are several magnets which attract and store metal objects, ensuring they’re at the ready.

If you’re forever losing the tops to your Tupperware or if your cabinets are a mismatched mess of plastic, get sorted with this food container lid organizer. It has five movable dividers to create a pattern of up to six storage slots, and then two more on the side, perfect for leaning lids against. It even has a handle for easy maneuvering.

If you’re hungry and hate waiting, this sandwich maker has your name all over it. Featuring titanium and ceramic non-stick plates, this press can thoroughly heat a sandwich in minutes with any oil coating. And thanks to the ridges in the plate, it helpfully creates perfect indentations for cutting your sandwich in half.

No home bar is complete with proper drinkware, and this pair of Moscow mule mugs makes an excellent addition. Designed from high-shine copper, these mugs feature a classic hammered finish and modern angular handles. The pair comes complete with two copper straws, a copper jigger, and a straw cleaner, making it even more impressive for the price.

If you’re looking to amp up your at-home mixology skills without spending a ton, this cocktail shaker set is a great place to start. It’s made from stainless steel and comes with seven pieces, including a 26-ounce shaker with a strainer, a double-sided jigger, a bottle opener, and more. It’s all dishwasher safe, too.

You don’t need to sacrifice a good night’s sleep just because you’re away from home, and this camping pillow proves it. Made from cushy yet supportive memory foam, it measures 4 inches thick but still easily folds up to sit into the included waterproof carrying bag. The microfiber comes off for easy laundering too.

If you take avocados very seriously (and why wouldn’t you?) you need this avocado masher from cult-favorite kitchen brand OXO. Like all OXO products, it features the classic easy-to-grip handle plus four blades for expertly breaking down avocado. In a clever twist, one of the blades is actually made from silicone, so you can swipe it from the side of a bowl with ease.

If you love baking muffins and cupcakes but prefer not to use single-use paper products, these silicone baking cups are for you. They come in a set of 12 and also help deliver a clean release of food since they’re naturally nonstick. They’re also adored by users, over 66,000 of whom have weighed in to give them a near-perfect 4.8-star rating.

The uses for these mixing bowls, like baking, cooking, serving, and storing, are practically endless. These stainless steel bowls come in a set of five graduated sizes ranging from 3/4 to 5 quarts, making them perfect for nesting and easy storage. They’re easy to handle, too, thanks to the pronounced rim on the top.

If you’re hoping to increase your water intake but could use some motivation, this 1-gallon water bottle is here to the rescue. Not only does it allow you to take a ton of water on the go thanks to its generous size and sturdy handle, but it also has convenient time markings down the side to help you keep a steady pace of hydration throughout the day. It comes with two lids: one with a straw, and one without.

This universal grill scraper has a clever bristle-free grooved design that’s perfect for cleaning a variety of grills, smokers, and oven grates. The flat edge works well for scraping a griddle while the comfortable handle makes the tool easy to hold. Added bonus: The other end of the scraper is a bottle opener to keep you refreshed while you’re whipping up dinner.

Keep this five-in-one safety hammer in your car for emergency situations. The multipurpose tool includes a seatbelt cutter and glass breaker and has a protective cap for safe storage. It also has an easy-to-grip handle and is available in orange or a glow-in-the-dark version.

Whether it be for picnics or barbecues, these unbreakable wine glasses are an ideal addition when fragile glass just won’t do. Made from shatter-proof stainless steel, they feature a classic stemless silhouette with a thin rim. And not only are they resistant to dents, but they’re also safe to put in the dishwasher.

Ensure you have all the power you need for your gadgets with this portable charger. Featuring 10,000mAh of power, this charger is also quite slim, measuring 0.5 inches thick. It’s also lightweight, clocking in at just 7 ounces. Its ports ensure it’s compatible to charge iPhones, iPads, AirPods, Samsung phones, and more.

For a fluoride-free toothpaste that helps whiten and strengthen teeth, try this gentle toothpaste. It contains nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) to remineralize teeth and improve your pearly whites’ enamel. The toothpaste comes in six unique and refreshing flavors, from coco ginger to lemon lavender.

For dedicated foodies or aspiring chefs, this pasta maker machine is the key to serving up fresh spaghetti and more. Made from alloy steel and weighing just 6 pounds, these pasta maker has seven settings for thickness level, so you can whip up fettuccine or thin pasta in no time. It even comes with a removable table clamp to keep it steady as you cut your delicious dough into perfect noodles.

Curtail your coffee shop spending with this cold brew coffee maker that helps you secure the goods right at home. With handy markings indicating 1- to 4-cup measurements, this pitcher brews coffee overnight in the fridge thanks to the internal mesh filter. Just fill the filter with grounds, fill it with water, and you’re good to go.

For anyone who spends a solid amount of time at their computer (and let’s face it, many of us do), this set of wrist pads is the key to proper wrist alignment and comfort. The pair includes one oblong support to sit flush with your keyboard, and one mousepad with a connected support. The bottom of both pieces is treated with an anti-slip coating, and the pads are filled with cushy yet supportive memory foam.

Avoid a messy car and use this trunk organizer that allows you to divide items into adjustable compartments. The waterproof interior is supplemented with additional outer pockets that provide extra storage and the organizer can be strapped down using sturdy cords to keep it in place while you’re on the road.

If you’re a fan of grilling, music, and novelty kitchenware, you’re bound to get a kick out of these electric guitar barbecue tools. The set comes with both a spatula and a pair of tongs, each with ends shaped like guitars. Since they’re made from durable stainless steel and feature easy-to-grip wood handles they’re both fun to look at and easy to use and care for.

Effortlessly open a jar of pickles without straining your wrist thanks to this under-cabinet jar opener. The one-handed gadget has a discreet design and won’t distract from your kitchen decor. To install it, simply remove the backing to expose the self-adhesive surface, firmly press it down to stick, and secure it with the three provided screws.

Take your lunch to go with this bento lunch box that keeps food fresh and separates each part of your meal so it doesn’t get soggy. It includes two dividers, a sauce container, utensils, and a solid bamboo lid that doubles as a chopping board. The airtight lid seals the lunch box to prevent any leaks, so you don’t have to worry about any spills on the go.

For aspiring chefs who want to take their home cooking to the next level, this steamer basket is an affordable option. Made from bamboo, the basket features two stackable levels so you can steam up double the dumplings. The set also comes with 50 wax paper liners and even two pairs of chopsticks.

If you like cooking but hate cleaning, this splatter screen is sure to come in handy. Made with a fine mesh stainless steel screen, it sits directly on top of pots and pans to keep splashes from hitting the walls and appliances without affecting the cooking time or temperature. And yes, it’s dishwasher safe.

If you love hiking and camping, you’ll want these collapsible hiking poles that compress from 54 inches down to 26 inches for easy packing. They’re made from sturdy aluminum and come with multiple accessories for varying climates, like tips for both snow and mud. The whole set can be packed up in the included travel sack, too.

Your morning routine just got a lot more enjoyable thanks to this coffee canister designed to keep your grounds or beans as fresh as possible. The airtight lid keeps air out but there’s also a release valve at the top to ensure that CO2 can be released. The lid also has a date function so you can keep track of when it’s time to replace the goods.

No need to plug in the food processor, because this manual food chopper is here to get the job done without cumbersome cords. Made with a stainless steel blade and a durable plastic cover, this chopper works by pulling and releasing its nylon cord to activate the blade. With its 2-cup capacity, it’s perfect for both small and medium cooking projects.

If you haven’t cleaned your ceiling fan since the day you moved in, get this extendable duster that’ll make the job quick and easy. It has a microfiber head that traps dust and can be tossed in the washer so that you can reuse it time after time. The pole extends up to 47 inches to get to those hard-to-reach places without using a wobbly chair or scary ladder.

Whether you’re shaving, cleansing your face, or grooming, this fogless shower mirror will stay clear so that you can get the job done. It secures to the wall with suction cups, making it easy to move around, and it couldn’t be simpler to use. You just wet the surface of the mirror with your shower water to warm it up and it’s ready to go.

Make the switch to this BPA-free electric kettle and you can enjoy a cup of tea in just minutes. It has a 1.7-liter capacity for larger portions, but you can boil just a cup at a time too. It also comes with helpful safety features, like an auto-off setting once water boils.

If you’re looking to flesh out your kitchen tool collection in one fell swoop, this utensil set covers all the basics and then some. All the tools are made from durable stainless steel, and the 10-piece set includes a spatula, tongs, a slotted spoon, and more. They all come conveniently stored in a canister with a smudge-free coating.

In terms of comfort and coziness, few things beat a great throw, and this waffle blanket checks all the boxes. Made from breathable yet soft fleece, it features a textured finish that adds a touch of visual interest. You’ll be able to snag one that matches any space, since it’s available in several dimensions and lots of bold colors.

An old adage of hosting a meal goes, “No labels on the table,” and pouring your orange juice into this glass pitcher is an easy way to elevate your dining. Featuring a lid that twists and locks into place for a tight seal, this pitcher also has an easy-to-grip handle and a spout for splash-free pouring. It can store a whopping 68 ounces at once, too.

If you love to travel but loading up a suitcase makes you shudder, you’re going to want to add these packing cubes to your cart ASAP. The concept is simple: sort like items together and roll them up tight into these compressive cubes, thereby saving space and being able to find things quickly without digging through your whole bag. The set of five varying cubes also includes a bonus laundry bag, too.

Bookworms are sure to appreciate this pair of book lights that clip directly onto your book (or e-reader, for those that prefer to opt out of backlit screens). Not only are they fully rechargeable, they can also run for 30 hours before they need another juice up. The flexible, gooseneck lamp can be bent into your desired position.

If you’re paring down your everyday carries, this money clip wallet is a great way to streamline things. Made from a stylish faux leather, this wallet has five slots for credit cards and a stainless steel money clip to keep your bills firmly in place. It even comes equipped with an RFID-blocking lining to keep your credit card data safe.

No kitchen is complete without reliable tools, and these kitchen knives are both very sharp and very sharp-looking, thanks to their attractive stainless steel finish. The set comes with three pieces: a paring knife, a utility knife, and a chef’s knife. Thanks to the ergonomic handle, they’re also incredibly easy to use.

You’ll be carrying these mosquito guard sticks around with you all summer long once you see how great they work. The citronella incense works for up to 2.5 hours and at a distance of 1 foot per stick. Just light the sticks ten minutes before going outside, blow it out, and let the incense do its thing. “Honest to God these do work!!!!” one reviewer gushed. “We had a yard party yesterday and right before dark I set these up every 12 feet like instructed and not one person got bit by a mosquito! The smell is natural, but strong and these were easy to use!”

Everyone knows that curling rug corners are not only an eyesore but also a trip hazard. That’s where these rug grippers come in. The set of four V-shaped grippers feature adhesive tape on one side to attach directly to the rug, and rubber on the other side to protect your floor from scratches. Just lift, stick, and say goodbye to curled rug corners forever. One reviewer raved, “We’ve had this rug for a couple years and it has never been flat since the day it arrived. [...] Super simple to install and they worked immediately. I am thrilled and will be using these on any rug I purchase in the future.”

Snag this dishwasher-safe cutting board that not only protects your surfaces, it actually makes food prep easier. Thanks to its unique three-panel folding design, the sides raise up to create a funnel effect, ensuring you can gently coax your chopped items into a pot or pan without spilling.

Even if you’ve made the switch from plastic grocery bags to canvas totes there’s always more you can do to be eco-friendly, and these reusable produce bags are another great option. Made from breathable, transparent mesh, they won’t interfere with scanning barcodes at checkout. Plus, they’re great for storing loose produce at home, too.

If you’re looking to make some room in your closet, these hangers are exactly what you need. Each sturdy and strong hanger holds nine items of clothing vertically to save you a ridiculous amount of space in your closet. Though, they’re not just for space-saving, they’re also perfect if you’re looking to organize — put sweaters on one hanger, button downs on another, etc, to get your closet looking like a department store.

If you have different colored leggings for every day of the week, this storage hanger will save you so much space. Double sided, the hanger holds 24 rolled-up leggings, secured in a clear plastic pouch. Use the reinforced strap to hang the organizer in your closet or, if you’re low on closet space, use the included hooks to easily attach to the back of a door. Either way, you’ll be psyched to work out or lounge in your leggings when you have this organizer showing them off.

Protect your feet from a rocky beach or a scratchy pool bottom with these water shoes. Whether you’re in for a day of sunny relaxation or sporty water-based adventures, these rubber-soled shoes are breathable and buttery soft while still fitting as snug and comfy as your favorite socks. Plus, they come in 44 fun colors and funky patterns to keep you reaching for these anytime you’re headed to the water.

If you like cats, it’ll be impossible to resist these adorable quilted oven mitts in the shape of cat paws, complete with little toe beans. Made from heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees, these mitts will keep your hands protected as well as provide an excellent conversation starter. Store them using the hook on the side when not in use.

This article was originally published on May 14, 2023