Life can get tough, but there are things you can buy that can save you time or make things easier. We asked around and have come up with an extensive list of useful items around the house or on the go. Who wouldn’t want that?!
This list of time and money-savers can help you spend less time cooking, cleaning, or fixing and more time relaxing. They can also make life at home more fun!
The prices of these items are approximate and subject to change. A great option to save the most money is to comparison shop; simply do a Google Shopping search when you are ready to buy and you’ll come up with the best price.
Share your favorite items that have made your life easier in the comments below!
Useful cleaning items
Robot vacuums
The selection of robot vacuums are currently extensive; you can choose vacuums or mops, and very often a combination of both! Prices generally range from $200 to $700, depending on brand and functionality, but we often see big discounts on robot vacuums at Newegg and Woot. Refurbished vacuums can run even lower! Consumer Reports is a great place to research the different brands and models to see how they each stack up. Let a robot do the work you’d rather not do!
E-Cloths
Priced from $9 to $65, you can use e-cloths to take care of cleaning chores, using only water! Everything from dusters to window cleaners are available, and they come in bundles as well.
Steam mop
Sanitize your hard floors without chemicals! This one is currently found on Amazon.
Air purifier & sanitizer
Zap bacteria and odors in a small room with UV-C light! This highly-rated Germ Guardian is currently found at Amazon.
Silicone straw set
A great way to stay eco-friendly on straws. Find this deal at Walmart!
Cord organizers
These are nice to keep cords out of the way and are found on Amazon!
Phone sanitizer
Clean your phone, keys, headphones, watches; stick them in and get rid of the germs. Prices generally range from $20 to $60. Remember to check FakeSpot to avoid items with fake reviews!
Mop shoes
Make cleaning a little more fun! Kids would love these! Currently found on Amazon.
Window blind duster
There are a variety of blind dusters available to make cleaning those dust magnets easier! Prices range from about $8 to $15 at Amazon.
Brush drill attachment set
Brushes can attach to your drill and power clean! Sets run from $9 to $36 at Amazon.
Kitchen help
Salad bowl chopper and strainer
Make chopping salad fast and easy with this chopper and strainer on Amazon.
Heated mug with charger
Have complete temperature control over your favorite hot beverage. You can find this model at Walmart.
Microwave bacon maker
Cook bacon evenly and without a mess! This model can be found at Amazon.
Dual breakfast sandwich maker
The fastest and easiest way to make breakfast sandwiches from home. Find this model on Amazon.
Vegetable spiral slicer
Save time on slicing veggies and cut them in fun spiral shapes! Found on Amazon.
Select-A-Spice auto-measure carousel
A quick way to find your favorite spices and have them auto-measured on Amazon.
Bamboo cutting board with drawers
A unique and convenient cutting board with storage, found on Amazon.
Herb scissors
Save time cutting herbs with these scissors found on Amazon.
Herb stripper tool
Make stripping herbs clean and organized with this stripper tool found on Amazon.
Ice cream maker
This soft-sided ice cream maker makes approximately one quart of homemade ice cream in about 25 minutes of active play. Simply add cream, sugar and flavorings in one end and add ice and rock salt in the other end. Roll for 25-30 minutes of play and serve!
Sink drying rack
Dry vegetables and dishes on this convenient drying rack found on Amazon.
Ice cube tray
A great and convenient way to save space in the freezer. Find this ice cube tray on Amazon.
Retro hot dog and bun toaster
Make cooking hotdogs as easy as toast. This model can be found at Amazon.
Clip-on hanging trash bag holder
This will help out tremendously when chopping vegetables and proteins. Find it on Amazon.
Pasta measuring tool
A convenient and compact way to measure pasta portions. It can be found on Amazon.
Upright taco stands
Make serving tacos easy with these upright taco stands. Found on Amazon.
Stuffed burger press
Make perfectly cooked stuffed burgers with this press found on Amazon.
Divided non-stick 15″ skillet
Cook an entire meal on one skillet! Save time and space with this deal. Find it on sale at Amazon.
Shredding claws
Make shredding proteins a sinch with this unique Bear Paw shredder. Find it on Amazon.
Bottle top baster
This 3-piece bottle top baster can be found on Amazon.
Cooking splash guard
This splash guard fits 10″ in pans and can be found on sale at Amazon.
Automatic salt and pepper grinder
This one-handed battery-operated salt and pepper grinder is a life saver when making dinner. Find it on sale at Amazon.
Touchless kitchen faucets
I own a touchless faucet! It is a great help while you are cooking; you just wave your hand in front of the sensor to turn the water flow off and on. Prices can range from $90 to $600, but we often see daily deals pop up on these at The Home Depot.
Cob corn stripper
This compact and easy-to-use cob corn stripper will help save time in the kitchen and is a much safer option as opposed to knives. Find this deal on Amazon.
Kitchen wrap organizer rack
We have a kitchen wrap drawer that generally gets stuck open or closed! Pop this in a cabinet for great organization. It is found at Amazon.
Expandable under-sink organizer and storage
This storage is adjustable to fit your preferred height and will work around plumbing. Get twice the under sink storage! Currently found at Amazon.
Mug stackers
Clear up major space in your cabinets with mug stackers! Currently found at Amazon.
Chef’n FridgeFork condiment fork
This is nice to have on hand in case you need a pickle in a pinch! Found at Amazon.
Instant Pot
Multitudes rave about the Instant Pot and the quick work it makes of dinner! Prices range from around $60 to $180, and we often see daily deals on these.
Air fryer
Air fryers are fast, efficient, and healthy! Another favorite among cooks. Prices start around $60, but one of our team members got a 3.5-qt air fryer for $35 around Prime Day.
Milk frother
Milk frothers are tiny and powerful! Easily and quickly mix drinks or froth milk for the perfect home latte. A favorite kitchen accessory and makes a great gift! This one is currently found at Amazon.
Food Saver
Vacuum seal your food to extend its life and save space! Prices range from $50 to $150, but we have seen daily deals lower for these as well.
Silicone jar opener
This has a non-slip grip that allows you to open jars, and will double as a potholder! Currently found at Amazon.
French butter dish
This will keep your butter healthy and spreadable whenever you need it! No more hard butter pats tearing your bread to pieces. Found at Amazon.
Garlic peeler
Make quick work of your garlic peeling duties, without getting that pungent odor on your hands! You can find these on Amazon.
Pancake & cupcake batter dispenser
No mess, perfect shapes every time! Easy to clean as well. Prices range from $9 to $19!
Avocado slicer
Score, pit, and slice your avocado safely! Found on Amazon.
Flexible snap-on colander
Snap on to any pot and easily drain! Currently found on Amazon.
Wine saver
This gadget will extend the life of an open bottle of wine by a week! Makes a great gift, and is currently found on Amazon.
Food chopper
There are a wide range of food choppers available on Amazon, from about $13 to $40. Dice and slice with ease!
S’mores Maker
Enjoy s’mores inside, year-round! Runs off an electric, flameless heater. Currently found on Amazon.
Cooking scale
Get precise measurements for cooking or meal prep. Scales are a very handy kitchen gadget! Current prices range from $11 to $30 on Amazon.
Grease container
This is a safe place to store and reuse cooking grease! Currently found on Amazon.
Reusable produce bags
These produce bags come in 3 different sizes, are see-through, washable, and reusable. Take them shopping so you don’t have to use plastic bags at the store!
Expandable food container lid organizer
No more missing lids! This can fit in your cabinet or in a drawer. Currently found on Amazon.
Automatic espresso machine
If you buy a quality espresso machine, you’ll be able to have coffee-shop lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos every day! If you’re prone to a coffee shop run every day, it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run. Priced from $99 to $999 at Amazon!
Touchless garbage cans
Touchless garbage cans will help keep the germs at bay! There are a variety available, from motion-activated to foot lever activated. Prices range from $40 to $200 at Amazon, but we’ve seen them for as low as $30 on sale.
Pan scrapers
These are some of the most useful and cheap cleaners available. Great for cast iron, too! Currently found on Amazon.
Indoor insect trap
Trap those pesky fruit flies! Catches gnats and mosquitos as well. It has great reviews at Amazon!
Useful items for yourself and your home
Packing cubes
Organize and save space in your luggage! Prices range from $9 to $35 on Amazon.
Pill organizer
No second-guessing, no losing track! Pill organizers will keep you up to date and are portable for trips! Currently found on Amazon.
Deep pocket sheets
Are your fitted sheets always popping off your mattress? Get deep pockets and end that madness! These sheets are found at Walmart.
True Utility stainless steel pen keychain
Are you always on the search for the elusive pen? No more with the expandable pen you attach to your keychain! It is currently found at Amazon.
RamPro hide-a-spare-key rock
Never get locked out again! Currently on Amazon.
Aldi quarter holder
Never be without a quarter at your favorite grocery store! Priced between $7 and $11 at Amazon.
Rechargeable light bulbs
Rechargeable light bulbs are great for emergencies! They can last for 3-5 hours if you are without power. Prices range from about $14 to $60 at Amazon.
Portable phone tripod
Tripods will make recording and taking pictures so much easier!
Goal water bottle with time markers
Let your water bottle keep you accountable! Time markers tell you where your water level should be; a very easy reminder.
Flat treadmill
Treadmills can be so bulky. Not this one — it fits under your bed or against a wall while not in use! Currently found on Amazon.
Lifestraw personal water filter
This personal filter is great for hiking, camping, or emergencies! Filters up to 1000 gallons of contaminated water for drinking.
Clip-on book light
Use it in bed or the car; bright enough to read yet won’t bother anyone else! Currently found on Amazon.
Lighted magnifiers
These magnifiers will fit in your wallet! Great for low light conditions and small print.
LED flashlight gloves
Great for car repairs, camping, fishing; any low-light situation! Currently found on Amazon.
Magnetic wristband
Keep your tools handy on work projects! You can find this on Amazon.
Battery organizer
No more batteries rolling around in random drawers. Keep them all visible, in one place! You can find this organizer on Amazon.
Shoe dryers and sanitizers
There are a variety of shoe dryers and sanitizers to help keep the stink at bay! Prices range from $18 to $130 at Amazon.
Overhead storage for garage or basement
Overhead storage can assist in major organization! Clear up useable space and get your good out of the way. Prices range from $80 to $180 at Amazon, but sometimes we’ll see a super deal at Costco or Woot.
Coffee tables with storage
Coffee tables that do double duty can be a great perk! Prices range from $75 to $400 at Amazon.
Tool organizer
Get those tools off the floor and on the wall! Great for garages or basements. This organizer is currently found on Amazon.
Suction cup hooks
Hang wreaths, bird feeders, and bathroom accessories. Will attach to windows and tile; just about any non-porous surface. You can currently purchase these on Amazon.
Mesh laundry bags
Keep your delicates together; or how about your socks? Never lose one again…is that possible? Mesh laundry bags sell from about $7 to $17 at Amazon.
Handy tools
Paint mixer drill attachment
If your gallon of paint has been sitting for too long, pop this attachment onto your electric drill and it’ll be mixed in short order! Currently found on Amazon.
Pocket multi-tool kit (22-In-1)
This will not only come in handy for a variety of reasons; it’s only 5″x7″!
Mini box cutter
It’s small enough to fit in a purse, and you will always have something to open boxes and cut snack packages. Currently found on Amazon.
Multitool
This multitool has excellent reviews and is great to keep on hand! Currently found on Amazon.
Useful items for your vehicle
Tire inflator
Air up your tires at home instead of the gas station! Very handy if you wake up to a low tire. Prices range from $30 to $130 on Amazon.
Car phone mount
Always stay hands-free in the car. Mounts can be attached at the vent or the dashboard if you need GPS directions! Priced from $10 to $30 on Amazon. eBay is another great place to score a deal, as long as the seller is experienced with tons of positive reviews.
Clay bar for auto detailing
Clay bars do a much better job at detailing than other products! Prices range from $7 to $23.
Waterproof car trash can
Have a safe place to stash your trash! Currently found on Amazon.
Car hooks
Make things easier to organize and keep your goods off the floor of your car! Currently found on Amazon.
Inflatable travel pillow
Packable and inflatable; this would work for any travel, even a road trip! Found on Amazon.
Emergency keychain car escape tool
This is a seatbelt cutter and window breaker that fits on your keychain and is found at Amazon.
Power inverter for the car
Power inverters are so handy if you need to plug electronics in, especially for road trips! They range from $14 to $75 at Amazon.
Car backseat organizer
Great for kids. Organize all the toys and snacks! This particular item is currently for sale on Amazon.
Portable battery jump starter
If your car battery dies and there is no one around to give you a jump, you will be very glad you have one of these! Prices range from $61 to $300 at Amazon.
Useful outdoor items
Pole saw
If you need to trim a branch or two, you will be glad you have one of these on hand! These are priced between $69 and $220 at Amazon, but sometimes we’ll see them lower during a daily sale at The Home Depot.
Rain barrel
Use rainwater for outdoor watering later on! This particular barrel comes with an optional grow top for flowers or herbs. Currently found at Wayfair!
Firestarter
This is weatherproof with awesome reviews. Great for camping and found at Amazon.
Drip Irrigation Watering Kit
This kit will water your plants automatically! It is currently found at The Home Depot.
Propane fire pit
Propane fire pits are fantastic! With the push of a button, you can have instant heat. No blowing embers or smoke in your eyes. The ultimate cool-evening gathering spot. Prices range from $69 to $1000 at Amazon.
Atomic Bear paracord bracelet
These bracelets have a fire starter, compass, emergency whistle, emergency knife, and 12 feet of military-grade paracord.
Hand warmers
Hand warmers are so useful! Stick them in your pockets, gloves, or shoes when it’s cold outside and I know from experience that they will help! Currently $7 to $30 on Amazon.
Robot lawnmower
Never mow the lawn again; have a robot do the work for you! These are priced from $650 to $1,500 at Amazon, but sometimes you’ll see a big price drop during a daily sale.
Quikflip 2-in-1 reversible backpack hoodie
If your walk starts out cool and turns warm, just flip your hoodie into a backpack! Currently found on Amazon.
Packable raincoat
If the weather is iffy, carry along your raincoat in a small package! Stick it in the glove box or your backpack, and it’s there if you need it, but won’t take up space if the weather is in your favor. Found on Amazon.
Useful Tech
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are a great option for students; generally built to be durable and low cost. We’ve seen them for as low as $80 at a store like Micro Center.
Wireless chargers
Power up without plugging in! Easy and convenient for phones and earbuds. Prices range from $10 to $50 at Amazon.
Twin extension cord power strip
This fits flat against your outlet, and is perfect for behind a bed or couch! Plug in your lamps on either side and you are good to go.
Smart plug
Turn your home into a smart one with smart plugs! You can control appliances from your phone or with voice commands when hooked up to a smart speaker.
Echo Dot
If you haven’t joined the smart speaker bandwagon yet; they are so useful! Great for playing music and asking Alexa questions or giving voice commands to help control switches, light bulbs, security systems; the possibilities are vast!
Solar power bank
This power bank can use the power of the sun to charge your phone. It would be a helpful gadget when you aren’t near a power source! It is currently found at Amazon.
Smart scale
Smart scales hook up to your phone and can give you a world of information about your measurements! Weight, water, muscle mass, bone mass, etc. This particular scale has great reviews and is currently found on Amazon.
Video doorbells
Video doorbells will alert you to who exactly is at your doorstep, no matter where you are. Two-way talk is generally an option as well. Prices range from around $30 to $250 at Amazon.
Blue light-blocking lenses
Protect your eyes against tech with blue light blocking technology! Zenni will currently add Blokz protection to any prescription or non-prescription lenses for $16.95.
Motion Activated toilet nightlight
No more leaving a light on in the bathroom; save energy costs with a motion-activated toilet nightlight! Priced from $8 to $30 at Amazon.
Tile key finder
Stop the endless search for everyday items! Attach a tile and always know where to look. Tile starts around $25 at Amazon.
Useful for pets
Did you feed the dog?
Never forget your pup! Just slide the knob over as soon as you fill up the dish.
Thundershirt for dogs
This promises to calm your pup in high-anxiety situations!
FURemover broom
This broom will take care of all of the pet hair! Has a telescoping arm, easy to clean and gets great reviews.
Stainless steel dog bowls
These dog bowls are dishwasher safe and won’t rust! You can find them on Amazon.