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

    24 Items For Anyone Who Loves Buying Cheap Random Things

    Things under $20 to entertain you when you're super bored, wanting to try a new baking hack, or even looking to find new ways take care of your body.

    1. A container of popcorn salt that literally tastes just like movie theater popcorn. Now you can enjoy a taste of the movies at home without disturbances from the audience, and a $50 hole in your pocket just for a large bucket with extra butter.

    A carton of Flavacol salt
    Reviewer image of buttery popcorn
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    Senior shopping writer Emma Lord has this to say about the popcorn salt, "Our family recently unearthed this because beloved To All The Boys I've Loved Before author Jenny Han mentioned that it was her secret to delicious popcorn, and it may have just wrecked me for other at-home popcorn for the rest of my life. It genuinely tastes just as salty and buttery and savory as fresh movie theater popcorn. I inhaled it so fast that every single one of my organs lit up in mild alarm".

    Promising review: "I am a person who will make myself sick eating buckets of popcorn (I have no self-control). This has by far been my favorite 'TikTok made me buy' item. My at-home popcorn is now my favorite thing to make and I don't need to go the theater for popcorn. Very much worth the purchase and this will last me such a long time." —S Martinez

    Get it from Amazon for $9.25.

    2. A pack of two rainbow prism suncatchers you can hang in your window and always have a piece of the rainbow anytime the sun is shining.

    reviewer image of tiny rainbows reflected around a couch and room
    Reviewer image of a cat with a rainbow on it

    Promising review: "They actually were bigger than I anticipated, which was actually pretty awesome. I hung them in the window of my office and it's beautiful when they catch light. Definitely worth the money when it puts a smile on your face." —Emmy Ann

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.59.

    3. A sleep-focused essential-oils blend specifically made with ingredients like chamomile, sage, and lavender to promote a good night's rest. Add a few drops to your diffuser, relax your body and mind, and you fall asleep before you know it.

    Promising review: "Bought this to help on days when I have bad insomnia due to anxiety, especially during this pandemic. Can't say I like the scent of the oil alone right off the bat. It's pretty strong so you only need a few drops in the humidifier. But the first night I used it I had the best sleep of my life! Was knocked out fast and woke up feeling super refreshed!! Definitely recommend this product. It lasts well too so it's worth the price!" —Wendy

    Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

    Psst — if you don't have a diffuser, you can get a popular, well-reviewed essential-oil diffuser.

    4. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, because you don't need to spend more than $5 for a great sweat-proof mascara. In a couple of swipes, you could go from itty bitty baby lashes to having everyone ask you, "Are those your real lashes?".

    Before shot of a Buzzfeed editor without mascara
    After shot of BuzzFeed editor with long lashes
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has this to say about the mascara, "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time.".

    Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    5. mini waffle maker to make all the waffles you want for under $15. You do know you can make hash browns, paninis, biscuits, and pizza in it, right?! Just remember to keep the lid open for the pizza, or else you have to scrape off burnt cheese.

    Promising review: "At first, I laughed and thought it was too small to really do anything. I was so wrong — it's an amazing little waffle maker!! Can cook almost anything on it! I have cooked eggs, waffles, and French toast." —S PETERSON

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 23 colors, two sizes, and four styles).

    6. A set of Sea Bands if you have motion sickness, morning sickness, menstrual cycles, or just random nausea for whatever reason. It helps reduce that random nauseous feeling by stimulating an acupressure point in your wrist. Just snap it on and you should start to feel better soon!

    Promising review: "These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially car sickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. At one point I did have one child remove their bands because they said they were getting too tight. But after only a few minutes without them, a headache started to come on, so they immediately put them back on and the relief was instant. I have suffered for decades and now I know better. I will never travel without mine again!" —1SmartCookie

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (also available in a children's size here).

    7. A bottle of nail and cuticle repair oil that will take your splitting, peeling, dry, and brittle nails, and help you grow stronger nails. You can say bye-bye to hangnails and weak nail beds with a good daily application of this stuff.

    Promising review: "Found it on TikTok and I’m so pleased with the results. My nails are getting stronger and growing. And the best of all, not chipping. Love it." —sidna saavedra

    Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in five sizes).

    8. A pink cowboy hat disco ball car accessory so you can bring the party vibes to your car. Turn up your favorite playlist, get the disco ball turning, and enjoy the jam sesh.

    Small disco balls adorned with pink cowboy hats hanging on a string
    Miami Design District/Etsy

    Psst — these also make great ornaments during the holidays! 

    Miami Design District is a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in handmade car accessories. 

    Promising review: "Legit the cutest thing i have ever bought. Looks just like the pic and the packaging was adorable! Legit in love." —Avery Forbes

    Get it from Miami Design District on Etsy for $8.99 (originally $14.99). 

    9. A mirror decal to remind you of how beautiful you are. Not just in the outside, but the inside too. Plus, you deserve to have a daily reminder such as this one!

    script decal that says
    YangYangDesigns/Amazon Handmade

    YangYang Designs is a small business on Amazon Handmade that specializes in unique home decor. 

    Promising review: "Super cute and easy to apply! Wanted a positive message decal for my bathroom mirror; this is great! Cleaned the mirror first and then followed the instructions, super easy to apply and stuck on the first try. Great value for money." —Ally

    Get it from YangYangDesigns on Amazon Handmade for $9.99.

    10. reversible plush octopus that you can use to express your moods, especially if you're not the best at explaining your moods. If you're feeling sociable then switch it to blue. If you're upset or just not in the mood to deal with people, then flip it to green. Either way, you won't have to say a word for anyone to basically understand how you feel.

    Smiling blue octopus plushie
    Angry green octopus plushie turned inside out

    Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok like everyone else but I quickly realized, when I got one, how helpful this is to my family. Now they don't have to guess when they shouldn't bother me, they'll just KNOW. It's saving lives and it's adorable. The perfect thing. :)" —MCalms

    Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in 42 styles).

    11. A popular cat dancer toy so intriguing that even the most uninterested cat will become extremely invested. I know this toy isn't meant for humans, but I'm sure you'll be just as engaged as your furry friend.

    A cat reacting to a toy on a string
    Another cat reacting to it

    If you want a good laugh, check out these review videos of cats playing with the toy!

    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 $2.65.

    12. A pack of Kiss French-tip nails if a salon visit is too much for your pockets, but you still want salon-quality nails. Treat yourself to a classy-looking manicure from the comfort of your own home. Oh and don't worry, they may not be real acrylic nails, but they're just as sturdy!

    Amazon reviewer wearing french tip nails
    Another Amazon reviewer showing french tip nails

    You might want to use a stronger nail glue than the one that comes in the package.

    Promising review: "I like these French-tip nails from Kiss because sometimes you don’t have the time to go to the nail salon. They are easy to put on and well-made. They look so good on your fingers and seems as if they were done by a professional. I will definitely will be buying again. —Natasha

    Get them from Amazon for $6.97+ (available in two colors).

    13. A genius car cupholder adapter built to store your bulky Hydro Flasks, rather than opting to hold it or leaving it in your seat. Once you place the adapter in one of the cupholders, you can begin to safely transport your beloved liquids.

    a hydroflask water bottle in the cupholder adaptor
    a gif of someone trying to put a hydroflask water bottle in a regular cup holder and then placing it successfully in the bottle cup holder adaptor
    Wine & Whiskey Co. / Etsy

    Wine & Whiskey Co. is a Texas-based Etsy shop selling a wide range of adorable phone cases and T-shirts, plus genius car accessories.

    Promising review: "Love it. Perfectly holds my 40-ounce Hydro Flask. No more rolling around the truck cab. Arrived quickly and works as described." —Jason J. Mease

    Get it from Wine & Whiskey Co. on Etsy for $9.99.

    14. A bottle of pet-friendly scented bubbles, made with hypoallergenic soap so your fur baby can chomp delicious bubbles that come in flavors like apple pie, sugar cookie, birthday cake and more!

    dog looks at bubble wand
    Sniffingtons/Etsy

    Sniffingtons is a South Carolina-based Etsy shop that specializes in enriching products for dogs and cats. 

    Promising review: "My pup, Toby, is a 2 1/2-year-old cavalier who loves bubbles. After catching them, he’d often give us an 'ewww' look, as they tasted like soap. Until these. He LOVES these bubbles and seems to love the taste of them, too! I will gladly buy these again and continue letting him feed his bubble-obsession in a tasty way! In addition, when I needed help with my order, Ash was so kind and gave me the help I needed! Highly recommend this shop!" —Elizabeth 

    Get it from Sniffingtons on Etsy for $8.50 (available in 15 scents). 

    15. A gorgeous pastel paint-by-number kit to either help you unwind from a long day, distract you from anxiety, or just simply pass the time because you're sooo bored. 

    A water color of a single pink flower in a vase on a rustic table
    Amazon

    Each set comes with a detailed numbered outline, three brushes, and a set of numbered acrylic paints with extra to spare.

    Promising review: "I’ve been doing a lot of paint by number paintings lately as a way to decompress from stress, and this one is by far my favorite one. It just looks so cool, and it was not as hard to do as some of the others I’ve done." —K Rivera

    Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in eight color kits).

    16. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen that'll leave you with noticeable results, even after the first use. You don't have to give up coffee, tea, or wine for whiter teeth. So keep sippin' or chuggin' your favorite beverage, and let this travel-friendly pen give you a brighter smile.

    Promising review: "I bought this on a whim when I saw someone review it on TikTok. After using it several times over the course of a week, I immediately noticed the difference in the color of my teeth. I'm a smoker and a heavy coffee drinker. I'm finding that this product will be a lifesaver in terms of what my smile looks like. I would definitely recommend!!" —Mully

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a pack of four).

    17. microwave rapid cake maker, because you've probably tried baking cookies or brownies in a mug in the microwave. Why not give cake a chance? All you need is box cake mix, the ingredients that go with it, and six minutes to watch it rise.

    The red cake maker bowl next to a transparent bowl with room for cake mix, oil, and an egg
    A small sprinkle cake made with the rapid cake maker

    Rapid Brands is a California-based small business that specializes in dishwasher-safe, microwaveable, BPA-free kitchen products. 

    Psst — people swear by this for dorms, studio apartments, and for safer, easier baking with kids! 

    Promising review: "I love this cake maker! It makes just the right size cake for our family of four. They’re not exactly like a cake fresh from the oven, but pretty darn close! My 12-year-old son loves to use it, so much so we make a cake on a weekly basis. Since each cake only requires a half a box of mix, we don’t have to store them for long. I think they taste much better than a mug cake and are almost as easy." —Clare

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in four styles).

    18. A set of itty-bitty dermaplaning razors so you can create a nice arch in your brows if you don't have the time to get them waxed or threaded, or shape or remove facial hair. Get the exact look you're envisioning with this portable blade anytime and anywhere.

    Reviewer using the tool to dermaplane their face
    another reviewer before and after using the tool on their face

    Promising reviews: "I saw these on TikTok and was skeptical but they work so well. I use them for any facial peach fuzz and to shape my eyebrows and they're perfect." —Megan Kopicko

    "I bought these blades to try at home dermaplaning. I was nervous at first, but it’s almost impossible to cut yourself with these and it took the peach fuzz right off my face. In fact, as I was staring at my face in a magnifying mirror and removing the fuzz, I noticed my nose hair was a little out of control. I even used one of these in my nose (that’s right) and it worked great! I will be keeping a few of these on-hand at all times." —TKB 

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.59 (also available in a pack of nine).

    19. A shampoo scalp massager to really work those suds onto your hair strands and loosen up any dirt or product buildup. Give yourself a nice massage and work your way to a squeaky clean scalp!

    Promising review: "This has been the BEST $8 I’ve ever spent! I suffer from psoriasis on my scalp I’ve dealt with FOR YEARS. I get the worst flare-ups and the dandruff is just incredibly painful and embarrassing. I tried just about everything. I read some of the reviews and saw some other people had used it for the same thing. I literally just massaged my entire scalp while shampooing. I have a lot of hair so I had to flip my head over and do sections but I was able to get everything off my scalp. I didn’t have ANY dandruff. It really did help get all the buildup out and remove any irritation I had on my scalp. If you have psoriasis, try it!" —Michelle

    Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in three colors).

    20. A dishwasher magnet for a ridiculously easy way to let everyone in your house know whether the dishes are clean, or if they should avoid the filth at all costs.

    A customer using the magnet
    The magnets

    Promising review: "I bought this because of a TikTok video. Super cool and now nobody has to ask me if the dishes are clean or not." —D. Washington

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four styles). 

    21. An Oxo over-the-drain hair stopper, because you shouldn't have to spend any time unclogging your drain. Just place the stopper over your drain and use a tissue to pick up any hair that has been caught.

    Promising review: "This has been my saving grace!! No longer do I have to routinely pull 3-foot-long strands of old goopy hair up out of my drain. Catches everything. Must have for pop-up drains!!"—Chels

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

    22. A set of Globbles if you're looking for a new stress-relieving mechanism that you can squish, stick to the wall, and stretch. Even though they come in vibrant colors, you can bet that they wont stain your walls, or any surfaces. They also won't leave behind any sticky residue, so have a blast with them!

    Reviewer holding six squishy balls in different rainbow colors in their hand
    reviewer throwing them all the wall where they stick

    Check out a TikTok of the Globbles in action. 

    Promising review: "Bought a six pack for my neurodivergent family. We are all either ADHD or autistic. I struggle with compulsive hair pulling and bought these to help keep my hands busy. They are the perfect size, more satisfying than a stress ball, clean easily, fun to hurl at the wall or ceiling, and so far have lasted very well. I did test the durability of one and did break one when I pulled it as hard as I could — the inside looks something like shaving cream and didn’t smell or anything. But if you have a kid who is an aggressive chewer, perhaps keep an eye on them." —Amazon Customer

    Get a set of six from Amazon for $10.69 (also available in a 16 count pack). 

    23. An octopus-shaped blackhead-removing stick that's literally like a magnet to blackheads, white heads, and pretty much anything that's caught in your pores.

    A black small octopus shaped remover in a reviewer's hand
    the cap off to show the salt on the top of the remover

    Promising reviews: "I saw this on TikTok; it works great so far." —MarMarManuel

    "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me; smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." —LuckLocust

    Get it from Amazon for $12.50.

    24. A pack of baking mats designed to be a nonstick barrier that will keep your sweet treats from leaving a crumbly mess on your baking sheet. If you've been wanting to practice baking, then this sheet is definitely for you.

    a four picture collage of hamburger buns and a hamburger with fries
    Cooked macrons on a baking sheet

    There's also a macaron template version!

    Promising review: "I have always seen bakers recommend these sorts of products but never tried them myself. When I recently received new bakeware I wanted to protect them so I bought these mats. I should have bought some sooner! So easy to clean, heat distribution was great and my new pans are saved! Definitely recommend!" —Melissa

    Get them from Amazon for $8.22+ (available in two quantities and two styles).

    Looking for the perfect gift guide for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed's gift guides!

    buzzfeed shopping illustrated gift guide banner