26 Little Things That'll Upgrade Your Life For Under $25

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1. Banza chickpea pasta, a low-carb, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly alternative to regular pasta that can still make for one of the easiest and tastiest dinners around.

Jessie Gaynor / BuzzFeed

Check out BuzzFeed's full review here.

Promising review: "Banza is the real deal. I'd been on the hunt for a healthier pasta that didn't leave me feeling as sluggish as normal pasta, but after trying every brand out there I was losing hope of finding a worthy replacement. They all had earthy tastes, odd textures, or couldn't hold their own in traditional pasta dishes. Then a friend of mine recommended Banza, and I haven't looked back since. It's got a great taste and pairs nicely with traditional pasta dish ingredients without sentencing me to the hours-long food coma that I had grown accustomed to from regular pasta. It's great as a post-workout meal, too, packing an extra punch of protein without having to overload on carbs in the process. I'd recommend it!" —James G

Get a six-box variety pack from Amazon for $25.

2. A sleek shelving unit to make even the smallest desk look way more homey (and allow you to actually fit all your knickknacks).

amazon.com

My coworker just got a shelf similar to this one and her desk looks awesome, I'm pretty jealous tbh!

Promising review: "This is really easy to assemble and fairly sturdy. I wouldn't put anything super heavy on it, but mine holds my lava lamp, desk fan, desk heater, and mini speaker. I love it and would recommend it if you're just looking for a little desktop organization." —sixthsentinel

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (also available in three other colors at a higher price).

3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with aloe, herbs, and rosewater, a refreshing formula you can use to give yourself the pampering you deserve in seconds flat.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this spray.

Promising review: "Is your face dry? SPRAY THIS STUFF ON IT. Are you legs ashy? SPRAY THIS STUFF ON IT. Makeup need setting? SPRAY THIS STUFF ON IT. Hair frizzy and dry? SPRAY THIS STUFF ON IT. Boyfriend being a jerk? SPRAY THIS STUFF ON IT. It's a cure-all. It's amazing and my skin is super soft and glowy and I feel like a pretty princess." —Kate

Get it from Amazon for $7.

4. And to complete your mini self-care kit, a rolling massager that reviewers swear by for foot pain like plantar fasciitis, but can be used on your whole body, too.

amazon.com

On the off chance you're like me and your office doesn't have an in-house masseuse, this little guy is also great to keep under your desk to treat your tootsies all day.

Promising review: "I'm very happy with this! I get immediate relief from the first roll. I also put this against the wall to use it on my back muscles as well. It's simple, yet life changing! I don't know about y'all, but I can't get my boyfriend to rub my feet every night. Your girl needs a foot rub after work and this is awesome!" —Erica Grace

Get it from Amazon for $7.95.

5. A handy set of makeup brush cleaning mats to make the tedious-yet-necessary task of cleaning your beauty tools a total breeze.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Just add soap and water and use the different textures on the mat to scrub every last bit of gunk out of your beloved brushes!

Promising review: "I’m going to come clean ;) — I was cleaning my makeup brushes with hand soap and brushing them on the palm of my hand until I felt they were clean. It wasn’t great, but I didn’t know there was a better way until I found these. I probably clean my makeup brushes more frequently than most people because my skin breaks out easily. I suspected these cleansing mats would make that job more efficient. I love that there are two sizes. They both have suction cups on the back so they can be attached to the sink to free up a hand. I also really like that the suction cup on the smaller one can be used to hold it if you prefer. These do a fabulous job and make quick work of cleaning brushes. I’m also inclined to believe they're keeping me from being too rough in my efforts to get the gunk out of my expensive brushes. These can also be cleaned, disinfected, and left to air dry — another bonus!" —ItooktheRedPill

Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six colors).

6. Absolutely genius jumbo divider sticky notes that'll bring your note-taking game to Hermione Granger heights.

amazon.com

Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on these sticky tabs.

Promising review: "These stick like your average sticky note but have a tab and room for notes — what’s not to love? I use these for going over textbooks. I attach one to each chapter and write the page numbers and info covered on it. This saves so much time when I’m trying to look up an answer or do last-minute study reviews. I have spent YEARS making my own tabs by cutting up sticky notes and then using another note to tag important info. This simplified everything." —Meghan

Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $3.71.

7. A "100 Movies" or "100 Books" bucket list scratch-off poster to create a fun challenge for even the biggest film and literature buffs. Most importantly, you'll never waste your whole night debating what to watch on Netflix again.

uncommongoods.com, uncommongoods.com

Each one lists 100 titles (movies include everything from Apocalypse Now to Mean Girls and books include titles such as The Handmaid's Tale and Dracula) with a scratch-off space underneath. Once you'e watched or read it, you scratch off the space to reveal an adorable piece of art related to the title. These are also great to give to friends and family to upgrade your gift-giving game, too.

Get the movie poster from Amazon for $12.72 (also available as 100 albums or 100 places) or Uncommon Goods for $15, and get the book poster from Amazon for $14.99 or Uncommon Goods for $15.

8. Mike's Hot Honey, a chili-infused honey sure to upgrade pretty much everything you eat, be it sweet or savory.

amazon.com

Check out BuzzFeed's full review here.

Promising review: "This mixed-up honey is absolutely fabulous. I gave in and ordered three bottles more after my initial order, because it's really good on everything. And I mean EVERYTHING: soft pretzels, toast, biscuits, waffles, cereal, yogurt, ice cream, and definitely pizza. It gives everything in your kitchen a small kick of sweet heat flavor without burning your mouth up. I've told many of my friends about this magical elixir and they all agree. This is the BEST specialty honey any of us have ever had." —Jeff R. Clow

Get it from Amazon for $8.06.

9. A decision-making notepad that's funny but also seriously useful. Each page has a template for jotting down your dilemma, pros and cons, and more to make life's trickiest conundrums a little more manageable.

amazon.com

For example, there's space to note gut feelings, set a deadline for the decision, rate how important it is, imagine best- and worst- case scenarios, and plan next steps. There are even two separate spots for your intuitive and rational conclusions, because all my fellow decision-phobes will know those can be two different things.

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE how this helps me organize my thoughts when facing challenging decisions. I tend to way overthink things and often make my own decision tables, but I love that this pad does it for me. All I have to do is fill in the blanks! I can also give it to others to read over. Furthermore, the witty little remarks throughout the page lighten the mood when you're critically analyzing the life out of your situation." —Emma C

Get it from Amazon for $4.64.

10. And a clever split pie pan so which dessert to have will be one decision you'll never have to make again. Because the answer is BOTH; it's always both.

amazon.com, amazon.com

You also don't have to decide between buying this or a regular pie pan, because the split bottom is removable and it also comes with a regular bottom! Easy as pie.

Promising review: "I love cherry and he loves apple, but to make two pies would be such a waste as since it's just the two of us at home, and buying store-bought pie just isn't the same. This was the perfect solution. I LOVE IT!" —Sherry S.

Get it from Amazon for $14.93.

11. A truly nifty three-in-one portable razor with a water spritzer, blade, and shave balm so you can shave in the car, in a bathroom stall, ANYWHERE, people! Dreams come true!

freepeople.com

If you are someone who chooses to shave your legs, you know how annoying it is when you miss one random spot or want to shave but not take a whole damn shower before you go out. Such strugs are exactly what this cute little guy was made for. Just twist the center to switch between the different functions!

Get it from Ulta for $14.99 (available in four colors), Free People for $15 (available in four colors), or Amazon for $17.99.

12. And an equally inventive bracelet fastener that'll give you the basically superhuman ability to put on lobster clasp bracelets by yourself. Time to dig out all those pretty baubles you thought you could never wear again!

amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the greatest invention for those of us who are less nimble, whose eyes aren't quite as good as they used to be, and who don't always have a significant other to help us latch our jewelry. I bought several and keep them stashed in handy places. They work! I'm wearing bracelets I haven't worn in several years because I couldn't latch them without this nifty tool!" —sunshan

Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two colors).

13. A high-rise lacy bralette to make any low-cut top even cuter and effortlessly give you the look of a layering expert. And hey, it looks pretty good with nothing over it, too. 😉

amazon.com, amazon.com

This product is only available for Prime members!

Promising review: "I love this bralette! I wear it under tank tops or low-cut shirts to give them more color or coverage. It has adjustable straps so I can wear it as high or low as I want. I have this in turquoise and the melon color, and both are beautiful and bright. For reference, I'm 5' 5", 175 pounds, and wear a size 36D. I bought an XL." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in sizes XS-XL and in 11 colors).

14. A simple and super-affordable pedometer that's the perfect motivation to get moving. Because face it, there's nothing like seeing that number get past 10,000.

amazon.com

I got one of these a couple months ago because I'm trying to be more active. I feel like wearing a pedometer encourages me to make little changes like taking the stairs, because I love the feeling of getting to my goal number of steps. I also wanted to guage how many steps I take on a normal day. I didn't want to drop major $$$ on a Fitbit, because I've had those before and I always lose them and never use any of their fancy feautures. I just wanted something to count my steps. This little guy has a clip on the back and also comes with a removable lanyard, so you can wear it a bunch of different ways. I just clip it to my bra and go. It literally has ONE button, a reset button, so it couldn't be easier to use!

Get it from Amazon for $11.58.

15. A sleek striped pencil dress for a work wardrobe upgrade the likes of which haven't been seen since the fashion montage set to "Vogue" in The Devil Wears Prada.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Check out more of the best work dresses you can get on Amazon.

Promising review: "This dress is awesome. I work in a professional environment and received compliments all day. I'm 5'4", 125 lbs, and a 32A, and the medium fit great. I didn't want it to be too tight since I'm wearing it to work. It feels kind of like a soft T-shirt, and I liked that the arms weren't too tight. I wore the blue with bright coral pumps and felt very colorful! :)" —Demyan

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and in 19 colors and prints).

16. A super luxe velvet throw blanket so you can get cozy in style. And here you thought curling up on your couch couldn't get any better!

amazon.com

Bonus: It looks gorgeous on your couch, too!

Promising review: "This throw is wonderful! It's heavenly soft and comfy. I just ordered a second one. The color works perfectly in my living room." —margaret graham

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five colors).

17. A motion-activated toilet light that'll make tripping or waking someone up with the bathroom light when you have to pee at 3 a.m. a thing of the past, not to mention bowl over any overnight guests.

amazon.com, amazon.com

You can choose between five brightness settings and 16 colors, or have it cycle through different colors. It automatically turns off when you leave or turn on the bathroom light. Now that's some cool shit.

Get the required AA batteries here.

Promising review: "This is the greatest thing for kids or adults alike. I have it set on just the blue light. When I get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, it makes me smile. It lights up enough for you to see, but isn't bright enough to be bothersome or wake you up. It's easy to install and I'd recommend it to anyone. I showed it to a friend at work and they are buying it for their grandparents who complained about getting up in the middle of the night in the dark." —Amazon customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

18. A travel size budget book, which just might turn you into the finance-savvy adult you've always aspired to be.

amazon.com, amazon.com

It's got places to record day-to-day spending, income, regular monthly payments, and totals at the end of the month. Each month also has a pocket for saving important documents like receipts and bank statements.

Promising review: This is a good size to fit in my work purse. It seems very durable and comes with extra pages for Christmas spending. The sections for receipts are also a great addition. I love love love it. It's done wonders for my finances. Now I'm able to see where my money goes each month. I'm able to track my spending each day and have a total for the month. I'd recommend this book to anyone. I'll definitely be buying another as soon as I finish this one." —Kimmy

Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

19. A fun tapestry to spice up an empty wall with a cool design, be it a positive message or a map to make you feel well-traveled without leaving your bedroom.

walmart.com, walmart.com

Get the "good vibes only" tapestry from Walmart or Jet for $12.90 and the map tapestry from Walmart or Jet for $12.90.

20. A set of packing cubes that over 6,000 reviewers swear by for making more room in their suitcase than they ever thought possible.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "These things are amazing! I can believe I've been packing without them my whole life. They're great quality and come in fun colors. I appreciate the mesh lining that allows you to peek inside. They're also a great value. I packed my clothes, shoes, and toiletry bag for a ten day trip to Europe as I normally would first, and then packed them in the packing cubes. There was so much more room after packing them in the cubes! Items I fit in the cubes and bag:

two jackets, one jean vest, four pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, a romper, four dresses, a maxi skirt, seven tank tops, four shirts, three camisoles, three pajama sets, 15 pairs of undies, six pairs of socks, and four pairs of shoes. Why are you still reading?? Go buy these cubes!" —Tiffany

Get a set of four plus a laundry bag from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight colors).

21. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, which isn't a regular nude gloss, it's a cool nude gloss. It's cruelty-free, paraben-free, universally flattering, and an easy way to treat yourself to a bit of Riri magic on a budget.

sephora.com

Promsing review: "I've never met a gloss quite like this one. It slides on smoothly with an extra-wide wand to cover the entire lip in one swoop. It's a little sticky, then perfectly melts into the lip with a glossy, shimmery finish. Somehow this looks good on every skin color. I’m have dark skin, my daughter has olive skin, and my BFF has ivory skin. It’s like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Lip Gloss." —KbettyAk

Get it from Sephora for $18.

22. A subscription to the Hulu no commercials plan, which is probably the best extra $4/month you could spend, IMHO.

hulu.com

I am one of those people who prefers Hulu to Netflix. Yes, I subscribe to both, but I use Hulu way more often. I love its selection of series both new and old. I love how much anime is available. I love that you can watch episodes the day after they come out. I would not love this blessed streaming platform nearly as much if I hadn't sprung for the no commercials plan. It makes Hulu as convenient as Netflix BUT WITH MORE STUFF I LIKE (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, anyone?) and it's not too much extra cash per month. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

The first month is free, then get a basic subscription for $7.99/month or a subscription with no commercials for $11.99/month.

23. A chic-as-shit bucket bag with oil slick details for a sleek upgrade to your basic everyday carryall. Plus, it costs a fraction of what it looks like it would.

forever21.com

Get it from Forever 21 for $24.90.

24. Exploding Kittens, an LOL-worthy card game that'll upgrade your hangouts from just scrolling Instagram and watching a movie together to creating truly hilarious, competitive chaos.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This game is FUN. At first it sounds very complicated, but it is in fact simple and quick and good for a lot of laughs. The cards and illustrations are quirky and strange, funny, and wildly creative. This game allows two to five people to play. If you may have a larger group, buy a second set of cards. It's money well invested. Each person draws a card. At any time you may draw an exploding kitten, and if you do, you die for the remainder of the hand unless you have a defuse card. But, of course, there's more involved than that! Everyone is dealt a hand of four cards and one defuse card. Some cards allow you to draw a card from another player's hand, some allow you to peek at what's coming in the draw pile, or to skip your turn, or make the next player draw twice. Once you've finished playing your cards, or if you've decided not to play anything, you draw a card and hope it isn't an exploding kitten. The only goal is to survive drawing the exploding kittens within the deck, or to cause others to draw them. It's a fast and silly game, and very fun. What are a few exploded kittens between friends?" —Another Mitchell

Get it from Amazon for $19.99. You can also get the NSFW version here.

25. A roll-on headache relief essential oil stick, because, shocker, life is better when your head doesn't hurt.

Katy Herman / BuzzFeed, Yi Yang / BuzzFeed

This is one of my favorite life upgrades I've made this year. I get fairly frequent tension headaches, and I'm trying not to take ibuprofen quite as often. This stuff provides instant relief that mitigates my headache pain and can even vanquish tiny twinges. You just put a little on your temples and forehead and as much as you want on your neck, and it provides a calming, cooling relief. I never leave home without it. Read my full review here.

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

26. And a pair of work-appropriate shoes that are actually fun. Basic neutral flats? I don't know her.

target.com, target.com

Get the metallic loafers for $24.99 (available in sizes 5-11 in regular and wide and in two colors) and the plaid mules for $22.99 (available in sizes 5-12), both from Target.

Also check out more ways to upgrade your life and products that'll help you do everything better.

Everyone when they see you living your best life with these products:

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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