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    27 Cheap Things To Treat Yourself To Right Now

    A chic wine stopper, fun pop culture flair, a game-changing skincare stick, and more under-$25 goodies to light up your life.

    1. Cute and on-trend flower hair claw clips for a sweet and summery way to finish a casual half-up 'do...or turn your messy humidity hair into something that can actually be called a 'do.

    reviewer wearing terra cotta flower shaped clip in hair
    set with peach blue pink black yellow and olive clips

    Promising review: "Love these for my second day dirty hair and I get tons of compliments. The variety of colors is great and, unlike most clips, they actually hold my fine hair up!" —Mikaela West

    Get a set of six from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in five color combinations)

    2. The absolutely OMGworthy Menstruation Crustacean, aka the most ~claw~some, cramp-busting heating pad you ever did see. Reviewers also love the soothing weight and the fact that he can peek out of your waistband for a truly spe-shell fashion statement.

    plush smiley lobster in reviewer's shorts
    reviewer holding plush

    Promising review: "My cycle can be quite rough as well as the ungodly cramping. I’ve tried heating packs in the past, but I hate the hassle of plugging it in, and it always seems to be too hot for my liking. I came across this cuddly Menstruation Crustacean and I had to have it. Lo and behold, I started my cycle the same day he arrived. I couldn’t wait to bust him out and he did not disappoint. You can heat up the internal bag to your liking and it smells like fresh lavender. He also holds heat for a long while. I’ve named mine Larry the Lobster (SpongeBob fans will get it). My two small sons have tried to steal him multiple times already. I regret nothing and I have already bought one for my daughter and my sister. This would make a fantastic gift and I intend to gift to give it in the future. 10/10 would recommend. If you have a vagina, buy this lobster…buy it even if you don’t. Who doesn’t like a warm cuddly buddy." —Samantha Pierce

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

    3. A bear-y endearing toast-shaped LED light you just gotta buy for your desk or bookshelf — one look at that lil' winky face and your willpower is ~toast~. 

    toast shaped light with arms legs and bear ears and face
    Smoko

    Get the required AAA batteries here.

    Get it from Smoko for $22.

    4. Snazzy mini chalk boards/cheese boards so you can 1) make your spread look super fancy and 2) give everyone their own personal board so no one has to eat from a plate where everyone else's fingers have been in these germy times we're living in. Plus, they really put the "cute" in charcuterie. 

    black mini cheese boards with cheeses and meats labeled in chalk
    reviewer's spread where everyone gets their own mini charcuterie board

    You can also just use 'em as chalkboard signs!

    Promising review: "What I like about this product: You can literally make any food look fancy if you were to put it on the slate. Six slates in a set means this is perfect for tapas and sushi presentation or any sort of dry appetizer, cheese, etc. The list goes on and on to wherever your imagination leads. You can write down and label each slate with the chalk that comes in the set. For example, you can label what kind of cheese it is on the slate. You can also write down whose creation it was if you were to have a sushi making party like I did. I don’t have a single thing I don’t like about this. All I can say is this is a really good purchase. Don’t be hesitant. JUST BUY IT. YOU WILL LOVE IT!!" —I Tried & Reviewed It

    Get six boards and three pieces of chalk from Amazon for $20.99.

    5. Orly's "Dancing Queen" confetti nail polish to turn your tips into a full-on party. I dare you not to smile when you look at 'em.

    blue green and purple glitter polish
    nail wearing the polish
    Orly

    I have sung the praises of Orly — a cruelty-free, vegan, holy grail nail brand — many times on this website. Their polishes have an awesome grippy, rubberized top that makes it easy to apply and doesn't get crusted shut after one use, and are long-lasting (especially when combined with their epic top and base coats). I have and really like this polish myself! I've only rocked it once so far, but I have plenty more ideas for manis to do with it. Purple and teal are two of my favorite colors, so trying this out was a no-brainer, and I already own several shades in this color palette to layer under it as an accent nail or full mani. It looked stellar over my favorite Orly purple, and unlike so many glitter polishes, it doesn't get all globby — it just gives you a cool confetti finish, that you can make as light or as bold as you want with multiple coats.

    Promising review: "For a fun accent nail, I added Dancing Queen to Breathable Surfs You Right on my ring finger. I love the way these colors look together and I can't wait to try this fun confetti topper with other polish colors, or even by itself. This is a beautiful color combination, especially for summer, and am I just imagining that looking at it actually helps me feel a little cooler in this excessive heat?! This polish just lasts and lasts — I took a photo exactly ONE WEEK after treating my nails to a manicure! I've never been able to keep any polish from chipping this long, and I've tried many different brands! Love it!" —Jane Gersten Y.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.45 or Orly for $12.50.

    6. An artful sticker featuring the Only Murders in The Building squad, aka OllyMabel (the Charles is silent). This on your laptop or water bottle = an even better icebreaker than "I like your Beats."

    sticker of mabel oliver and charles' faces
    Always Fits

    Always Fits is a wonderfully quirky small biz based in Massachusetts with a huge selection of cheeky and pop-culture-inspired gifts.

    Get it from Always Fits for $4.95.

    7. A twist-front tube top that's a layering staple for 2022 — just as it was in 2002. If you love a throwback that still feels on-trend as much as you love clothes under 20 bucks, this bb is for you.

    reviewer in white tube top with jeans
    model wearing light blue version with close up on twist detail at bust

    Promising review: "True to size; perfect length. I love how it fits. The color is the pure white I wanted and looks great with denim. The knit is soft and comfortable and still thick and stretchy so it’s not see-through. Length works great with my low-rise jeans or can be tucked in for higher rises." —Cina

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes XS–L and 22 colors). 

    8. An amazing callus remover gel if you're interested in giving your tootsies a Mia Thermopolis-level makeover. Just give 'em a nice soak in hot water, dry off, and apply this miracle stuff, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Rinse it off, and finish with your go-to foot scrubber tool, then prepare to be left with (basically) whole new feet.

    Promising review: "Used for the first time today. Other reviews suggested wearing gloves, and I don’t have any, so I just tied a plastic bag over my hand, worked fine for me. My feet were terrible, flaky and caked with dead skin. So I soaked my feet for 10 minutes, applied the gel, let that sit for five minutes, soaked feet again, and used a foot scraper thingy. I’m happy with the results. I can’t wait to not have those lines on the bottom of my feet." —Esineda

    Get it from Amazon for $13.87.

    9. A pawsitively amazing UPS pet costume sure to ~deliver~ pure joy (and about a gazillion likes on Insta).

    ups driver posing with pug in the costume
    reviewer's dog wearing costume which has plush arms that make them look like they're standing upright holding ups box

    It comes with a hat and a shirt with little plush arms holding a box!

    Promising review: "My dog LOVES our UPS guy so I got this costume to get a picture of them together. It's quick to get on and off. I posted some pics on Facebook and received so many compliments." —LoriLou

    Get it from Amazon for $17.24+ (available in two sizes).

    10. A fun and cheerful leopard print round brush that'll upgrade the ~aesthetic~ of your getting ready routine and make blowdrying your 'do a bit less dull.

    model using blue and rainbow leopard print round brush
    Walmart

    It's by Packed Party, a woman-owned brand that makes wonderfully whimsical party supplies and accessories.

    Get it from Walmart for $11.98.

    11. Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superfuel Serum Stick, aka a roll-on serum that cools, hydrates, and helps keep your skin looking its strong, healthy, and glowing best. 

    model applying the stick
    hands rolling up the stick
    Amazon

    Hero Cosmetics is a cult-fave, Asian-owned skincare brand primarily known for their pimple patches.

    Promising reviews: "Since I’ve bought it and started using it my acne has stopped appearing and it helped get rid of it. ITS SOO GOOD AND LIGHTWEIGHT." —Amando

    "My new daily face serum. It’s only been a few days since I’ve started using this, but I swear my skin is GLOWING! This doesn’t leave your face feeling tight or tacky, which I love. Moisturizes and feels great putting it on. Love the roll on! I don’t dislike the smell, but it reminds me of Vicks VapoRub." —Riley and Madi

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (or $11.69 with the Subscribe & Save option).

    12. Exceedingly awwworthy French bulldog salt and pepper shakers that are sweet but functional works of arf...I mean, er, art. You'll be saying "oui, s'il vous plait" to using them to season all your meals.

    They're dishwasher safe!

    Promising review: "Sooo adorable. These salt and pepper shakers are so cute and excellent quality — LOVE them!!!!!" —GMABARB

    Get them from Amazon for $14.99.

    13. A tasseled cover-up skirt you can tie several different chic ways to complete your beach or pool look, and prevent the less chic butt-cheeks-sticking-to-pool-chairs situation.

    reviewer in the black wrap skirt
    reviewer in the blue version
    @stacedondero on Instagram / Via www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

    Promising review: "Felt sexy!! It's a short wrap, but I was able to style it several different ways. I loved it. Wasn't too sheer, great material, and matched my bikini." —JANIE H.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 37 styles, including some maxi versions).

    14. A sleek stainless-steel wine stopper and re-sealer that claims to keep an open bottle fresh for up to *10* days, and is really, truly leakproof for when it's time to BYOB. Now you'll never waste a single drop!

    rose gold metal stopper
    chart showing how to push handle down to create airtight seal and lift to reopen

    Promising review: "These wine bottle stoppers are the best I have ever used! They are very easy and quick to seal and open, look good, and I also did a test to see whether or not they are really 100% leakproof as claimed, and they are! They are leakproof! These are very helpful for when you need to transport a not-full bottle and want to be sure not to spill anything. I am really happy with these and definitely recommend them!" —Allison

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three colors).

    15. E.l.f.'s Cookies 'N Dreams lip exfoliator, a vanilla-cookie-scented, vitamin-E-and-shea-butter-infused formula that you can swipe on like a balm for a transformative, spa-like experience for your pout.

    model applying cookies and cream inspired exfoliant in lipstick-like tube
    Elf

    Like all of E.l.f.'s products, it's cruelty-free and vegan. Shop the entire Cookies 'N Dreams line here

    Promising review: "Great lip exfoliator. I bought this because I often have chapped lips. I've used this product a few times now and it helps a majority of my chapped lips. It feels much smoother. I especially like using this before I apply lipstick because it gives it a smoother canvas. It isn't too messy either." —sabs13

    Get it from E.l.f. for $5.

    16. A frosting spatula guaranteed to take your baking game to the next level (extra Instagram likes are basically included).

    hands using the skinny spatula to frost a cake
    a reviewer's beautifully decorated cake

    Promising review: "Wow! I've never owned an angled icing tool before, but everyone who makes cakes should own this! It makes icing a breeze! It saves time and makes the cake look professional by applying an even amount of icing!" —SMTWNGal

    Get it from Amazon for $7.12.

    17. A hilarioius sponge holder that'll turn your dishwashing buddy into the famous fellow who lives in a pineapple under the sea — yes, by giving it square pants. The holder is open on the bottom to allow for drainage and is soooo much better than letting said sponge fester at the (Bikini) bottom of your sink.

    sponge upright in holder with spongebob squarepants body arms and legs sitting on edge of sink
    OctoShopCo/Etsy

    It's from a New York-based Etsy shop.

    Promising review: "I love my little SpongeBob! It’s super high quality and makes doing the dishes a little more fun. Came with a cute thank-you note :). I’m definitely buying another one." —fangirlphoebe

    Get it from OctoShopCo on Etsy for $8.

    18. A classically chic bodycon midi dress to have you looking like a million bucks for, well, a whole lot less than that. Layer it under sweaters, jackets, or a knotted shirt or rock it solo — it's called versatility, people.

    Reviewer wearing the purple option with a denim shirt and sneakers
    Different reviewer wearing the black version with heels

    Promising review: "I am in love with this dress! It is so soft and stretchy but looks sexy and chic even though it’s only $17. It wasn’t see through at all. It hit me at the perfect midi length and it was great being able to slightly adjust the straps. I wore it with nude heels for a fancy dinner out and got so many compliments, but it would also be great layered with tights and boots and a sweater for fall/winter. I 100% recommend this dress! Best Amazon purchase ever! I can’t wait to wear it again." —Sarah L.

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in nine colors and prints).

    19. Whimsical Dutch oven and kosher salt 22-karat-gold-plated stud earrings for any chef (amateur or otherwise) who's looking to cook up some compliments with their accessory game.

    red earrings one shaped like salt box and the other a dutch oven
    Yellow Owl Workshop

    Yellow Owl Workshop is a woman-owned business based in San Francisco, and IMHO their novelty gifts and jewelry can best be described as "too cute to be allowed."

    Get them from Yellow Owl Workshop for $21.50.

    20. An aesthetically pleasing set of drawer organizer bins to take your desk, bathroom drawer, or junk drawer (or even countertop!) from chaotic to shockingly Pinterestworthy. 

    drawer with various size square and rectangular frosted white bins holding beauty products
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Perfect for the storage I needed. I got these to store things in my bathroom drawers. Using these took an overwhelming blank space and gave me perfect compartments for makeup brushes, combs, hand cream, etc. I love how everything fits." —Serena

    Get a set of five from Amazon for $15.99 or a set of 10 for $21.99.

    21. A whimsical pastry brush sure to be the ~highlight~ of your cooking or baking experience. You may find yourself looking for an excuse to brush a lil' extra oil or sauce onto anything and everything.

    hand using oil brush that looks like a yellow highlighter to brush veggies; it also has a cap that's off to the side
    brush being used to cover dough with jam
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Really good product and awesome awesome look! This brand is one of my favorites! Always quality and adorable products." —virginia gontika

    Get it from Amazon for $16.

    22. A little enamel pin that is a VERY big mood for anyone who's been feeling inspired to make their own decisions lately (instead of said decisions being made by, let's say, the government).

    enamel pink shaped like pink ribbon badge with text
    Greatorex/Etsy

    It's from a small biz with a huge selection of enamel pins to add flair to every part of your life. 

    Promising review: "Great quality and I love the message." —Grace

    Get it from Greatorex on Etsy for $2.83.

    23. A sheet of glittery horse stickers from whimsical, woman-owned stationery brand Ooly that you, a fully-grown adult, should buy simply because the first-grade horse girl version of yourself simply would not forgive you if you didn't. I may or may not have several on my laptop right now.

    sheet of colorful holographic horse stickers
    Ooly

    I recently got to sample a haul from Ooly's new sticker line, Stickiville, and as someone who's 100% a kid at heart, it was like Christmas. This sheet was one of the ones I was most excited about, and I have since bedecked both my work and personal laptops *and* my nail polish organizer with their glittery equine magic. I like that all the little flowers, hearts, and stars decorating the sheet are separate little stickers you can use as an accent anywhere. These would be a great back-to-school treat for the kiddo in your life, too!

    Get them from Ooly for $2.99.

    24. Cute fruit-shaped non-scratch dish scrubbers that definitely combine form and function. They're dishwasher and washing machine safe, and reviewers say they stay stink-free for a remarkably long time. I'm talking one of these can last for months on end — berry impressive.

    scrubbers shaped like a lemon strawberry grape blueberry and watermelon
    reviewer's hand holding strawberry scrubber which is larger than palm

    Promising review: "HOW DO THESE NOT EVER SMELL?!?? Seriously, it takes MONTHS for one of these to start smelling a little bit. I do not understand the magic here. I have new roommates that never hang it up to dry, so this thing is just constantly wet and never fully dry, and IT STILL DOESN'T SMELL! Also, it's super comfortable and soft to use, and the cute designs are hard to beat!! It washes super well; I'll never go back to the archaic sponges. I will say that once it does start smelling (again, like after maybe 6 months of continual use), there is no saving it (I've tried vinegar and alcohol washes), so it's best to toss it and get a new one. But I can't complain because normal sponges last only a few weeks before getting a horrendous smell. Also, when these DO start to smell, the smell doesn't transfer to your hands like it does with the old sponges (YUCK!). I've been using these for 4.5 years, and I've only had to buy two five-packs, and I'm still not done with the second pack. So I get over two years with each set of these sponges. Amazing!!" —Bonnie

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six styles) or a five-pack for $17.99.

    25. Ogre-the-top amazing Shrek ears Croc charms that are truly an ~all star~ fashion choice. Prepare to be swamped with compliments. You'll be so glad you (Fi)ona pair. OK, I'll stop now.

    crocs with green ogre ear charms in the holes
    33printslv/Etsy

    But I will say that ♫ somebody once told me ♫ this small biz specializes in fun 3D-printed goodies.

    Promising review: "AMAZING. I now have the Crocs of my dreams!!! The Shrek ears are definitely a different green than the Crocs I got (I went with the celery ones), but they complement each other so well. I'm obsessed." —Pamela Perler

    Get them from 33printslv on Etsy for $5.99.

    26. A Spirited Away coin purse for anyone who has ever dreamt of eating the food in Studio Ghibli movies. Use it to store change, hair ties, or fun size candy bars — however the ~spirit~ moves you.

    coral zip top coin purse printed with meat buns and a large image of Chihiro eating one
    Box Lunch

    Get it from Box Lunch for $10.32 (originally $12.90).

    27. A sweet frog chilling on a branch necklace that'll not only become a new, compliment-worthy staple in your jewelry collection, but also comes with the perk of a symbolic frog adoption. You'll get a froggy adoption certificate in the mail with your bauble, so you can see the kind of cuties your purchase benefits — proceeds go to conservation and rescue orgs like the Amphibian Foundation and Tay's Exotic Critters.

    silver frog pendant necklace
    Project Polliwog

    Project Polliwog is a woman-owned small business that makes adorable frog-themed goodies that support conservation.

    Get it from Project Polliwog for $16.

    Also check out last month's roundup of cheap things to treat yourself to!

    You getting ready to pounce on these treats:

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

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