20 hidden gems you can find on Amazon for under $10
Sometimes the best things in life are (very nearly) free.
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When I was in middle school, my mother would collect all her extra change and put it in glass jars. At the end of the year, she’d tell my siblings and we could split the change amongst ourselves and use the money to buy our friends Christmas presents. It pretty much amounted to $10 a friend, but as a spoiled 12-year-old not used to living on a budget, I couldn’t find any good gifts for under $10. Which meant all my friends got goody bags of the Dollar Store’s finest stickers, perfumes, and puzzle books.
Middle-school me would have had an absolute field day on Amazon. There are so many great finds for any budget, but especially within the sweet under-$10-spot, there are a host of 5-star, highly rated products that anyone would love, from your middle-school best friends to yourself right now.
Here are some of our favorite hidden Amazon gems you can get for under $10:
1. Anti-chafe balm to save your thighs from pain
It’s dress season, which means it’s the perfect time for anti-chafe balm.
Reviews: 3,461 Average rating: 4.3 stars
Warm weather means sunny days, beach trips, and the inevitable thigh-burning that comes with walking in shorts and dresses. Chafing isn’t pleasant, and while baby powder can help, it’s messy and requires reapplying (which can be awkward in the office bathroom, trust me). Anti-chafe balm is like deodorant for the parts of your body that rub against each other, and it’s a cult-favorite among runners including our own coworkers. But it's also a must-have for your summer skincare routine. This balm is perfect for anyone experiencing dreadful chafing, from experienced runners to commuters.
Get the Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm for $9.99
2. The most incredible pens on Amazon
Use these incredible marker pens for note-taking, calendar writing, calligraphy, and drawing.
Reviews: 2,163 Average rating: 4.6 stars
These pens are so incredible that I’ve ordered them three times. Initially, I bought a set to hand out as presents, but then ended up buying myself a set because they were so gorgeous...and then I bought another set for my office. The colors are stunning—this particular pack comes with eight varieties perfect for any situation in which you need a pen or a marker.
They’re called marker pens, but they operate much more like traditional ink pens than they do markers—the tips are incredibly fine, so you can write notes without feeling like you’re back in kindergarten using fat Crayola markers. But if you’re a doodler, they are great for more intricate drawings. I recently used mine to write both my wedding invitations and my thank-you notes.
Get the Vibrant Colored Fine Line Marker Pens from iBayam for $8.49
3. Chilling stones that will keep your drinks crisp
Say goodbye to over-watered whiskey and hello to deliciously chilled drinks.
Reviews: 2,730 Average rating: 4.3 stars
My father-in-law will only drink Chardonnay with ice, not because he loves how water dilutes the drink, but because he loves his wine to be ice cold. And Gary is not alone—the market for people who love icy beverages but hate when they get wat4ered down is so large that companies have literally invented chilling stones to keep drinks cold without watering them down, starting with whiskey drinks.
This set of whiskey stones are made from soapstone, which is a type of rock that can hold both heat and cold very well. Keep them in your freezer, then pop them in your glass when you’re ready for a crisp drink. The cold stones will keep your cocktail (or mocktail) cold while you enjoy the pure, undiluted flavor of your favorite beverage.
Get the Set of 9 Grey Beverage Chilling Stones for $8.95
4. Reusable makeup cloths that can replace your one-use wipes
These makeup cloths are perfect for those of us who love makeup but hate feeling wasteful.
Reviews: 2,005 Average rating: 4.2 stars
If you wear makeup often, you know how much of a struggle it can be to wipe it off every night. And honestly, for some of us—not me, no way, definitely not me—it’s easier to just sleep in makeup rather than use an alcohol-based wipe to get it all off, despite the fact that it’s terrible for your skin to do this and wiping your face takes basically no time. But Amazon, as usual, is here with the answer, and it costs about the same as a pack of disposable makeup wipes (but lasts a lot longer).
This set of five makeup remover cloths is made from microfiber, so it’s both soft and effective, managing to catch every bit of makeup from your face. You can use them with water or dab them with a makeup remover, then wipe down your face as you would with a disposable wipe. These are great if you are looking for good products to solve your beauty problems, or if you’ve started to feel guilty about throwing away makeup wipes every night.
Get the S & T Always Off Makeup Remover Cloths for $6.99
5. A pineapple corer to help you get that perfect slice every time
You mean I don’t have to attempt peeling a pineapple? Sold.
Reviews: 2,779 Average rating: 4.4 stars
One of my best friends has this tool, and the first time we saw him use it, we all gathered around and watched him like he was a traveling magician. Slicing, peeling, and coring a pineapple the traditional way is frankly nightmarish, yet ultimately worth it for the delicious fruit hidden inside. This tool is designed to make the task far less painful and is made from stainless steel, featuring a circular jagged edge at the bottom.
Slice off the top of the pineapple, jam the end into the top of the pineapple, then start turning like a corkscrew. A circular blade works its way down the pineapple, slicing as it goes. Once you’ve hit the bottom, pull the tool up and out to reveal your fresh, juicy, and already-sliced pineapple! If you love pineapple juice, or cocktails prominently featuring the tropical fruit, keep the husk and serve drinks from it, but be sure to offer your guests straws or they’ll probably be mad at you.
Get the Yesker Silver Stainless Steel Pineapple Corer for $5.99
6. A makeup brush cleaner that will do a much better job than your faucet
Not only will this clean your brushes, but it will help you remember that you actually have to clean your makeup brushes.
Reviews: 2,667 Average rating: 4.6 stars
When’s the last time you washed your makeup brush? If the answer is “I don’t remember” or you involuntarily started sweating, then it’s time to wash your makeup brush. Over time, applicators can accumulate dirt, grime, and dead skin cells. Exactly what you want to be rubbing all over your face every morning, right?
Experts recommend washing your brushes at least twice a month, but if you have sensitive skin, once a week is better. Water and dish soap may do the trick, but this is a product specifically made with your brushes in mind—and we love it especially because it only costs $5. This brush shampoo is hypoallergenic and made without harsh chemicals that may further irritate your skin, and with so many glowing reviews we're confident you'll love it too.
Get the Ecotools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo for $5.29
7. A meat chopper that will get tacos in your belly faster
I’m always in favor of kitchen tools that do manual labor for me.
Reviews: 1,068 Average rating: 4.8 stars
One time my husband and I agreed to have tacos for dinner, and as the day went on I suggested maybe picking a different meal and doing tacos another night, and we both agree it was the lowest point in our relationship. Tacos are sacred, and for good reason—they’re easy to make and they’re delicious. This chopper can help you prepare your ground meat more easily (a blessing in hot summer kitchens). It is sturdy, easy to grip, and gets tacos closer to your belly. The flat edges break ground beef into small chunks easier than a spatula or flat-edged spoon, helping your meat brown quickly and more easily.
Get the Good Cook High-Temp Hamburger Meat Chopper for $4.97
8. This jar opener that will save your hands and your dignity
Forget banging jars on counters—this tool will help you remove that lid without pain or stress.
Reviews: 1,127 Average rating: 4.7 stars
I am a proud woman and unashamed to admit that. I do not like asking for help with opening jars, even when I really need it. I will try opening cans with every item in my kitchen before accepting defeat and asking for help. Whoever made these jar grips had me specifically in mind, I’m sure.
They lock onto lids with gripping pads, making twisting and removing the lid much easier. Small, mighty, and colorful, they’re able to help you tackle even the tightest items in your pantry. Amazon reviewers stress their durability, noting that they can survive many cans and many years—and did we mention the whole set is only $3?
Get the Prepworks by Progressive Jar Grips for $3.26
9. This herb grinder, which can pretty much grind anything (within reason)
“Sorry I only have freshly ground peppercorns,” you announce to your friends, who didn’t even ask if you had pepper.
Reviews: 2,646 Average rating: 4.2 stars
You’ve likely got a pantry stacked with dried herbs and spices, but have you ever tried grinding your own? This small grinder takes fresh herbs and allows you to pulverize them with a few twists, leaving you with deliciously tasty and fragrant herbs to cook with. Unlike store-bought, dried herbs, grinding fresh herbs keeps their essential oils in place, as they haven’t yet been dehydrated.
This grinder is a must-have especially if you have your own herb garden at home—or if you’re looking for an easier solution to cutting herbs. Amazon reviewers recommend trying it with peppercorns, dried chiles, and even catnip.
Get the Golden Bell 4 Piece 2" Spice Herb Grinder for $8.49
10. Shark 'tub tattoos' that keep you from slipping
Sharks that double as non-slip grips? I’ll take 20, please.
Reviews: 1,549 Average rating: 4.2 stars
If you live in a rented space, or your bathtub is on the older side, the surface may be slick, leading to near-slips while showering. Or, for some of us, large bruises stemming from comic spills that take down the shower rod, causing us to lie to our friends by saying, “Oh this bruise is from...washing...the cat…”
You can invest in a large non-slip mat to sit on the bottom of the tub, but large mats can be slick, too, or they can jostle out of place over time. This is where tub tattoos come in—these colorful critters can be placed all around the tub, increasing the non-slippery surface area and turning your bathroom into an underwater paradise. The fun designs are perfect for kiddos, but just useful and entertaining for adults.
Get the SlipX Solutions Adhesive Bath Treads: Shark Tub Tattoos for $5.99
11. Silicone grips that can save you from burns
The bright colors of these silicone grips help your hot pans stand out on the stove.
Reviews: 4,286 Average rating: 4.0 stars
Cast iron pans are truly life-changing, or at the very least, kitchen-changing. They take a while to learn how to use properly, but professional chefs swear by cast iron pans. These kitchen staples get real hot—it's part of what makes them great, but unfortunately for those of us to grab first and think later, they can lead to some kitchen injuries if you’re not careful.
So before you start cooking, slip on one of these silicone grips over the cast iron handle. These grips keep the heat from escaping, ensuring that when you mindlessly grab, you’re grasping something cool and non-painful. Amazon reviewers note that you need to still listen to common sense—don’t let the silicone grips sit over a hot flame, and ensure you’ve gotten the right size for your pan.
Get the Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder for $3.87
12. Collapsible dog bowls to keep your pooch hydrated on-the-go
Clip these collapsible dog bowls to your backpack next time you and your pup go on an adventure.
Reviews: 3,278 Average rating: 4.5 stars
Your dog is one of the most important people in your life, and frankly, one of the most important people in my life too. Pets are amazing, and we love popular products that make our puppies' lives better. If you and your pup like going for walks, hikes, and adventures together, you need these collapsible dog bowls that can hook to your backpack and easily hold water. They are incredibly easy to store—once flat, they’re only 5 inches wide, perfectly fit for sliding into a bag, backpack, or purse.
Amazon reviewers note that they can even be stored on larger dogs’ harnesses, which is an ideal solution if you like storing your pup’s products in the same place. Reviewers love how light, compact, and easy the bowls are to use.
Get the COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl for $5.89
13. Silicone baking mats that save you from doing more dishes
Line your baking trays with these mats and rest easy knowing you won’t have to scrape a tray (and that you’ll have cookies soon).
Reviews: 4,014 Average rating: 4.7 stars
Products designed to prevent me from doing more dishes have a special place in my heart. But the benefits of lining baking trays extend beyond just dishes. Creating some separation from the tray itself helps your cookies brown more evenly on the bottom. Basically, by adding a layer between the heat source and the cookie, you allow that heat to more evenly disperse among your baked goods, which means more consistent results.
We typically use parchment paper, but that feels incredibly wasteful over time. And that’s where silicone baking mats come in—they’re some of the best kitchen gadgets for bakers, and even better is they’re easy to store and clean. Amazon reviewers note that you can store them with napkin rings, but warn that they are not oven-safe past 425 degrees.
Get the AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet for $8.38
14. Reusable silicone baking cups ideal for the avid baker
Reusable silicone cups cut down on paper waste and keep cupcakes from sticking to the pan.
Reviews: 1,622 Average rating: 4.5 stars
I absolutely love cupcakes, but I do not love peeling paper off every treat—certain cups can be prone to breaking, leaving small scraps behind on the cake itself. Moreover, it can feel extremely wasteful. I have to buy brand new cups every single time I want cupcakes? Forever?
Silicone baking cups are a much better solution, and this set is less than $8, which is the same price of about 300 paper cups (or, enough to last me two months). These reusable cups will prevent your cakes sticking to the tin and the cup itself, leaving you with perfectly shaped cupcakes every time. They’re easy to clean and store, which is perfect because I’ll use them about once a week.
Get the AmazonBasics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups for $7.99
15. Waterproof playing cards you need for those sunny pool days
I’m not sure I can even count the number of cards I’ve ruined by getting them wet—at least 52.
Reviews: 608 Average rating: 4.5 stars
If I had to estimate the number of card sets I’ve ruined by getting them wet, it would be in the high teens, which is a lot for playing cards. I’m incredibly clumsy, so I’ve been known to spill tacky soda, margaritas, and bottled water all over multiple group games, but none more frequently than playing cards. This set is ideal for people like me—who can’t go more than a week without knocking something over—or people who enjoy playing cards near the water. Whether you’re having a pool or beach day, these cards are great for entertaining crowds without worrying about ruining your favorite games. The best part? They don’t cost too much more than a standard set of playing cards.
Get the Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards for $5.95
16. No-tie shoelaces that turn tennis shoes into slip-ons
You can easily slip your shoes on and run when using no-tie laces like these.
Reviews: 12,794 Average rating: 4.5 stars
I love the convenience of slip-on shoes. There’s a beautiful efficiency to sliding on your favorite pair and getting out the door in a few seconds flat. But once you introduce tennis shoes into the mix, you’ve got to take the time to untie, re-tie, and—in the worst cases—fix old knots before re-tying. And don’t forget you have to stop every once in a while to re-tie when the knots become loose. But this set of no-tie laces make all those problems disappear.
These popular laces have more than 12,000 Amazon reviews, and they’re made to fit most pairs of shoes that require lacing. They’re elastic, so you can stretch and fit them to your shoe and foot, making them perfect just for you every time. You can find your perfect color out of a wide selection, meaning you’re not stuck with traditional white or black laces. If only they could help us prevent foot blisters, then they’d be prominently featured in my will.
Get the LOCK LACES (Elastic No Tie Shoelaces) for $7.99
17. A vegetable brush to get all that dirt off without peeling
Keep those delicious peels clean and tasty by scrubbing with a vegetable brush.
Reviews: 1,159 Average rating: 4.7 stars
Vegetable skins can be surprisingly divisive—you love them or you hate them. Some peels can really enhance a dish, like red potato skins, while others need to be tackled by the best vegetable peeler on the market, like carrot skins. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind skins (or actively loves them), you need a solid vegetable brush that can clean and shine those peels before you start cooking. This tool is like a toothbrush for your vegetables—use warm water and scrub away at the surface, ensuring you hit the eyes and dig in those dirt-prone holes. It’s small and dishwasher safe, two of the most important features of the best new kitchen tools.
Get the OXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush for $5.99
18. A pet toothbrush that they’ll just see as a cool chew toy
Keep tartar from building on your pet’s teeth with a finger toothbrush.
Reviews: 1,639 Average rating: 4.2 stars
Just like humans, your pet’s teeth can accumulate tartar over time. Your vet should examine your pet’s teeth at your next yearly exam, and if she tells you it’s time to start investing in tooth care, this finger toothbrush may be a good place to start. It’s got small, soft bristles that gently cup and scrape each tooth. It protects your finger if your pet can get a little bitey, but doesn’t harm them in the process. These are great if you’re just starting to introduce your pet to tooth care, but always check with your vet before introducing a new step in your pet’s healthcare routine.
Get the Pet Republique Dog Finger Toothbrush for $6.89
19. A jewelry cleaning stick that will make your favorite pieces shine
Let that jewelry shine by actually washing it with a professional cleaner, like this one.
Reviews: 1,839 Average rating: 4.7 stars
Before I got married, people told me to get my engagement ring cleaned so it would sparkle on my big day. I ignored all of them, naturally, because I’m not savvy about jewelry and I figured my ring was already pretty shiny. Then when I took it to get soldered with my wedding ring, the jeweler cleaned it, and it genuinely felt like I was in some kind of Kay Jewelers commercial. It turns out everyone else was right—cleaning your jewelry does make a big difference, especially before important events. I don’t really want to go back to my jeweler every time I need it cleaned, and for $7, I don’t have to.
This Diamond Dazzle stick is small and powerful—it has a brush at one end and cleaning solution at the other; when it’s time to clean your jewelry, tip the pen and get to work. It works on a variety of stones and metals, but be sure to closely read the instructions before working on your favorite pieces of jewelry.
Get the CONNOISSEURS Diamond Dazzle Stick for $8.73
20. A beard care set that keeps facial hair fresh
Keep that beard looking clean and vibrant with a beard care set.
Reviews: 2,579 Average rating: 4.4 stars
Anyone with a beard will tell you this—maintaining a clean look takes a lot of work. Obviously, I don’t have a beard (though I would look great with one), but many of my best friends do. There’s combing, cutting, shaping, and brushing that has to take place every day to ensure the beard doesn’t get unruly. Investing in one of the best beard trimmers is a great idea, but for that day-to-day maintenance, you’ll want to pick up a beard care set. This set comes with a two-sided comb, a large brush, and mustache scissors to clip those flyaways. It comes in a compact bag, perfect for storing in your car or backpack if you find you need beard maintenance on-the-go.