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Master Chef Shares His 30+ Favorite Cheap Kitchen Gadgets That Will Make Cooking So Much Easier
Cooking just got so much easier.
Jake Manning
07.29.21

Whether I’m frying up eggs or rolling out pasta, I love being in the kitchen. And because I’m always cooking, I try to keep an eye out for the latest and greatest gadgets. You know — the kind of stuff that can help cut down on how long it takes to make dinner, or even save me a little money on spoiled greens.

But if you don’t have time to scour the internet for genius kitchen inventions? Not a problem — I’ve been keeping track of all my absolute best finds, which you’ll find below. From containers that extend the life of your produce by weeks, to cupcake molds you can use over and over, there’s a little something for every home cook in here. Frankly, some of these picks are so brilliant I’d say even Einstein would’ve been proud to have them in his cabinets. Why not you, too?

We hope you find these handy products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

1. The Containers That Keep Your Avocados Fresh

Nothing wastes money like watching your avocados turn brown in the fridge — but these containers can help. Not only do they keep your avocados fresh (AKA saving you money), but they’ll also take up way less space in your fridge than plastic containers. Oh, and did I mention how they’re also less wasteful than plastic wrap?
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2. A Gadget That Gets Breakfast Made Quickly

When you’re in a rush and don’t have time to sit down for breakfast, you’ll be glad you grabbed this egg cooker. Just crack two eggs inside, and it’ll cook them into a tube-like shape that you can eat like a hot dog. Or, you can throw it into a wrap, eat it by itself — truly, you’ve got options here.
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3. These Chopsticks Are Made For Beginners

Let’s be honest: using chopsticks isn’t easy. That’s why this pair is connected together at the tip, making it easier to pinch them together — especially if you’re a beginner. And once you’ve finally given up, there’s a back-up fork built-into the top.
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4. A Travel Mug That Keeps Drinks Hot For Hours

You can go ahead and keep using your crappy plastic mug in the mornings, but why not upgrade to this insulated one instead? For less than $25, it’ll keep hot drinks warm for up to seven hours, whereas cold beverages stay icy for up to 18. And since it’s made from stainless steel, go ahead and drop it a few times — it (probably) won’t break.
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5. This Container That Keeps Tortillas Toasty

Granted, this tortilla warmer isn’t going to change your life — but it’ll definitely take your Tuesday taco night to the next level. Imagine how impressed your dinner guests will be as they pull soft, warm tortillas out of it. And if you don’t like tacos? It also works great with pita, naan, pancakes, rice, beans — the list goes on.
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6. An Ice Cream Scoop That’s Easier To Use

Have trouble scooping out ice cream? Throw out that cheap ol’ scoop in favor of this heavy-duty one. It digs deep into your carton, pulling out ice cream in a chunk that’ll fit perfectly into cones. And since it’s made from stainless steel, don’t even think about it rusting.
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7. This Knife Makes It Easier To Spread Butter

Ever try to spread cold butter onto bread? Simply put, it typically does not go well — unless you’re using this special butter knife. With slots running along the blade, it curls your butter up so that it’s easier to spread them, even when cold. Plus, reviewers found that it works even better if you run it under warm water beforehand.
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8. An Air Fryer For Less Than $60

If you don’t own an air fryer yet, now’s your chance to grab this one for less than $60. Why buy an air fryer in the first place? For starters, it uses a fraction of the oil that regular deep fryers use, which equates to lighter food, and less mess. And for two, this model in particular takes up little space on your counters, yet can still cook enough food for an entire family.
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9. The Containers That Help Keep Your Greens Fresh

I was a little skeptical about how well these produce savers would work — until I tried them out. Now I’m letting everything from tomatoes to garlic cloves sit in the fridge for weeks, and it all stays fresh until I’m ready to eat it. Plus, the containers (and built-in filter) are completely BPA-free.
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10. The Ice Cube Trays That Won’t Spill

Not only do these ice cube trays come with lids to keep your freezer safe from spills, but they’re also made from flexible silicone. That means you can bend and twist them however you like in order to pop your cubes out — but no matter how rough you are, they won’t crack. Your old-school plastic trays ain’t got nothing on these.
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11. This Sprayer That’s Perfect For Oil

You don’t have to drown your foods in oil — just use this sprayer to give them a light misting. It’ll also work with soy sauce, water, vinegar, or practically any type of cooking liquid. Plus, it’s made with real, high-quality glass instead of cheap plastic.
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12. A Gadget That Seals Your Snack Bags Shut

Ever take a bite of a chip that’s gone stale? To put it bluntly: ew. Luckily, this gadget seals foil bags shut so that your snacks stay fresh for later. “It works perfect to seal my Color Street nail strips that can easily dry out if left out,” raved one reviewer. “My nail strips are now secure!”
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13. The Lids That Stretch To Fit Your Containers

Admit it: you’ve got a drawer that’s overflowing with mismatched plasticware lids. I used to have one too — until I downsized to these silicone lids. They stretch to fit containers of nearly any shape or size, and you can even use them to save halved fruit for later.
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14. A Dish That Can Extend The Life Of Your Soap

Whereas regular dishes will leave your bars of soap sitting in a sudsy mess, this one has a slatted design that helps it dry quickly. In turn, your bars of soap will last longer — and I like that it’s even made from real wood. Not plastic.
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15. These Kid-Friendly Pouches For Squeezable Snacks

If I said kids are messy, it’d be a total understatement — but these squeezable pouches are an easy way to keep them fed with minimal spillage. The double-zippered bottom allows for easy filling, while the leakproof top means your kids can drop them without any splatter. Each order comes with 10 pouches in two sizes.
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16. A Box That’ll Helps Your Bread Stay Fresh

The best part about this bread box isn’t even that it keeps your bread fresh — it’s that the bamboo top doubles as a cutting board you can use to slice up your loaves. “Not only is it large enough for two full loaves of bread, but more can be added,” wrote one reviewer. “Currently, I have hamburger and hot dog buns in there with two half loaves of bread and some small tortillas.”
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17. This Kitchen Mat That Helps Prevent Sore Legs

If you’ve ever gotten stuck standing at your counters doing prepwork for longer than expected, you know how sore your legs can get. That’s why this floor mat is extra-thick and soft, helping to cushion your joints so that your muscles don’t start to ache. And since it’s also waterproof, go ahead and spill whatever you want — it’ll come out just fine.
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18. A Butter Crock That’s As Stylish As It Is Useful

You’ve gotta admit that this butter crock looks good in the photo, so just imagine how stylish it’ll look sitting out on your countertop. The airtight lid preserves your butter’s rich flavor — and it’s even made from high-quality ceramic, not plastic.
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19. This Organizer For All Those Mismatched Lids

If you didn’t decide to scoop up those stretchable lids, you might as well grab this organizer for all those mismatched lids. It’s designed to fit tops up to nine inches, and the dividers are even adjustable — just in case one of your lids is thicker than others. Plus, it’s short enough to fit into cabinets, and drawers.
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20. A Sink Caddy With Room For All Sorts Of Scrubbers

Most sink caddies only have space for one or two scrubbers — but not this one. Not only is there space for at least two sponges, but there’s also a designated spot for any scrubbers with handles. Plus, it’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel, so don’t even worry about it getting wet.
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21. The Tea Tumbler Made From Sleek Glass

Don’t waste your money buying bottled tea — make your own on-the-go using this tumbler. The sleek glass makes you feel oh-so fancy whenever you pull it out, while the double-wall insulation helps keep your tea at the proper temperature. It’s also leakproof, and the filter is reusable.
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22. A Scrubber You Can Use All Over Your Home

There’s a reason why this Scrub Daddy is one of the most profitable deals ever made on Shark Tank. Not only will it not leave behind any scratches, but it’s also odor-resistant, and safe to use on nearly any surface. It’ll also change texture depending on its temperature, making it great for cleaning everything from tough rust to softer grime.
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23. These Produce Bags You Can Use Over And Over

Those plastic bags they give you at the grocery store? Not the best for the environment. These mesh ones, on the other hand, are completely reusable — and the tags even tell you their tare weight. Each one eliminates up to 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime, and reviewers raved about how each order comes with a variety of sizes.
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24. A Set Of Knives Plated With Sharp Titanium

A quality set of knives can set you back a pretty penny — so grab these ones while they’re still available for less than $20. Unlike cheaper versions, they’re made from tough stainless steel that’s been plated with sharp titanium, making them scratch-resistant. Plus, the handles are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in both hands.
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25. The Reusable Cupcake Moulds That Come In Fun Shapes

The next time you’re stuck baking cupcakes for some event, use these moulds that come in a ton of fun shapes. They’ll make you look like you spent hours in the kitchen, and each one is even made from flexible silicone so that it’s easy to pop your cupcakes out once done. And as I’m sure you’ve guessed — yes, they’re also reusable.
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26. A Trio Of Airtight Containers For All Your Dry Goods

I bought these airtight containers on a complete impulse — and shockingly, they’ve turned out to be really useful. They’re completely airtight, which helps keep all your dry goods fresh. Plus, each one is large enough to hold up to a full pounds’ worth of brown sugar, or whatever else.
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27. The Hand Mixer That Powers Through Thick Dough

If I’m being honest? I don’t have the upper body strength to stir up dough, let alone whip egg whites into a foam. Instead, I’ve got this hand mixer. The beating attachments are made from ultra-tough reinforced nylon that powers through everything from tough doughs, to soft eggs. Simply adjust the speed from one to five, and it’ll do all the work for you.
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28. If You Own Cast Iron, You Need This Chainmail

If you own a cast iron skillet, you probably already know that washing it with soap and water will ruin the seasoning. This chainmail, on the other hand, gently buffs away stuck-on bits of food without ruining the coating — and it’s even made from rustproof stainless steel. So go ahead and get it wet, because it’ll be good for years to come.
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29. This Egg Cooker Made For The Microwave

One time I tried microwaving an egg on high for a few seconds — it did not end well. This egg cooker, however, is specifically made for making eggs in the microwave, and it’s able to do it in just one minute or less. It’s also non-stick, which means your eggs easily slide out once done.
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30. An Espresso Mug That’ll Keep Your Coffee Warm

Hoist your pinky high into the air as you take little sips from this espresso mug, because not only is it sleek and stylish, but so are you. It’s also insulated, helping to keep your coffee warmer for longer. And since it’s made from tough borosilicate glass — not plastic — it’s also more durable than your typical ceramic coffee mug.

Shopping online can be hit or miss. You order a toaster off a questionable page, and three weeks later a box of empty toilet paper rolls arrives at your front door. If you’re wondering? Yes, that has literally happened to me — that’s what I get for not vetting the site beforehand.

But when you’re shopping on Amazon, you always know exactly what you’re getting. You order a toaster, you get a toaster. You order a box of empty toilet paper rolls — you get the idea (and the rolls). And because I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to finding the latest and greatest on Amazon, I’ve prepared this list of some of the best finds I’ve stumbled across. Some are fun, all of them are useful, and none of them will send your bank account into a tailspin.

We hope you find these handy products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
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1. The Tiny Keyring Tool That Can Do So Much

Never judge a tool by its size — especially not this little one that fits onto your keyring. With its unique serrated edge, you can use it as a screwdriver, bottle opener, wire bender, or even as an open wrench. And since it’s made from tough stainless steel, there’s zero risk of it rusting over time.
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2. A Lighter That Won’t Go Out In The Wind

This isn’t your average lighter. Not only is it completely flameless, but the plasma arc it generates is also windproof. That means no awkward hand cupping when a breeze rolls through — and since it’s also rechargeable, you can simply plug it into any USB port rather than purchase a new one.
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3. This Outlet Extender With A Place To Keep Your Phone

With two USB ports located at the base, there’s no need to go hunting around for a power brick. — just plug your phone right into this outlet extender. It also features four additional plugs, as well as a built-in shelf where you can keep your phone while it charges. And with a small night light in the back, it even helps illuminate dark hallways at night.
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4. A Charger That Powers Your Devices Up Wirelessly

I’m tired of constantly losing my charging cables, aren’t you? Just place your phone on top of this wireless charger instead — it’ll have it powered up in no time. The best part? It’s designed to work with any Qi-enabled phone, as well as your AirPods and Apple Watch.
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5. The Stand That Props Your Phone Up For Easy Viewing

Admit it — you’ve gathered a pile of books (or whatever else) to try and prop your phone up in the kitchen. While that’ll work sometimes, this stand will always keep your device held up for easy viewing, regardless of whether you’re using a smartphone or tablet. Choose from three colors: jade, black, or red.
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6. A Candle That’ll Get Your Guests Talking

You know that weird smell some scissors have? What about your favorite bottle of red wine? This candle comes in both of those scents, plus a ton of other unique ones — including something called “It’s Only Frickin’ Tuesday.” But if the names haven’t got you sold, reviewers also raved about how they smell so good.
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7. These Organizers Let You Stack Coffee Mugs

My coffee mugs were taking up way too much space in my cabinets, so I figured why not — I’ll give these organizers a try. And to my surprise, they work even better than I expected. They fit mugs of nearly any shape or size, and you can even squeeze the edges to adjust their diameter. Choose from three colors: black, blue, or orange.
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8. A Stretcher That Can Help Alleviate Back Pain

With more than 100 raised points that dig deep into aching muscles, this back stretcher is a must-have for anyone with a tight back. You can adjust the height depending on how deep of a stretch you’re looking for — and it’s small enough that you can even keep it with you at work. Just don’t let anyone else see you using it, or they might get jealous.
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9. This Hydrating Eye Stick Made With Icelandic Mineral Water

I’ve always struggled with dark circles under my eyes, but this hydrating stick has definitely helped. Not only is it made with 5% Icelandic mineral water to help soothe irritated skin, but it also helps stimulate circulation in order to ease puffiness. Just give your under eyes a few swipes — you’ll thank me later.
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10. A Spray That’ll Save Your Strands From Hot Tools

You absolutely need to be spritzing your hair with heat protectant before using a curling or flat iron — and this bottle from HSI is made with argan oil that’ll help moisturize any dry strands. It’s so potent that you can also use it as a leave-in conditioner, while the color-safe formula is suitable for all types of hair.
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11. The Yoga Ball That Can Handle Thousands Of Pounds

There are days where I don’t want to hit the gym, but I still want to get some sort of sweat going. Enter: this yoga ball. I like to use it for crunches, leg workouts, or even just for sitting (maybe a little more sitting than exercising.) And unlike nearly every other yoga ball out there, this one can support up to 2,200 pounds!
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12. These Magic Erasers Are Thicker Than The Rest

Once every month or so, I’ll pull out one of these magic erasers and give my home a walk-through. Any scuffs, scratches, or dirt marks I see on the walls immediately get scrubbed — and since they’re magic erasers, you know whatever you’re scrubbing will easily come off. Plus, they won’t leave behind any scratches.


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13. This Gadget That Sanitizes Dirty Phones

You wash your hands all the time, but when was the last time you washed your phone? Simply stick it inside this gadget, and the powerful UV light will quickly eradicate 99.99% of all bacteria and germs. Or, if your phone is already spotless, you can also use it to sanitize jewelry, coins, or anything else you can fit inside.


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14. These Minimalist Running Shoes Are Ultra-Lightweight

You always want to try and pick the lightest running shoe possible — otherwise, you’re just giving yourself extra work when hitting the track. These ones are so light that it almost feels like you’re running barefoot, yet the removable arches give you some extra support where you need it. “I got these primarily for hiking,” wrote one reviewer. “They are very lightweight, they didn’t slip off while trudging through some muck, and they were still very comfortable when my feet got soaked.”
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15. This Liquid Foundation Helps Minimize The Appearance Of Pores

The key to a great foundation is finding one that doesn’t leave you looking cakey, yet still gives you even, complete coverage. According to reviewers, this bottle from Maybelline is an absolute gamechanger, as it not only does all of the above, but it also blends seamlessly into oily skin. And with 40 shades to choose from, there’s one for nearly every skin tone.
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16. A Cute Lil’ Shroom Light For Your Bedroom

You don’t have to like mushrooms to appreciate this shroom night light. Not only is it a cute touch to any room, but the LED bulb has a lifetime of more than 50,000 hours. And since it’s energy-efficient, you can keep it plugged in without having to worry about the impact on your utility bill.
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17. This Hairspray Holds Until Your Next Shampoo

Your hair doesn’t have to go flat halfway through the night — especially when this spray is formulated for lasting hold. It’s so strong that it’ll last until your next shampoo, as well as suitable for all types of hair. Use it to spike up your tips, cement that up-do into place, or even as a light finishing touch to keep flyaways at bay.
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18. A Roll Of Contact Paper That Looks Like White Marble

Consider me a total superfan when it comes to this white marble contact paper. I’ve used it to transform my boring makeup table into a sleek vanity, and I’ve even used it to update the old, outdated countertops in my kitchen. You could even use it as a backsplash behind your stove — and since it’s made from tough vinyl, it’s also water-resistant.
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19. The Liquid Eyeliner That Lasts All Day Long

Ever come home to find out your eyeliner has smudged all over your lid? It’s not a pretty sight — so grab this liquid stick from Stila instead. The waterproof formula lasts all day long, while the fine applicator tip allows the color to glide onto your lids. The best part? It even comes in cool shades, including a gorgeous color named “Paradise Pink.”
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20. A Duvet Insert That Won’t Bunch Up

Go and take a look at the duvet insert you’ve got right now — is it really that comfortable? If not, try out this one made from soft microfiber. The box stitching keeps the filling evenly distributed without any bunching, while the four corner tabs work to keep your duvet in place. Or, you can even use it as a standalone comforter.
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21. This Stretch Mark Lotion That Reviewers Are Obsessed With

Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved, this lotion is formulated to help get rid of stretch marks — and reviewers are blown away by how well it genuinely works. “I obtained stretch marks due to gaining around 50 pounds in two semesters of college,” wrote one reviewer. “After months of no success I finally tried Palmer’s, and within a week and a half I noticed results!”
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22. A Gel That Helps Treat, And Prevent Acne

What sets this gel apart from other acne treatments? Not only is it non-comedogenic, but it also penetrates deep into your complexion to stop blemishes from forming in the first place. It also targets any inflamed pores, helping to quickly shrink them — and one clinical study even found that it provided up to 87% reduction in acne after 12 weeks.
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23. The Chalkboard You Can Put Anywhere

Slap this chalkboard contact paper wherever you want — no, really. Wherever you want. It works great on cabinet doors in trendy kitchens, or even as an accent wall for kids to draw on. You could even get creative by putting it on a cheeseboard like you see above, though personally? I have it in my pantry as a place to write down grocery lists.
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24. A Lip Balm That Protects Your Pout From The Sun

If you’re looking for a great daytime lip balm, this one from Christian Dior gives your pout a natural flush of color that isn’t too overpowering. SPF 10 protection keeps your lips safe from the sun — and reviewers loved how moist it made their lips feel. One even wrote that “I’m on my third tube of this, and it is the only lip balm I’ll ever buy as long as they keep making it.”
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25. These Side Tables That Double As Storage Baskets

Add style and storage to any room with these basket side tables. They’re large enough to hold blankets and pillows, yet narrow enough that they’ll fit into tight spaces. And if you’re worried about how sturdy they are? Don’t be — each one can support up to 50 pounds.
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26. A Big, Fluffy Area Rug That Won’t Break The Bank

An area rug can completely change any room for the better — and this one is fluffy, trendy, and affordable. The non-slip dots on the back keep it in place while you’re walking on it. And if you’re worried about cleaning? It easily washes clean with a damp rag and some mild soap.
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27. The Mesh Bags That Save Your Lingerie In The Wash

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened my washer, only to discover my bras have spun into a tangled mess. These mesh bags will not only keep your bras separated — they’ll also save the hooks from getting stretched out or snagged. Plus, the zippers are even rustproof.
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28. A Vitamin C Serum With Extra Hyaluronic Acid

Vitamin C is great for helping to brighten your complexion, and it can even help fade any sun spots that’ve popped up. But why buy this bottle in particular? For starters, it’s been fortified with hyaluronic acid to help lock moisture into dry complexions. It can also help fade acne scars — and reviewers raved about how they were able to see a difference after just a few weeks.
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29. The Blanket That Really Cools You Down

You know how tons of blankets describe themselves as “cooling,” but they’re really only lightweight? This one is the exception. Specialized fibers work to draw your body’s heat away from you, working to keep you cool on hot summer nights. I was so impressed with how well it worked, I even went and bought a second king-sized one for my bed!
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30. A Pillow That’ll Help You Cool Off At Night

Since you’re upgrading your bedding, you might as well grab this pillow while you’re at it. One side is filled with cooling gel, helping you beat the heat on warm summer nights, whereas the other is regular memory foam. And since the loft isn’t too high, it works great for back, and stomach sleepers.
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