Life·14 min read

24 Problem-Solving Products Under $50 That You’ll Use Forever

problem-solving products under $50
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Food52
Feb 13, 2023

This post was originally published in March 2021 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

We’re all about shopping smarter here at theSkimm. We understand that your money is hard-earned. So you definitely don’t wanna waste it on things that aren’t worth it.

Enter: these problem-solving products. Aka things that are incredibly useful around the house and will save you time and energy. Oh yeah, and they won’t break the bank, either. But don’t be fooled — despite their small price tag, these products deliver big results. You’ll find yourself reaching for them day after day.

An electric wine opener that can also vacuum seal bottles…

Upgrade your happy hour with this opener that can uncork 80 bottles in a single charge. And no — it won’t break corks in the process. If you don’t finish your bottle, just use the vacuum sealer option to preserve freshness and flavor. Nothing to wine about here. ($42.96, Wayfair)

Buy it

A tool kit that isn’t an eyesore…

So you can always stay prepared. This handy zippered pouch comes with a 10-foot tape measure, a claw hammer with four mini screwdrivers that nest inside the handle, and a regular-sized screwdriver with a reversible head. Who needs a TaskRabbit now? Not you. ($34.95, Ban.do)

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A 4-in-1 colander, steamer, splatter guard, and trivet…

This one is made of food-grade silicone that’s heat-resistant up to 550 degrees. It makes straining pasta, cleaning veggies, and resting hot pots so easy. And it folds down into itself for compact storage. Just pick from two colors and throw it in the dishwasher when you’re done. Easy peasy. ($40, Great Jones)

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A rescue facial spray for a daily pick-me-up…

Whether you want to soothe stressed-out skin or give yourself a quick skincare refresh during the day, this spray from Tower 28 Beauty will do the trick. It’s safe for all skin types and is great for those with eczema. It has hypochlorous acid in it, which is naturally found in your white blood cells and helps fight harmful bacteria and inflammation. When you spray it, you’ll trigger an immune boost that signals to your skin to repair and heal any irritation. You can use it on your face or on any other patches of skin that need some love. ($12+, Sephora)

Buy it at SephoraBuy it at Tower 28 Beauty

A personal safety alarm when you’re traveling home alone…

In a sitch where you could use an extra layer of protection? Enter: this mini alarm and strobe light. The alarm is super loud — as loud as a jet engine 100 feet overhead. It comes in a ton of bright colors so it’ll be easy to spot in your bag, but we recommend attaching it to your keys for even easier access. To activate it, simply, remove the top pin. (And then pop it back in to turn it off.) You can use it multiple times and it’ll last you up to 40 continual minutes. Each one is hand-tested and a percentage of the profits are donated to organizations that support women’s safety, shelter, and health. While you’re at it, check out more of our personal safety faves. ($29.95, Amazon)

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A collapsible dishwasher rack that’ll sit over the sink for drying…

Introducing your new favorite space-saver. It’s got a built-in utensil caddy and lots of strength to support heavier pots and lids. You can pull it out once the dishes are washed and then stow it away when they’re dry. Hello, some much-needed counter space. ($36, Food52)

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A tool that’ll make your hairbrush as good as new…

If your pet isn’t the only member of your household who sheds, you’re gonna need this. One end has a small, dense brush that you can angle to get any residual hair out of hard to reach spots. The other end has a metal comb to help get you a more detailed, deeper clean. It works on many types of brushes and is small enough to take on the go. You’ll never have to use your bare hands to clean things up again. Ick. ($11.98, Amazon)

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Double-sided tape for quick wardrobe fixes…

This problem-solving product can handle one-shoulder bra peeks, too-low cowl necks or V-neck plunges. It comes with 50 strips of transparent tape that’ll work with any skin tone. So nothing tries to play peekaboo on your night out. ($10.99, Amazon)

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A pack of drawer dividers so your folded clothes stop lumping together…

Neatly folded piles never stay neat. That’s just science. But these expandable dividers will help with that. You’ll finally be able to keep items separate. And they can work in the kitchen or bedroom. Wherever you need some division. Bless. ($15.99/2 pack, Amazon)

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A rubber broom that’ll pick up pet hair like a dream...

The stuff of magic. It’ll work on carpet, tile, and wood floors. And doesn’t call for any water or sprays. It’ll attract hair like a magnet. The handle is expandable, too. Just in case you need to reach under couches or beds. When you’re done, place the broom under running water to wash. It’s that easy. ($16.99, Amazon)

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A fabric shaver to revive old sheets, sweaters, and towels…

Goodbye, little pill balls. You can run this tiny, battery-powered device over furniture, too. It’ll eat up those annoying tiny fuzzies and loose threads. So you can freshen up what you already have, instead of buying brand-new sheets and sweaters. Win. ($13.99+, Amazon)

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An anti-blister balm that’ll be your new BFF…

Before you slip on newly purchased shoes or sandals that rub, apply this balm to places that typically form a blister (hi, back of the heel). It’s got vitamins A and C to soften skin and restore moisture. It’s also vegan and made with plant-based ingredients. See-yah never, Band-Aids. ($8.99, Amazon)

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A tablet that’ll banish funky tastes from your reusable water bottle...

Fill up your container and drop one in. Then watch it fizz. It’s made of a mix of ingredients (like baking soda and citric acid) to get rid of germs and odors. You can leave the tablet in for 15–30 minutes before rinsing out. Your bottle will sparkle and each sip will taste fresh. Hydration station. PS: Peep our full review while you’re at it. ($24/36 pack, Amazon)

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No-slip hangers that will keep your clothes off your closet floor…

Once you use these you’ll never go back. Made with silicone and stainless steel, these not only prevent your stuff from getting wrinkled or sliding off. But they’ll also help you save that precious rod space. Each one can hold five items (pants, scarves, towels, you name it). Guess we can take this as an excuse to go shopping now. ($17.99/4 pack, Amazon)

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A pimple patch designed to stop zits in their early stages…

Once you notice a pimple forming, clean the area and apply a patch. The microdarts will dissolve to release their formula directly into the skin. So the healing process can begin. And you won’t be stuck picking at your face late at night. Yep, we do it too. ($24/8 pack, Amazon)

Buy it at AmazonBuy it at ZitSticka

A filter that may help you avoid some classic hangover symptoms…

Yes, you read that right. This tool removes histamines and sulfites. Otherwise known as the things in wine that can cause reactions like congestion, red cheeks, and headaches. And no, it won’t affect the taste of what you’re drinking. Cheers to that. ($12.99/3 pack, Amazon)

Buy it

A tiny gadget that’ll prevent your hair from clogging the shower drain…

No more standing in murky puddles. It sits inside the drain and catches all the hair you seem to lose while washing. Plus, it won’t block water flow. And it takes 0.2 seconds to clean. Quick and painless. ($11.99+, Amazon)

Buy it

A clasp that helps keep your necklaces from tangling…

This way you can layer two or three pieces together without creating a giant knot. This clasp will keep 'em separate. And makes putting them on even easier. ($14.99+, Potionnumber9 via Etsy)

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A lube that won’t irritate or call for a ton of cleanup…

It’s water-based and formulated with natural ingredients. Aka it’s meant to mimic natural moisture, keeping your pH level balanced without the use of synthetics or fragrances. No more sticky hands or sheets. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and gynecologist-approved. Because the last thing you want is sudden burning and itching when you’re just trying to get in the mood. ($14, Lola)

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A paw cleaner for your pup’s muddy feet… 

Taking them out for a walk? Enjoyable. Having dirty paw prints all over the house? Way less enjoyable. This gadget is easy to use. Just fill the container with water, stick their paw in, and slowly twist. The soft silicone bristles will gently clean away dirt. Psst...it comes in three sizes for small, medium, and large dogs. ($12.98+, Chewy)

Buy it

Silicone air fryer liners that’ll make cleanup easy…

Using your beloved cooking appliance just got even better. Use these and protect your air fryers from any food residue, grease, and grime. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe, nontoxic, and can withstand heat up to 450 degrees. And because you’ll be using a reusable liner instead of the paper ones, you’ll be helping the planet too. What a win. ($19.99+, Amazon)

Buy it

A wall-mount dispenser that makes it easy to store all your grocery bags…

Just mount this stainless steel dispenser directly on your wall for easy use. So you can keep bags, easily reach for ‘em, and reuse them over and over again. It’s that simple. ($19.49, Amazon)

Buy it

Produce savers that’ll prevent your food from molding too soon…

These containers regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide flow. So your fruit and veggies last longer. That’s right. Lettuce won’t wilt. Blueberries won’t soften. Plus, the built-in filter never needs to be replaced. Pro tip: Don’t wash your produce before putting it into the containers. Just drop everything in and store 'em in your fridge. You can wash your food before you eat it. Bon appétit. ($27.99/3 pack, Amazon)

Buy it

A tablet that’ll clear buildup in your dishwasher...

Yep, even your dishwasher needs cleaning. Oh, the irony. Once you start seeing those streaks on your glassware…you know it’s time. Drop in a tablet to power away leftover detergent and mineral buildup. And it'll get rid of some weird odors. You can add a tablet to a full load or run it solo (sans dishes). Have fun ($8.99/6 pack, Amazon)

Buy it

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