The 33 best things we bought on Amazon under $25, from viral sunglasses to a versatile belt bag

Incense sticks that bring calm to your day

Sesneslabs Tabac Vanille Coreless Pure Incense Sticks

I love lighting incense on my porch and sitting outside. The open-air mellows out the intensity of the fragrance, and it's just a nice ritual to help me wind down. I'm really partial to this super concentrated and sweet tobacco vanilla scent, especially in the fall and winter. It's a nice departure from the usual Nag Champa fragrances. — Sally Kaplan

Paper towels that can be washed and reused

Recyco Swedish Dishcloths

Swedish dishcloths are a durable spongy-paper towel hybrid that can be reused dozens of times without getting torn up or harboring that gross rag smell. They've curbed my paper towel habit but keep my kitchen sparkling clean. I've also used them as a cloth to wipe down my Uggs, so their usage extends beyond the kitchen. They can be thrown in the wash when they get soiled and are compostable if a cloth has reached the end of its life. I love that they're so environmentally friendly and come in a variety of fun patterns (to match your kitchen), so I feel guilt-free and clean. — Kim Nguyen

The viral sunglasses that are flattering on every face shape

Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses

I've seen these sunglasses everywhere — on the streets of NYC, on Love Island, all over social media — and what always strikes me is how great they look on everyone. Plus, the gold trim makes them look way more expensive than they actually are. — Samantha Crozier

Read our Sojos sunglasses review.

A lazy susan to organize skincare

Zufudo Rotating Makeup Organizer

"It was always my dream to have my very own vanity, but once I got one, I struggled with organizing all my skincare products. Thankfully, after some searching, I came across this two-tiered lazy susan from Zufudo. I was immediately impressed: the rotation is smooth, the green and gold design has a perfectly vintage look, and it's incredibly spacious, fitting all my skincare needs (and then some). I'm so glad I bought it — it's an excellent solution that minimizes clutter, all while looking stylish on my vanity." — Kinsley Searles

Claw clips that actually hold thick hair

FRAMAR King Klaws Extra Large Claw Clips

My sister and I share this multipack of claw clips because we both have thick, long hair, ,and anything smaller will fall right out. I have curly hair and hers is pin-straight, yet the King Klaws work for both our hair types. The elongated blocky shape completely envelops my ponytail and comfortably holds it in place for hours. They're more effective than any other claw clip I've tried. My only regret is we didn't buy more, because now my sister and I haggle over who gets to wear the sage green clip. — Gabrielle Chase

A household essential for pet parents

Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover

For years, I used a sticky roller to clean up my dog's fur, thinking nothing else could work so well. But, after editing our guide to the best pet hair removers, I decided it was time to give the Chom Chom Roller a try. And I'm here to say this thing really works. It's great for removing fur from clothing, like jeans and coats (my black wool coat has never looked better), furniture, carpets, and even the bedskirt my dog must rub against several times a day. If you're looking for a practical gift for a pet parent, this is it. — Lisa Sabatini

Chopsticks that teach kids how to use them

Edison Friends Training Chopsticks for Kids

Our toddler always wanted to use chopsticks whenever my wife and I used them ourselves, and these training chopsticks made that possible. At three years old, it's amazing how proficient our toddler has become with these, even making a game of picking single peas at a time. — Antonio Villas-Boas

Delicious New Orleans-style coffee from Café Du Monde

Café Du Monde Coffee with Chicory

If you've ever been to New Orleans, you know exactly what this is. Café Du Monde, of powdered-sugary beignet fame, makes the best coffee ever — and you can order it on Amazon! The coffee is blended with chicory, a local ingredient that naturally contains caffeine and adds a round, sweet, rich flavor. The result is a super smooth cup with notes of chocolate and toffee. I drink it almost every morning now that I've figured out how easy it is to get at home. — Sally Kaplan

A simple way to automate your entire home

Amazon Smart Plug

We use this Alexa-enabled smart plug for so many things around the house — turning on our Christmas tree, our outside string lights, and a small space heater that warms up our drafty bathroom while we're still in bed. All you do is set up your device in the Alexa app and it allows you to use a voice command to turn things on and off at any time. — Sally Kaplan

A super cute earring organizer

Autoark Ice Velvet Earring Organizer

I wear a lot of studs, and it's hard to find cute display storage for my earrings. Not only is the Autoark Ice Velvet Earring Organizer good at storing my jewelry, but it's also nice to keep on display. It's low profile, too, so it sits pleasantly on any vanity or dresser. — Sarah Saril

A belt bag for everyday essentials

Telena Belt Bag

I wanted an affordable belt bag to tote around with me when I go to the gym. It's small but spacious enough to fit my iPhone, cardcase, keys, chapstick, and earbuds. Plus, it has a mesh interior pocket and exterior zip for organization. It comes in tons of colors and is a great-looking dupe for the cult-favorite Lululemon. — Jaclyn Turner

Protection for your smartphone screen

Zagg Invisible Shield Glass Plus Screen Protector for iPhone

This is a less expensive version of the best screen protector for iPhone overall with a lower protection rating, but it's still proving to be an excellent and inexpensive way of adding protection to your iPhone's screen from scratches. Installation is simple and doesn't take very long. Zagg makes screen protectors for other iPhones, as well as Samsung phones. — Antonio Villas-Boas

Crochet hooks for every project

Ruidi 8-Piece Crochet Hook Set

When I got back into crocheting, my mind flooded with plans and projects I wanted to start. Before I could get going, I needed the tools to do so, and this set had me covered. I love the thickness of these hooks, as they feel more comfortable for long-term use compared to skinnier ones, and I've found them to be durable enough to last me over the years. The color and texture also add an extra layer of fun to them. If you know someone getting started with the craft, this set has all of the tools they need to get started, minus the yarn. — Sarah Saril

Heated eye masks that turn everyday into a spa day

Myebong Lavender Steam Eye Masks

These individually wrapped heated eye masks have been a lifesaver for me as someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, but they're also great to have around whenever you need a bit of R+R. Unlike other heated masks, you don't have to microwave them. They start heating up as soon as you open the package and stay nice and steamy for about 45 minutes, so you can take them on the go. Throw one in your bag before your next flight or keep them by your nightstand for a relaxing spa vibe. — Jenn Gonick

An insanely good smelling candle

Capri Blue Volanco Mini Tin

Capri Blue makes some of the best candles, and the fruity Volcano scent they've become famous for is one of my all-time favorite scents, with notes of tropical fruits and sugared citrus. The 3-ounce mini tin starts at just $12; it may feel small but can burn for up to 15 hours. If you're looking for something a little more seasonal, Apple Cider Social or Pumpkin Dulce are gourmand-forward fragrances that simply sing fall. — Jaclyn Turner

Question cards to deepen the conversation

Talking Hearts Conversation Cards

Sometimes you need a little help to further the conversation or put someone in the hot seat. Strengthen your relationship with this card game featuring 200 questions (including 100 playful and 100 thoughtful questions). I like to answer a few at a time, and it's been great learning more about my partner about topics that might not come up naturally on our date nights. — Jaclyn Turner

A hair massager to save you a trip to the salon

Sndyi Silicone Scalp Massager and Shampoo Brush,

Using this scalp massager in the shower is like going to a spa and having someone else wash your hair. It's not only a great way to ensure you're getting a deeper clean, but it's also just a lovely tool for relaxation and self-pampering. I had no idea how much I would love this thing when I first bought it, but I use it all the time! — Sally Kaplan

Make perfectly cooked rice every time

Dash Mini Rice Cooker

This is the best compact rice cooker for a one to two-person household. It only has one button and cooks a cup of rice perfectly in around 30 minutes. The recipe book it comes with gives some great ideas on what could be done with the small machine. I love being able to turn it on and forget about it while I make the rest of my meal. — Robin Ngai

A thoughtful bouquet that lasts forever

Freshcut Paper Pop Up Cards

These beautiful pop-up cards are a sweet and sentimental gesture. I love sending them as a thank you or token of my appreciation. The cards pop up into a beautiful blooming paper bouquet that won't wilt in a week. — Jaclyn Turner

A stretchy toy to help you stay focused

Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty

If you know anyone who loves to fidget, this putty is so much fun to play with. It's less messy than slime, and you can get full-size tins or mini ones. I play with it all the time when I'm watching TV, but I also use it during the workday when I'm in a meeting that I need to stay focused on — it keeps me from using my hands to check emails or Slack messages when I need to pay close attention. — Sally Kaplan

A travel-friendly belt that passes security

Mile High Life Travel Nylon Belt

Despite having TSA PreCheck, annoyingly, I still have to remove my belt because of the metal buckle. This military-inspired nylon belt is similar to the ones I normally wear, except it has a durable plastic buckle. I've successfully gone through airport security without triggering the alarm, which makes flying a tad less stressful. — Les Shu

A cheesy powder that takes popcorn to the next level

Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder

I generally eat pretty healthy, but I think I'm in love with this tub of powdered cheese. It's so good on popcorn, in mac and cheese, and sprinkled on any other sort of cracker, chip, etc. It's a supremely cheesy and salty and delicious treat to gift! This is honestly one of the best Amazon purchases I've made in years. — Sally Kaplan

A rechargeable book light that lasts for weeks

Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light

I like to read at night before bed, but reading on tablets and screens is something I try to avoid. Using my night table lamp feels overly bright as well, so instead, I've turned to a rechargeable book light. It gives you three options both for what kind of light you want and how bright you want it to be, and it fits snugly onto any book. It's also great for travel since it's super lightweight. I can't imagine reading without one. — Michael Domanico

Invisible pimple patches that keep zits at bay

Hero Mighty Match Mini Invisible+ Patches

I have these hydrocolloid patches on a subscription because I use them so regularly. Any time I feel a zit coming on, I pop one of these over it, and it keeps me from poking at my face or inflaming it further. The patches also absorb moisture from zits, so they help acne heal and resolve faster. They're clear and thin, so they're practically invisible on my face, which means I can wear them out of the house. — Sally Kaplan

A two-in-one workout bra tank

Lemedy Padded Sports Bra Tank Top

I've found some of my favorite workout pieces from Amazon. This two-in-one sports bra tank has a smoothing material that rivals luxury activewear fabrics that you may gift this season. Its cropped cut meets high-waisted leggings for a flattering fit. Plus, it comes in 25 fun colors. — Jacqueline Saguin

No-slip gel gripped socks

Peds Microfiber Liner Socks

These socks are the only ones I use with the sneakers I wear almost every day. The no-slip gel grips on the heel keep them from falling off and bunching up. — Sally Kaplan

A bright collar for nighttime dog walkers

Masbrill Light Up Dog Collar

During evening adventures with my pups, this LED collar makes it simple to keep track of my pets. Whether out camping or just trying to spot my dog out of dozens at the park, this light-up collar is highly visible in the dark, making my job a lot easier. — Sarah Saril

A foot scrubber to keep your heels looking smooth and healthy

Dr. Scholl's Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File

I use this every few days in the shower to keep my feet looking like I've just had a pedicure. I love how this ergonomic handle gives me control over where and how hard I scrub, and I appreciate that the textured nanoglass surface isn't painful at all to use. I find the rasp files (which are like microplanes for your feet) to be uncomfortable and honestly kind of freaky, so I much prefer something that just exfoliates lightly. — Sally Kaplan

A handy dough scraper

Lasenersm Two-Piece Dough Scraper

If they bake a lot, do them a favor and gift a pack of these plastic bench scrapers. They're great for scraping dough out of bowls or off the counter — I can't tell you how handy they are! —Sally Kaplan

A satisfying foot peel mask

CÉLOR Foot Peel Mask,

Winter is the perfect time to gift one of these foot peels. It took about five days for my feet to start peeling after using it, but it was so satisfying in a really gross but fascinating sort of way. The end result was that my feet looked and felt softer, but I have to say that the process was all part of the fun. — Lauren Savoie

A plastic bath drain cover

SlipX Solutions Bottomless Bath Overflow Drain Cover

This drain cover was the only thing allowing me to take baths in my clawfoot tub from the early 20th century. If I don't cover the overflow drain, my bathtub only accommodates enough water to barely reach the top of my thighs before it starts draining — not a very pleasant or relaxing bath. This little plastic overflow drain cover lets me soak deeply and comfortably in my tub. — Lauren Savoie

A deck of tarot cards

Da Brigh Original Tarot Cards Deck

I'm not into the occult, but this deck of tarot cards has brought me endless hours of fun with my friends and insights for journaling. On days I don't feel inspired to write in my journal, I pull a card and reflect on whatever feelings it brings up. — Lauren Savoie

A pocket-sized fan that's also a power bank and flashlight

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

I don't like to leave my house without the Jisulife mini fan in my purse. I bought it a few years back to take on a cruise, but its use extends far past summer vacations. I've talked about it so much, I've influenced my coworkers to buy it — our deputy editor even wrote a review about her favorite summer essential. The fan is super cute, with a sort of panda face design on it. It stores compact and then flips up to become a fan. It also has a built-in flashlight and works as a power bank when you're in a crunch. I've had it for about two years now and it hasn't let me down yet. — Jaclyn Turner