Shopping·13 min read

21 Genius Problem-Solving Products Under $25

problem-solving products under $25
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Conair, Wine Away, Norate
March 23, 2022

This post was originally published in July 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.

Here at Skimm Life, we’re all about helping you shop smarter. We obsess over things that do their job well and don’t break the bank. Finding a product that solves a common life annoyance? A big ol’ satisfying win.

From fogging glasses to teeth grinding to produce that rots quickly, we’ve got recs for things that solve, solve, solve. And yes, many of these problems are teensy-tiny, but hey, small victories are still sweet. Say hello to the products you won’t ever regret buying.

dishwasher cleaning tablets
Amazon

A dishwasher cleaner that’ll make spotty glassware a thing of the past...

Just drop in a tablet to power away leftover detergent and mineral buildup. So next time your dishes and glasses will be streak-free. We suggest using it once a month to keep your dishwasher fresh. Ah, spotless. ($8.99/6 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
brush that removes pet hair from fabric
Amazon

A product that’ll keep your couch from looking like it’s wearing a fur sweater...

Your pets are adorable. But the hair they leave everywhere? Not so much. This handy tool can be used everywhere your pet sheds. Carpets, clothing, and car seats included. Just give the fabric a sweep, and buh-bye, hairy situation. ($12.95, Amazon)

Buy it
shower spray that'll clean walls without hard scrubbing
Amazon

A shower cleaner that doesn't require any scrubbing…

Just spray, let it sit, and then wipe away. It'll prevent soap scum buildup, keeping your shower walls sparkling clean. Use it once a week for the best results. Thank us later. ($17.97, Amazon)

Buy it
cleaning tablets for your reusable water bottle
Amazon

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

Fill up your bottle 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. ($24/36 pack, Amazon)

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brush that can clean diamonds and other jewelry pieces
Amazon

A jewelry cleaning brush that'll make your diamonds sparkle...

We're not kidding. Your earrings, rings, and necklaces never looked this good. The secret is in the cleaning solution and brush tip that'll gently remove dirt and grime. Bling-bling. ($7.99, Amazon)

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silicone brush that'll clean caked makeup brushes
Amazon

A silicone mat that'll unclog your makeup brushes...

Its different grooves and textures work like a charm. Your foundation-packed brush will actually look new again. It can suction to your sink so you can get a really deep clean. If you’re in need of a good cleanser, we’ve got ya covered. Win-win. ($5.99, Amazon)

Buy it
Amazon

A dishwasher magnet so you’ll never have to ask if the latest load is clean or dirty…

Holding up your glass to the light to check if it’s time to unload? Over it. This handy little sign sticks to any dishwasher thanks to an adhesive metal piece. Just place it on your sudbuster and you’ll be ready to party. Plus, the font is super cute. ($11.49, Amazon)

Buy it
spray for fogging glasses
Amazon

Something to help prevent your glasses from fogging when you wear a face mask…

We’ve been dedicated to wearing face masks, but we’re over the way they make our glasses fog up. Sound familiar? This anti-fog spray works on all types of glasses, and doesn’t call for constant application. A few spritzes and you’re good for the day. Sigh of relief sold separately. ($8.99, Amazon)

Buy it
spray that can remove wine stains
Amazon

A spray that’ll banish stains if you accidentally spill a drop or two of wine...

It works on both fresh and dried stains. And on things other than wine (like coffee, ink, or sauce spills). Just spray, wait a few minutes, and then toss in the laundry. Nothing to wine about anymore. ($10.38, Amazon)

Buy it
Amazon

A water bottle with a handy pill compartment so you never forget to take your vitamins…

No more ‘I’ll take them later’ attitude. Because later = forgetting. The cap doubles as a cup too. So you’re never stuck looking for water while a pill melts in your mouth. ($7.99, Amazon)

Buy it
bug bite suction tool
Amazon

A suction tool to help relieve those itchy mosquito bites... 

Bug bites be gone. This genius gadget works to remove the irritant left underneath your skin that causes itchiness and redness. You’ll be able to stop a reaction in its tracks, leaving the bite visibly smaller. You can even try it on bee and wasp stings. Hello to the true MVP of the summer. ($9.99, Amazon)

Buy it
vaccine hard holder

A vaccine card holder to keep your VIP (very important paper) safe and sound…

Vaccine cards = summer’s hottest accessory. We all know how easy it is to lose a piece of paper. Or rip it. Especially since many of the cards are slightly too big to fit in your standard wallet. This clear plastic holder comes in a 5-pack, so you can keep the whole fam’s records protected. ($5.99/5 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
grout pen

A grout pen to restore your bathroom floor to its original look…

Meet the adult version of coloring. This pen will tackle grout that won’t seem to brighten even with intense scrubbing. Now all you gotta do is stay within the lines. ($8.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
containers that can keep produce fresh for longer
Amazon

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 produce before putting it into the containers. Just drop everything in and store ‘em in your fridge. You can wash food before you eat it. ($11.92+, Amazon)

Buy it
mouth guard to help with teeth grinding
Amazon

A mouth guard so you can stop grinding your teeth…

To alleviate the discomfort and sleep issues that come with clenching and grinding, we turned to mouth guards. And boy do they help. They come in a pack of 10, and each can be worn up to three nights in a row before tossing. You won’t need to boil or cut them. Just rinse after opening and pop one in. Happy snoozing. ($16.99/10 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
Amazon

A stain-remover stick for any happy accidents…

Enter: evidence of lunch before your first meeting back in the office. Thanks to this trusty pen, it’ll easily come out. Just press it in small circles on the stain and watch it fade away. No mess here. We recommend keeping one in your purse and one in your glove compartment. Talk about being prepared. Love to see it. ($7.74/3 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
food storage container lid organizer
Amazon

An organizer that’ll hold food container lids of all sizes…

Because otherwise they just get tossed into a cabinet. And then you can never match the right lid with the right bottom. End the mess with this organizer. The dividers are adjustable, and each compartment can fit both square and round lids. Phew. ($15.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
fabric shaver to de-pill clothes and linens
Amazon

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. Money = saved. ($12.21+, Amazon)

Buy it
car handbag hook
Amazon

A handbag hook that attaches to your passenger seat headrest…

So your bag doesn’t go flying when you round a corner. Now you’ll have a place to hang grocery bags and coats. Because your purse looks better right side up, not upside down on the floor. ($6.99/2 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
paw cleaner for pets
Amazon

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. ($12.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
wine filter that can help reduce hangover symptoms
Grommet

A tiny 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. ($19.95+/10 pack, Grommet)

Buy it

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