Some of the best Amazon products don’t cost an arm and leg

The only thing better than avoiding a shopping trip with kids in tow is scoring an amazing deal. Thanks to Amazon, you can have both. We discovered the best Amazon products and deals right now (most of them are $5 or less!) that will not only make your life easier but will save you money, too. Now that’s a win. And many of them aren’t even discounted for Prime Day, meaning you’ll be able to take advantage of these deals whenever you need to rebuy.

In the market for kitchen supplies? We’ve got them. Budget beauty goodies? Found those, too. Not sure what? Just scroll our list to find some of the best Amazon products that are so wallet-friendly, you won’t even feel guilty for filling your cart (not that you ever should. But just in case.). Plus, there are several products you can set up subscriptions for and they’ll automatically shipped at an even larger discount. Saving time? Check. Saving money? Check. Check out some of the best and most affordable Amazon items we’re filling our carts with.


Amazon

NYX Butter Lipgloss in Vanilla Cream Pie

$5 BUY NOW

This viral lip color has a cult following (thanks to it's neutral-pink hue that's universally flattering and non-sticky formula). Get NYX's Vanilla Cream Pie Butter Gloss for less than $5.


Amazon

Natural Pumice Stone 2pk

$4 BUY NOW

Whether it's hot out (hello, sandals) or cold (dry heel skin catching on your socks—shudder), keeping your feet soft and smooth with these pumice stones is really easy.


Amazon

Travel Pill Organizer

$5 BUY NOW

With 8 compartments in various sizes, it's easy to organize any medications and vitamins in this handy case.


Amazon

6 Pack Large Hair Claw Clips

$6 BUY NOW

Claw clips are back in a major way, and this set has every on-trend version you keep seeing everywhere.


Amazon

Portable Mini Heating Bag Sealer

$5 BUY NOW

It's easy to keep your chips, cookies, and any other edibles fresh! All you have to do is heat the sealer and run it across the top of the bag for an airtight seal. 


Amazon

Fresh Stretch Pod for Avocados

$7 BUY NOW

Finally, a way to ensure your avocado doesn't go brown. Think of all the cash you'll save because you won't have to toss the other half. 


Amazon

Clip-On Light

$4 BUY NOW

Your partner wants to hit the hay, but you've just gotten to the good part of the book. Simply pull out this clip-on light, and everyone wins. It's also great for traveling! 


Amazon

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation

$6 BUY NOW

Don't believe that this $6 foundation is worth it? Just check out the almost 30k Amazon reviewers who rave about it.


Amazon

2-in-1 Dustpan Groove Cleaning Brushes

$7 BUY NOW

How's this for a genius cleaning tool? You can use them on baseboards, and the little brush works wonders in door, window and shower tracks, in corners, and much more. Plus, check out the tiny dust pan.


Amazon

Ring Size Adjuster

$5/5pk BUY NOW

Are your rings too big? This set of silicon noodles will keep your baubles from swinging. They're easy to use and clean.


Amazon

Drawer Organizer

$6 BUY NOW

There are a ton of uses for these drawer organizers around the house, and with this price, you can afford to buy a few. 


Amazon

Elephant Nightlights

$3 BUY NOW

These sweet, color-changing LED lights will bring a cozy glow to a bedroom. 


Amazon

Initial Necklace

$8 BUY NOW

This is an adorable stocking stuffer for kids and tweens. Available in the whole alphabet, of course.


Amazon

Clear Ouchless Hair Elastics

$3 BUY NOW

Those clear elastics everyone uses in the hair tutorials on IG—here ya go.


Amazon

Stainless Steel Straws

$4 BUY NOW

With plastic straw bans steadily growing across the globe, you won't want to leave home without your reusable straws. With these, you can keep a set at home and put a set in your bag for when you're out and about. 


Amazon

Geometric Hair Clip

$5 BUY NOW

Dress up that mom-do with this stylish triangle hair clip that looks way more expensive than its price tag.


Amazon

Chalkboard Labels

$5 for 36 labels BUY NOW

These labels can be used on everything from mason jars to wine glasses, and as a bonus, they're reusable! Kitchen organization has never been this easy.


Amazon

Cradle Cap Brush

$4 BUY NOW

Deal with baby's cradle cap and first wisps of hair with this soft 2-in-1 brush from Safety 1st. 


Amazon

Onion Slicer

$6 BUY NOW

Never suffer from ill-chopped onions again! This stainless steel onion slicer is worth every penny.


Amazon

Travel Flossers

$4 BUY NOW

For those days when you're on the go, having micro dental flossers stashed away in your bag makes it easy to keep pesky dental debris at bay.


Amazon

Neoprene Coffee Cup Sleeves

$5 BUY NOW

Not only does your morning cup of Joe look way cuter, but you're reducing your carbon footprint with these reusable insulated cup sleeves. 


Amazon

Magic Eraser

$5/6pk BUY NOW

You can never have too many of these miracle workers when you have kids at home.


Amazon

Baby Bottle Brush

$5 BUY NOW

This handy tool makes cleaning baby bottles and sippy cups a snap.


Amazon

Sponge Caddy

$7 BUY NOW

When spills happen (it's inevitable when kids are in the picture), your sponge and scrub brush will be right at hand with this caddy.


Amazon

Plastic Bag Holder

$6 BUY NOW

Anything that clears up the clutter of bags for a few bucks, like this super-affordable organizer, is worth a shot. It comes in multiple prints, too.


Amazon

Tenacious Fabric Repair Tape

$6 BUY NOW

This handy stuff comes in seven colors and immediately bonds to nylon, mesh, vinyl, rubber and plastic, which is ideal for repairing items like tents, jackets, sleeping bags, water bottles and more. Be sure to pack a roll for your next camping trip. 

—Shahrzad Warkentin, Karly Wood, & Kate Cartia

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

It’s been a year, and we need savvy parents like you to help local families navigate the ups and downs of life in San Diego, CA!

Do you love exploring your city with your family, uncovering local hidden gems, and then dishing to your friends about your awesome weekend? Are you a parent or caregiver living in San Diego with kids between the ages of 0-10? Are you active in the digital writing/blogging community? If you answered yes to these questions, then Red Tricycle & Tinybeans wants you!

Red Tricycle/Tinybeans is looking for talented San Diego-based writers to join our team and contribute stories to our San Diego metro market. Ideal candidates must:

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.

Our mission is simple: to help busy parents have more fun with their kids!

Good luck!

To apply Email Us at aimee.dellabitta (at) tinybeans.com your cover letter, resume, and writing sample with “San Diego Writer” in the subject line.

It’s been a year, and we need savvy parents like you to help local families navigate the ups and downs of life in Portland, Oregon!

Do you love exploring your city with your family, uncovering local hidden gems, and then dishing to your friends about your awesome weekend? Are you a parent or caregiver living in Portland with kids between the ages of 0-10? Are you active in the digital writing/blogging community? If you answered yes to these questions, then Red Tricycle & Tinybeans wants you!

Red Tricycle/Tinybeans is looking for talented Portland-based writers to join our team and contribute stories to our Portland metro market. Ideal candidates must:

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.s.

Our mission is simple: to help busy parents have more fun with their kids!

Good luck!

To apply Email Us at annette.benedetti (at) tinybeans.com your cover letter, resume, and writing sample with “Portland Writer” in the subject line.

It’s been a year, and we need savvy parents like you to help local families navigate the ups and downs of life in Chicago!

Do you love exploring your city with your family, uncovering local hidden gems, and then dishing to your friends about your awesome weekend? Are you a parent or caregiver living in the Chicago area with kids between the ages of 0-10? Are you active in the digital writing/blogging community? If you answered yes to these questions, then Red Tricycle & Tinybeans wants you!

Red Tricycle/Tinybeans is looking for talented Chicago-based writers to join our team and contribute stories to our Chicago metro market. Ideal candidates must:

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.

Our mission is simple: to help busy parents have more fun with their kids!

Good luck!

To apply Email Us at maria.chambers (at) tinybeans.com your cover letter, resume, and writing sample with “Chicago Writer” in the subject line.

It’s been a year, and we need savvy parents like you to help local families navigate the ups and downs of life in Atlanta, GA!

Do you love exploring your city with your family, uncovering local hidden gems, and then dishing to your friends about your awesome weekend? Are you a parent or caregiver living in Atlanta with kids between the ages of 0-10? Are you active in the digital writing/blogging community? If you answered yes to these questions, then Red Tricycle & Tinybeans wants you!

Red Tricycle/Tinybeans is looking for talented Atlanta-based writers to join our team and contribute stories to our Atlanta metro market. Ideal candidates must:

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.

Our mission is simple: to help busy parents have more fun with their kids!

Good luck!

To apply Email Us at shelley.massey (at) tinybeans.com your cover letter, resume, and writing sample with “Atlanta Writer” in the subject line.

It’s been a year, and we need savvy parents like you to help local families navigate the ups and downs of life in Seattle!

Do you love exploring your city with your family, uncovering local hidden gems, and then dishing to your friends about your awesome weekend? Are you a parent or caregiver living in the Seattle area with kids between the ages of 0-10? Are you active in the digital writing/blogging community? If you answered yes to these questions, then Red Tricycle & Tinybeans wants you!

Red Tricycle/Tinybeans is looking for talented Seattle-based writers to join our team and contribute stories to our Seattle metro market. Ideal candidates must:

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.

Our mission is simple: to help busy parents have more fun with their kids!

Good luck!

To apply Email Us at allison.sutcliffe (at) tinybeans.com your cover letter, resume, and writing sample with “Seattle Writer” in the subject line.

It’s been a year, and we need savvy parents like you to help local families navigate the ups and downs of life in NYC!

Do you love exploring your city with your family, uncovering local hidden gems, and then dishing to your friends about your awesome weekend? Are you a parent or caregiver living in NYC with kids between the ages of 0-10? Are you active in the digital writing/blogging community? If you answered yes to these questions, then Red Tricycle & Tinybeans wants you!

Red Tricycle/Tinybeans is looking for talented NYC-based writers to join our team and contribute stories to our NYC metro market. Ideal candidates must:

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.

Our mission is simple: to help busy parents have more fun with their kids!

Good luck!

To apply Email Us at mimi.oconnor (at) tinybeans.com your cover letter, resume, and writing sample with “NYC Writer” in the subject line.

If you’re wondering whether you should bother with teaching your baby a second language, the answer is a resounding yes. Despite not being able to speak, babies still begin hearing, retaining and pruning sounds as early as the womb, which will ultimately form the foundation of language.

Just like reading to your kids, the benefits of being bilingual are plentiful. Studies have shown that bilingual children are given a leg up in life, achieving higher cognitive and academic skills and receiving higher scores in non-verbal problem solving, grammar and mental flexibility.

photo: Teddy Rawpixel via rawpixel

Scientists have found that academic success is best predicted by early language interactions, including the integration of a second language. So what does that mean exactly?

While teaching your child more than one language requires work, it’s worth it in the end. Begin speaking to your child while still in the womb, speaking all the languages spoken in your home. Once your bundle of joy has entered the world, continue speaking to them in English and your other tongue when it comes to singing, reading and everyday conversation. The gift of language is truly priceless.

––Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

The One Thing Every Parent Can Do to Help Their Kids Learn 1 Million Words

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New Dietary Guidelines For Babies & Pregnant Women Are Long Overdue

We’re looking for talented San Diego-based writers with the skills to join our Red Tricycle family. You know which areas have family destinations that are worth the travel, where to eat out(side) in San Diego, the  best-hidden hikes for kids and more! Most importantly though, you’re a local San Diego parent, with kids ages 0-10, who is passionate about defining and setting the family scene in the San Diego area. Think you fit the bill? Then Red Tricycle wants you! Ideal candidates must:

• Love going out on adventures with your kids and being in the know about family destinations like family-friendly openings, creative museum spaces, pop-up shops, secret hidden gems, kiddie events and more.

• Have a firm grasp of the English language, excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

• Have a working knowledge of WordPress.

• Be active in the writing and blogging community with published work (either print or online).

• Possess an intense curiosity and excitement to explore the city and dig deep (both online and in the real world) to find off-the-beaten-path story ideas and insider tips.

• Be active on social media, whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or all the above!

About Red Tricycle:

Red Tricycle fuels the parenting universe with daily inspiration for family fun. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together and we believe every day is an opportunity to create new stories. Our mission is to help every parent feel like a rock star by inspiring them to do fun things with their kids. Each month Red Tricycle reaches 20 million parents with ideas that are aspirational and actionable that you can do at home, in your city or wherever your adventures take you.

To apply, email us at beth (at) tinybeans.go-vip.net your cover letter, resume and writing sample with “San Diego Writer” in the subject line.

photo: clappstar via flickr

“Being a teenager is so easy,” said no one ever. The tween and teen years can be difficult, as kids face topics and social situations that can dramatically affect their outlook and self-esteem. As parents, we strive to help our kids be the best they can be, but it’s a brave new world out there and finding but positive outside influences to help kids cope and comprehend isn’t always easy either.

Enter Melissa Hart’s Better with Books: 500 Diverse Books to Ignite Empathy and Encourage Self-Acceptance in Tweens and Teens. This is not just a list of great titles every kid should read (although we do think every kid should read all of these, and every grown up for that matter). Hart has carefully read and evaluated hundreds of books—500 to be exact—and chosen them as recommended reading for tweens and teens, categorized by important topics modern kids face.

Chapter topics include homelessness, immigration, adoption, body image, race, gender identity, mental health and more. Each chapter includes a thoughtful, personal essay from the author on why this topic was important to her to address.

Inspired by her experience with eh own daughter, Hart says:

“I really owe this one to my daughter, now in sixth grade. In her early years of grammar school, she struggled with anxiety related to loss and neglect—issues common to children adopted from the foster care system, and, in many cases, from international adoption situations. […] My daughter and I found, in studying a literary novel each month over two years, that our compassion for marginalized people and animals increased. As exciting, my child—who had struggled with severe anxiety and depression—began to develop a great deal of empathy for herself.”

If you’re looking to diversify your books at home, school or your local library, Melissa Hart just gave you marching orders. It’s up to you to fulfill them.

Find it here $11.79

Learn more at melissahart.com

—Amber Guetebier

RELATED STORIES

This Teen Interning at NASA Just Discovered a New Planet 

This Teen’s Act to Help a Fellow Passenger Restores Our Faith in Humanity 

Teen Activist Greta Thunberg Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 

Your Teen Has Probably Been Cyberbullied. Here’s What Parents Can Do 

New Study Finds This Is What Teens Worry About the Most