It might not cost as much as you think to change your life. Often, it’s the little things that have the most impact. And when they cost only a little, too, it can be like winning the life-hack jackpot.
Ask an insomniac what they’d pay for a good night’s sleep, an avid coffee drinker what they’d give for inexpensive quality coffee, or someone who needs to provide homecooked food but doesn’t have a free moment, and they might say, “Anything!”
When those problems can be solved for less than $100, it’s the sweetest deal there is. Here are 11 items for under $100 that could transform your life.
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Some consider an AeroPress to be a coffee guru’s best-kept secret. Considering its small size (it has the circumference of a mug and is about 5.25 to 7.25 inches tall when collapsed), this compact coffee maker packs a punch. The mechanism allows you to brew espresso, filter-strength coffee, and cold-brew coffee at barista level without any coffee grit. They start at $39.95 and are a great replacement for to-go coffees that brew up big expenses.
House Plants
House plants can transform dull rooms into green sanctuaries. They have amazing health benefits: They improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, lower anxiety, and are wonderfully therapeutic to care for. With so many kinds of house plants, from insect-chomping Venus flytraps and low-maintenance cacti to peace lilies and chic fiddle-leaf figs, you’ll find the right fit. A few dollars is all you need to get your leafy sanctuary started.
Rice Cooker
Rice cookers make long hours over the stove a distant memory. Cooking up a storm is as simple as tossing in a few basic ingredients (like chopped vegetables, beans, and meat for savory meals or even sugar and coconut milk for rice pudding) and pushing the start button. It will automatically stop cooking when the rice is done.
Don’t let the name fool you; you can also use this kitchen powerhouse to cook meals with no rice, like oats or marinated chicken. They average around $30 to $70, but you can find one for as little as $17.
An Alarm Clock
Using the alarm on your phone often means checking your messages, email, and social media the moment you wake up, upping your stress before you’ve put a foot out of bed. Going old school with a good old-fashioned alarm clock is a clever way to start your day with a digital detox, giving you a more mindful, energizing morning.
A Vertical Mouse
It sounds unusual and looks a bit space-age, but a vertical ergonomic computer mouse might save your wrist. Its curved shape holds your thumb and supports your hand, so it sits at a natural angle—a lifesaver when you use your mouse for several hours daily. This handy device ranges in price from about $20 to $70, depending on the model.
A King-Size Comforter
Sizing up your comforter can be a game-changer for comfortable, cozy sleep. When you use a comforter the same size as your bed, often, a bed linen tug of war follows, and trying to cover your whole body either results in a kind of quilted straight jacket or no coverage at all. Using a comforter that’s one size bigger (like a King on a double bed) gives you the perfect snuggle-to-coverage ratio. A good night’s sleep won’t break the bank, with many comforter options under $100.
A Whetstone
Dull knives in the kitchen can be one of those minor inconveniences that become ridiculously irritating. A Whetstone allows you to sharpen those blades, so replacing your knives is no longer necessary. With a little practice and guidance, this sharpening device will have them slicing smoothly in no time. A Whetstone won’t cut into your savings; they start at around $17, going up to $84 for higher-grit (more abrasive) options.
A Weighted Blanket
Another sleep-saver for insomniacs, a weighted blanket applies gentle pressure to the body, inducing snoozing. The pressure is said to put the body into rest mode by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (lowering your heart rate) and increasing serotonin. For under $50, it keeps the pressure on the body, not the budget.
A Motion-Activated Toilet Bowl Light
It may seem a bit gimmicky, but a motion-activated toilet bowl light can improve midnight bathroom visits. By gently illuminating the way, you can relieve yourself without crashing into walls and, ahem, missing the mark. Everyone else sleeping in the vicinity also benefits from no bumps in the night and blinding bathroom lights. They’ll only set you back a couple of dollars.
Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen can literally save your life. It shields you from harmful UVA and UVB rays that damage skin cell DNA and cause cancer. For a few dollars a bottle, it’s a good life investment.
A Buckwheat Pillow
Many swear by buckwheat pillows, saying they improve sleep and reduce chronic pain. They work by holding your head in natural alignment with your spine, relieving pressure on your neck, shoulders, head, and back. They are firm yet adjustable but sometimes take a bit of getting used to, as they gently rustle when you move on them. Apparently, they also let you win any pillow fight. They cost around $50 and can last up to 20 years.
Dollar-Smart Life Upgrades
Sometimes, the most life-changing items can take the most unusual form. They can even feel like grudge buys. But they aren’t about the initial kick when you buy them; they are long-term happiness purchases. And the best ones come with small price tags.
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