The holidays are past us, but people are still shopping online in record numbers. We took a look at Amazon sales data to find out what Cheapism readers' favorite buys of 2021 are (so far); the results are listed in order of descending popularity.
Prices and availability are subject to change. Some items may only be available from third-party sellers.
$10
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This simple product was by far the most popular among Cheapism readers in 2020 — and it's still the top seller in 2021. Pop one, two, or even three of these in the dryer along with a load of laundry and you'll never go back to using fabric softener sheets again. That's the enthusiastic consensus from buyers on Amazon, who praise this set of six New Zealand-made wool dryer balls as a scent-free, organic alternative to chemical dryer sheets. Keep an eye on the price, though; we've seen this selling for less than $9 and as much as $15 in the recent past.
Related: Do Wool Dryer Balls Really Work as Well as Dryer Sheets?
$18 for 10
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While N95 masks are still mostly reserved for health care workers, KN95s are gaining popularity as an alternative for average Joes, especially as COVID-19 variants emerge.
Related: Masks and Mask Accessories to Make Covering Your Face More Comfortable
$15
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Ditch the smelly poufs and rough loofahs with this Japanese-made exfoliating towel. The lathering, exfoliating threads soften skin without irritation. As one user says: "It's made my whole body so smooth, I feel like a dolphin."
Related: Guilty Pleasure Purchases to Treat Yourself Right Now
$25
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Bring the drive-thru home with a morning sandwich maker. The dishwasher-safe set takes your own fresh ingredients — like eggs, English muffins, ham, bagels, or sausage — and turns them into an effort-free breakfast of champions.
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$19
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Clip-on reading lights can be awkward, and bedside lamps can be too bright for a sleeping partner. This flexible alternative goes around the neck, directing light exactly where you need it, and its rechargeable battery can last for weeks.
$8.50
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If the cold weather means your rings are slipping and sliding all over the place, these silicone adjusters are a quick, unobtrusive way to fix the problem without resorting to resizing.
$15
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Do you have a green thumb and a house full of plants? With this 3-in-1 soil meter, you'll never over- or under-water their houseplants again. This device also checks soil pH levels and measures sunlight levels.
$36
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These stainless-steel bowls are a worthy, long-lasting upgrade if you're still using plastic. They nest to take up less space in the cabinet, have non-slip silicone bottoms, and come with air-tight lids so they can be used for food storage.
$16
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A magnetic wristband is like a third hand during any DIY project. This one has 10 strong magnets that corral things like screws, nails, bolts, and drill bits, making home improvement that much easier.
Related: DIY in the USA: Tools That Are Still Made in America
$19
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This game includes 100 questions that are meant to deepen a relationship. Sample queries include: "What's something you've tried that you'll never, ever try again?" and "What's your idea of a perfect vacation and how can we make it happen?"
$30
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A no-touch infrared thermometer like this one can be a useful addition to a home first-aid kit. Buyers like the sleek appearance, large digital display, and ease of use. Requires two AAA batteries.
Related: These Infrared Thermometers Can Check Temperatures Without Contact
$10
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Put a stop to under-door drafts, light leaks, dust, and bugs with this silicone, adhesive-backed rubber strip. It measures 39 inches long, can be trimmed with scissors, and is available in four colors.
$12
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With people still cooking at home more than ever, is it a surprise that food storage containers sold like hotcakes (pardon the pun) last year and this year? Pop one of these refillable filters in your crisper drawer and keep fruits and veggies fresher longer.
Related: The Best Food Storage Containers You Can Buy, According to Amazon Reviews
$9
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With 125 notes kids can “write” with a wooden stylus, revealing a rainbow of color underneath. Not even the artist knows what the final picture will look like, which is a lot of the fun of scratch art.
$28
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If you're a car buff (or know someone who is), this coffee-table book is sure to get your motor running. Learn about 130 years of automotive history; drool over gorgeous images of iconic cars like the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, Ford Model T, and Lamborghini Countach; and discover the people who built classics like these vehicle.
Related: 20 Must-Haves for Your Car You Didn't Know You Needed
$10
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This handsome book allows RVers to catalog their memories and make notes of things they liked — or didn't — about specific campgrounds. Were the bathrooms dirty? Did the camp store have tons of good stuff? Travelers can jot it all down. There's also a maintenance log section in the back.
$17
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Whether you're baking, grilling, or frying, an instant-read thermometer will guarantee that food comes out perfectly cooked every time.
$15.50 for two
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Why spend a ton of money on store-bought salad dressings when you can make your own for a fraction of the price? Bottles are printed with ingredient lists for eight dressing recipes and have measurements marked for easy mixing. These glass bottles are made in the U.S.
Related: 15 DIY Sauces and Condiments to Liven up Multiple Meals
$15
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Beautifully illustrated and compiled by the experts at National Geographic, this book spells out "Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do" for the traveler in your life. From Louisiana swamp tours to the world's longest yard sale, the book reveals some of the greatest hidden treasures in the U.S.
$8
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A multiwick candle can give off a surprising amount of heat and light if you're stranded in cold weather (just don't forget the matches — wooden are better than cardboard because fingers get stiff and clumsy with the cold). This soy-wax candle can burn for 36 hours and comes in a reusable aluminum tin. If you’re headed out in a storm before buying, make an emergency heater kit by bringing a metal coffee can with the flammable label removed, or an old cooking pot or saucepan and a sealable freezer bag holding several metal-cup tea light candles.
Related: 21 Things to Keep in Your Car For Safe Winter Driving
$15
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Just because you’ve been staying at home for weeks and weeks doesn’t mean you should let good grooming fall by the wayside. These nail clippers are a snap to use, owners say, and they’re made in America, too.
$10
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It's the purr-fect desk accessory for any cat dad or cat mom who's always reaching for a sticky note. This plastic feline accommodates 3-inch-square, accordion-style stickies, always keeping a sheet at the ready.
Related: Cute and Clever Desk Accessories to Make Working at Home Less Awful
$15
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Made with natural waxes, this "invisible boot" can protect your furry friend's tender paws from pain and cracking in snow and salt in the winter, or hot pavement or sand in the summer. Users say it's easy to apply and blot off any excess.
Related: The Coolest Pet Tech Devices You Didn't Know You Needed
$40
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Unlike bulky binoculars, this BAK4 prism-equipped monocular 6x30 viewing scope can be easily balanced and stabilized with just one hand. The high-definition optical glass provides clear, crisp images through the no-slip grip device, which can be used with or without glasses.
$36
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Feel those muscles relax when you drape this heated wrap around your shoulders. Zap it in the microwave for cozy comfort or chill it in the freezer to use it as an ice pack. Enjoy the added benefit of aromatherapy from a blend of lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and cinnamon.
$5.30
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These silly sticky notes make a great gag gift for any coworker. Each pad includes 50 sheets.
Related: Best Gag Gifts On Amazon
$17
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You don't need a fancy camera to create a photo-like print. All you need is a sunny day, some water, and a creative imagination. We've seen prices fluctuate frequently on this item, as low at $12 and as high as $22, so keep an eye on cost when you buy.
Related: The Best Gifts for Photographers from Newbies to Pros
$24
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Few things in life are more frustrating than hunting around the house for fresh batteries. Eliminate that annoyance with this organizer, which can hold up to 110 batteries, and even includes a battery tester. It's also a great gift for parents of younger kids who are always replacing batteries in toys.
Related: 30 Essentials You Need to Buy to Keep Your House Organized
$19
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Cold weather and dry air can be tough on vehicle interiors. Show your leather upholstery a little love with this highly rated cleaner and conditioner, also suitable for shoes, furniture, bags, and other leather goods. Best of all, it doesn't leave an overpowering smell in its wake.
$19
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Talk about multitasking: This grounded PowerPort Cube has three high-speed USB ports and three multi-prong electrical outlets, a 5-foot cord, and an adhesive pad so you can stick it underneath a desk and keep cables out of the way. Nice to know: It's only about as big as a tennis ball.
$20
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Sure, this can be used as a propagation station, but when not in use for that, it makes a lovely spot for fresh-cut flowers and other cuttings.
Related: Where to Buy Plants Online
$8
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The USB port has proven to be a remarkably durable piece of computer hardware, despite the best efforts of companies like Apple and Google to abolish it. Connect thumb drives, external hard drives, keyboards, and anything else with a USB connection to your computer and plug in to productivity.
$55
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Help them de-stress without worrying about whether their favorite scent is woodsy or fruity, fresh or floral. This massager is one of the top picks in a crowded category on Amazon. It has four deep-kneading, rotating nodes, plus soothing heat and an automatic 20-minute shutoff for safety.
$11
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Cheapism readers must drink a lot of hot beverages because they made this the No. 2 seller in 2020... and it's still a hot item this year. Why spend more than $100 on one of those fancy "smart" coffee mugs that promises to keep your beverage piping hot when you could buy one of these low-tech mug warmers and put the savings toward buying more coffee?
$13
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Warning: This photo book of beautifully styled house plants will make any plant lover want to run out and buy more plants. But it also offers great advice on topics like where to place those plants for optimal health, how to propagate, how to find the right pot, and more.
Many of us are still spending a lot of time at home, so it's no wonder that readers are making lots of little upgrades to make their living spaces a bit cozier with succulent planter pots and indoor herb-growing kits. Supplies for home offices, such as whiteboards, and exercise equipment like fitness resistance bands are hot items as well.
