10 Amazon buys under $20 to brighten your day
If you've been feeling like you're going through a particularly rough time lately, you're not alone. Bad days happen to the best of us, and you can't always control the circumstances surrounding them. Whether it's stress from work, school, or perhaps all of the major changes the country is collectively experiencing as the U.S. slowly lifts pandemic restrictions, sometimes it can be easier to focus on the small details that are within our control.
From fidget toys to festive face masks, this roundup is filled with items meant to boost your mood and brighten your day. All for under $20 on Amazon, here are 10 products that will make your day just a little bit better.
A portable snow cone machine
This manual snow cone maker from Kosbon can go anywhere you go this summer, no electricity needed. With durable stainless-steel blades and an easy-to-use hand crank, this shaved-ice machine is reliably cool. This gadget comes with an ice-cube tray, 30 snow-cone cups, four spoon-straws and three bottle pourers. Add syrup and you'll be set for a sweet day.
Character-themed sheet masks
This character-themed set from Epielle comes with six sheet masks, each with its own skincare function. Choose from a cheetah, otter, panda, unicorn, mermaid or llama for a festive and fun spa experience suitable for all ages. This is a fun gift for any person who wants to lighten their mood while they treat themselves and their skin.
An essential oil diffuser
This LED essential-oil diffuser from Diffuserlove can help set the tone for the day with noiseless aromatherapy that's soothing to the senses. The diffuser's seven color modes provide a peaceful light as cool mist rises into the air. The remote-control function means you won't need to disturb your freshly cultivated calm when you're ready to turn it off. You can even set it to intermittently turn on and disperse a relaxing oil, such as lavender, throughout the day or night.
A pack of push-pop toys
This three-pack of stress-relief push-pop toys from Alyen might be just the thing for anyone returning to the office in the coming months. These sensory, or "fidget," toys rose to popularity in 2017. Created to relieve stress and anxiety, and to help folks focus more easily, fidget toys have made a big comeback, for obvious reasons. These silicone push-pop toys come in an array of fun shapes and colors and may provide some relief from a stressful day.
A pair of mini disco lights
These mini disco lights from Anion can bring a party to life anywhere with a USB port handy. With the mini disco ball's built-in sound control sensors, users can dance the night away with lighting that matches the beat of the music.
A pack of bath bombs with a surprise inside
Each bath bomb in this bubble bath bomb set from Joyin comes with a surprise mochi squishy toy. With a variety of sweet scents -- orange, lavender, strawberry, grape, apple, peach, watermelon and marshmallow -- these fizzy bath bombs make a nice gift for kids ages 3 and up. And when the bubbles finally clear, you'll have a stretchy and adorable bath-time souvenir.
A desktop boxing starter kit
This desktop boxing starter kit from Running Press comes with a mini desktop punching bag, two tiny boxing gloves for your index fingers, and a book with suggested finger-boxing moves to get the tiny training process started. Suction-cup the bottom of the punching bag to your desk, and suddenly, break time becomes a bit more therapeutic.
A moon lamp
This touch-controlled 3D-printed lunar lamp from Brightworld lets you sleep under a full moon every night. Cordless and designed using data by NASA satellites, this lamp gets you as close as possible to holding the moon in the palm of your hand. Use it as a nightlight, or to add ambience to a room. It has two light modes and is dimmable, with a battery life lasting anywhere between 6 and 12 hours based on its brightness.
A mini USB desk fan
This desk fan from Opolar is perfect for keeping you cool under pressure on the job, whether at the office or at home. With an optimized motor for minimum noise, your desk neighbors -- coworkers, cats, whatever -- will remain undisturbed. The USB cable eliminates the need for a nearby power outlet; simply plug the fan into a computer, laptop or portable charger.
A pair of dinosaur-shaped tea infusers
These dinosaur-shaped tea infusers from Tilevo are made with non-toxic silicone and will give you a compellingly cute excuse to smile (and buy more loose-leaf tea). Just place tea into the body of the dinosaur and let it sink to the bottom of a mug to steep. Easy to clean and microwave- and dishwasher-safe, these dinosaurs will make certain that tea time never involves a mouthful of loose tea leaves.
